Bound (1996)

User Rating:

7.4/10   

Directors:

Andy Wachowski
Larry Wachowski

Writers (WGA):

Andy Wachowski (written by) &
Larry Wachowski (written by)

Release Date:

4 October 1996 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Thriller

Tagline:

A trust so deep it cuts both ways.

Plot:

Corky, a tough female ex con and her lover Violet concoct a scheme to steal millions of stashed mob money and pin the blame on Violet's crooked boyfriend Caeser.

Plot Keywords:

Money | Mafia | Lesbian | Gangster | Plumber

Awards:

6 wins & 10 nominations

US TV Schedule:

Tue. Nov. 10	2:00 AM	TMC
Fri. Nov. 13	10:05 PM	TMC

Cast

Jennifer Tilly	...	Violet
Gina Gershon	...	Corky
Joe Pantoliano	...	Caesar
John P. Ryan	...	Micky Malnato
Christopher Meloni	...	Johnnie Marzzone
Richard C. Sarafian	...	Gino Marzzone
Mary Mara	...	Sue, Bartender
Susie Bright	...	Jesse
Margaret Smith	...	Woman Cop
Barry Kivel	...	Shelly
Peter Spellos	...	Lou
Ivan Kane	...	Cop #1
Kevin Michael Richardson	...	Cop #2
Gene Borkan	...	Roy

Also Known As:

The Business (USA) (working title)

MPAA:

Rated R for strong sexuality, violence and language.

Runtime:

108 min | USA:109 min (unrated version)

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Ontario) | Singapore:(Banned) | South Korea:18 | Philippines:R-18 | Brazil:18 | Argentina:18 | Australia:R | Finland:K-16 | France:-12 | Germany:16 (bw) | Hong Kong:III | Italy:VM14 | New Zealand:R18 | Norway:15 | Portugal:M/18 | Spain:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R | Iceland:16

Filming Locations:

Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

Dino De Laurentiis Company

Trivia:

The film was financed with the understanding that Jennifer Tilly was to play the role of Corky. The actress playing Violette dropped out of the project shortly before shooting began, however, at which point Gina Gershon became available to do the film. Since Gershon was a better type to play the role of Corky, Tilly switched over to taking on the role of Violet.

Goofs:

Continuity: Violet and Corky's hands when on the couch.

Quotes:

Violet: Try not to steal anything on your way out...

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Californication: Filthy Lucre (#1.9)" (2007)

Soundtrack:

I Never Loved A Man (The Way I Love You)

Impressive debut for the Wachowski brothers

I can only hope the Wachowski brothers next foray into writing and directing, THE MATRIX, fulfills the promise they show here. This is a well-done example of film noir, one of my favorite genres, with a twist; it's got a lesbian romance at the center. Yet the film is smart enough not to depend on the novelty of it being a "lesbian" film, but takes time to develop both the story and the romance, so we're caught up. I also liked how Violet (the Jennifer Tilly) character turned out; she at first seemed like a pushover but turned out to be the strongest character in the movie.

If I had a quibble, it's that Corky (Gina Gershon, who is very good), is inactive for a crucial, and lengthy, part of the film, which slows things down a little. Also, the way we first see Corky in the film sort of promises a twist that the story doesn't deliver. Still, this is a gripping film, to be sought out by fans of this genre. Oh yeah, and Joe Pantoliano was quite good too.