The Bone Collector
BONE COLLECTOR (DVD) DOLBY 5.1 SURROUND/DTS 5.1 SU
Released in late 1999, The Bone Collector was originally promoted as a thriller in the tradition of The Silence of the Lambs and Seven, suggesting that it would earn a place among those earlier, better films. Nice try, but no cigar. The Bone Collector settles instead for mere competence and the modest rewards of a well-handled formula. With a terrific cast at his service, director Phillip Noyce (Dead Calm, Patriot Games) turns the pulpy indulgence of Jeffery Deaver's novel into a slick potboiler that is grisly fun only if you don't pick it apart. Noyce expertly builds palpable tension around a series of gruesome murders that lead us into the darkest nooks of New York City. Now a bedridden quadriplegic prone to life-threatening seizures and suicidal depression, forensics detective Lincoln Rhyme (Denzel Washington) gets a new lease on life with a sharp young beat cop (Angelina Jolie) who's a wizard at analyzing crime scenes. She does field work while he deciphers clues from his high-tech Manhattan loft, and as they narrow the search their lives are increasingly endangered. As this formulaic plot grows moldy, Noyce resorts to narrative shortcuts, using perfunctory scenes to manipulate the viewer and taking morbid pleasure in his revelation of the murder scenes. And yet it all works, to a point, and the cast (including Queen Latifah and Luiz Guzmán) is much better than the material. If you're looking for a few good thrills, The Bone Collector is a pretty safe bet. --Jeff Shannon
The Bone Collector Accessories
The Bone Collector Reviews
After an accident in a tunnel, a forensics expert is left as a quadriplegic who is able only to move his head and one finger. Setting his finger to a computer, he is able to manipulate his environment with the help of a loving nurse. Even so, fearing seizures that could leave him a vegetable, he plans his "transition" with the help of a hesitational doctor friend. That all changes when he is confronted with clues from a serial killer that obviously are pointed to forensics investigation. The case clearly re-invokes his interest in life. A sharp, young cop's quick thinking saves the first crime scene. Recognizing her talent for forensics, he brings her unwillingly into forensics detection. Through radio contact, she becomes his eyes and legs on the scene. Michael Rooker also appears as the police captain, who has bungled earlier killings by the serial killer and is more interested in the press than in good police work. Ed O'Neill and Luis Guzman are support staff who aid Washington and run interference with Rooker. This is a great movie with a great storyline and great actors. This movie had me on the edge of my seat throughout the entire movie. A movie that will keep you guessing and all though it. Very entertaining thriller.
Fictional detectives have come in all shapes, sizes, and colors; and they have borne a range of handicaps which, as the authors would have it, have led them to cultivate other characteristics which allows them to be first class investigators. Former detective Washington suffers from being all but totally paralyzed for most of the film. Fortunately, he has a cadre of highly talented assistants, the most useful of them being beautiful and a police officer. I could have done without the few shots of brutality inflicted upon victims but, other than that, it is the equivalent of a movie special of the Ironsides TV show although Washington has forced upon him more immobility than had Raymond Burr. Nevertheless, he is effective in the role and makes the most of its limitations. The film will not rank among the best in anything but it does hold ones attention for its almost two hours duration. Expect competent TV and you will probably enjoy it, expect Hitchcock and you will be disappointed.
The book was great,but the movie wasn't that good.
If it was more graffic that would have been the ticket.
Jolie's performance is bizzar.Occasional NY city accent.
I love to watch this movie! I am a huge Angie fan and this is enjoyable because it is before Agalina was known as the hardcore action hero she is now. Some of the best acting in this movie is done in the silent moments(by both Jolie and Washington).Very complex acting and even though it is suspenseful it is heartfelt as well. A keeper.
This movie could have been so much better, but they just had to ruin it, didn't they? With the exception of very fine performances from Denzel Washington, Ed O'Neill, and Queen Latifah, the rest of the film just falls flat. The plot seems so ridiculous that I can't help but look away. Angelina Jolie's acting is below average, but she did her best. The twist ending wasn't very disappointing, but it did fall flat because of its exaggerated (or lack of) suspense. I didn't really enjoy watching this thriller. There are better ones like Se7en, and The Usual Suspects. Watch those two, and you'll see how a real thriller should be.
Grade: D+
|
