Bound revolves around the plot of two women; Violet (Jennifer Tilly), and Corky (Gina Gershon), to con a local mobster; Caesar (Joe Pantoliano), out of a huge stash of stolen money. Violet is Caesar's long time mistress, Corky is a recently released ex-con, doing renovation work in the apartment next to theirs. Violet is distraught by the dark life she has been thrust into and seeking a way out begins a secret relationship with Corky. After learning that Caesar is holding nearly two million dollars in transit to his bosses, the two devise an elaborate plan to steal it, pin the theft on Caesar, and escape clean with the cash.
And this is where the film really takes off. We are treated to a barrage of events intent on upsetting the plan. From an apartment shoot-out to a surprise visit from the cops, the film is relentless in drawing you in and grasping your attention.
Acting is top notch. Pantoliano's portrayal of Caesar after he realizes that his money is gone is just brilliant. His progression from panicked and irrational, to plotting and methodical as he tries to make sense of what has happened and plan his next move comes across perfectly. It's gradual and realistic, something you have to see for yourself to truly appreciate. Tilly also gives an excellent performance as Violet. Underneath Violet's seemingly fragile and comforting exterior she is cunning, mysterious, and complex. Her subtle manipulation of Caesar's emotions throughout the second half of the film is so convincing, you would almost start to believe her yourself if you didn't know better. Gershon generally does a good job as Corky; I just wish she'd been given more screen time in the second half of the film to further develop the character. Once the plan is in action she just sort of disappears for the last third. Numerous secondary characters add to the mix, the most endearing of which has to be Johnnie (Christopher Meloni) the brash and obnoxious son of Caesar's boss.
One of the other great appeals of the film is the Wackowski brothers' terrific camera work (the same guys who would go on to do the Matrix films). Their intense zooms and frequent use of slow motion add greatly to the suspense and tension as events play out.
All said and done Bound offers a great combination of suspense, characters, and aesthetic. If you want an engaging thriller with lots of twists and turns, for my money you can't do much better. A word of caution though, Bound contains some extremely graphic moments. One scene in particular involving a man being beaten and tortured in a bathroom is especially brutal. Make sure you have a strong stomach.
You've been warned!
And this is where the film really takes off. We are treated to a barrage of events intent on upsetting the plan. From an apartment shoot-out to a surprise visit from the cops, the film is relentless in drawing you in and grasping your attention.
Acting is top notch. Pantoliano's portrayal of Caesar after he realizes that his money is gone is just brilliant. His progression from panicked and irrational, to plotting and methodical as he tries to make sense of what has happened and plan his next move comes across perfectly. It's gradual and realistic, something you have to see for yourself to truly appreciate. Tilly also gives an excellent performance as Violet. Underneath Violet's seemingly fragile and comforting exterior she is cunning, mysterious, and complex. Her subtle manipulation of Caesar's emotions throughout the second half of the film is so convincing, you would almost start to believe her yourself if you didn't know better. Gershon generally does a good job as Corky; I just wish she'd been given more screen time in the second half of the film to further develop the character. Once the plan is in action she just sort of disappears for the last third. Numerous secondary characters add to the mix, the most endearing of which has to be Johnnie (Christopher Meloni) the brash and obnoxious son of Caesar's boss.
One of the other great appeals of the film is the Wackowski brothers' terrific camera work (the same guys who would go on to do the Matrix films). Their intense zooms and frequent use of slow motion add greatly to the suspense and tension as events play out.
All said and done Bound offers a great combination of suspense, characters, and aesthetic. If you want an engaging thriller with lots of twists and turns, for my money you can't do much better. A word of caution though, Bound contains some extremely graphic moments. One scene in particular involving a man being beaten and tortured in a bathroom is especially brutal. Make sure you have a strong stomach.
You've been warned!