Summary An elevator ride provides the chance meeting between Corky (Gina Gershon) and Violet (Jennifer Tilly). There is an instant attraction between them. They don't speak, probably because Violet is not alone. She is escorted by her boyfriend Caesar (Joe Pantoliano), a cocky Mafia thug. Corky was recently released from prison and managed to find work performing building maintenance on the apartment complex were Violet and Caesar live. It is not long before the two women speak, and their obvious attraction leads to a passionate love affair. Through their conversations we learn more about them. Violet is basically a full time escort for Caesar, even though she doesn't let that stop her from having other clients while Caesar is away. She has never had a lesbian love affair before. Corky is a lesbian and served time for theft and is apparently very good with power tools. The women fall in love. Caesar informs Violet that another member of the Mafia is suspected of stealing money from the Mafia boss, Gino Marzzone (Richard C. Sarafian). The unfortunate suspect is Shelly (Barry Kivel), a client of Violets who is dealt with severely by Caesar and relinquishes two million dollars that he had stolen. Caesar has to clean the money (which was covered with Shelly's blood), count it and turn it over to Gino. Violet and Corky decide to try to steal the money. They concoct a plan that would not only allow them to get away with the cash, but set up Caesar so that it would appear that he took it, forcing him to run for his life. Although the plan seemed like a great idea, the execution of it becomes the women's worst nightmare, as every possible wrong turn, bad timing and bad luck arises, putting their lives in extreme danger.
Commentary I can't recall a film where the last hour was so absolutely riveting. A great edge-of-your seat thriller the keeps the adrenaline flowing. But this isn't just a thriller, it has elements of black comedy, a love story, and noir. That is not to say that the setup isn't well done - it is, but it's the incredible final two-thirds of the film that stick in your mind. Very compelling characters, especially Caesar, who by usual movie standards should be the dimwitted Mafia hood bad guy, and Violet, who appears to be the stereotypical bimbo. Both characters show a surprising intelligence and depth, and are well played by Pantoliano and Tilly. There is such good acting in this film that I could mention every performance, but the only other character I will single out is Micky (played wonderfully by John P. Ryan), as a Mafia enforcer who steals most of his scenes, including a great scene at the end, where he conveys his feelings to Violet by facial expression alone, without making a sound. It was incredible acting. I also wanted to take a quick moment to plug the DVD format. The DVD for Bound is top notch. Not only does the picture and sound do the format justice, but it includes the best director commentary I have heard, as the Wachowski brothers are joined by all three of the leading stars for the narrative. There is a great comment where Jennifer Tilly explains how, during a screening of the film the violent outcome with Shelly is edited out (if you saw it, you know what I am talking about). Because of this edit, a later scene involving Caesar threatening Violet in the same manner didn't have nearly the same dramatic effect. If anything, it proves the importance of good film editing. There are many different elements to this film that contribute to its great style. It seems most of the scenes were shot in one extreme (dark rooms with many shadows) to another (very bright blinding bathrooms). There are also trick shots like Gino's slow fall to the floor, Caesar's panic-stricken stumble after opening his briefcase (he had a camera strapped to his belly), and a slow pan out to reveal the direct view into a gun barrel. All of these elements do the film justice to create a mood all its' own. It is refreshing to see first time directors taking these chances and having confidence in the script. An absolute must see film. One of the best films of 1996.
Bound ***** (out of five)
Directed by Larry & Andy Wachowski Violet................Jennifer Tilly Corky.................Gina Gershon Caesar................Joe Pantoliano Gino..................Richard C. Sarafian Johnnie...............Christoper Meloni Micky.................John P. Ryan Shelly................Barry Kivel
Written by Randy Turgeon, March 4, 1998.
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