Arthur Penn (1922-2010) was an influential American film director, known for redefining American cinema of the 1960s and 1970s. His career took off with *The Miracle Worker* (1962), but it was with *Bonnie and Clyde* (1967) that he achieved worldwide fame. This iconic film, a cornerstone of New Hollywood, broke new ground with its raw and stylized portrayal of violence, the glorification of anti-heroes, and social disillusionment.

Other successes include the revisionist western *Little Big Man* (1970) and the counter-cultural drama *Alice's Restaurant* (1969). His style is characterized by the exploration of marginal and rebellious characters, a critique of institutions, and a deep psychological approach. Penn often used innovative editing and brutal realism to address themes of alienation and individual freedom, leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.