They might have changed the world of sci-fi with The Matrix, given us the highly underrated live action cartoon with Speed Racer, and sadly put pointy ears on Channing Tatum, but before their big budget feasts for the eyes, the Wachowski’s gave us a perfect little slice of neo-noir that sadly gets overlooked when compared to their later films.
Violet doesn’t want to be a gangster’s girl anymore. Sure, life with Ceasar got her out of the club and into a nice apartment, but he’s not exactly the nicest of guys. He’s a money launderer for the mob and if his spats with the don’s son Johnnie continue, he’s likely to find himself on the wrong end of a gun. She’s managed to make some money utilizing the world’s oldest profession, but when Corky moves in next door to do some apartment renovation, she finally sees her way out of the life.
When pitching Bound as their directorial debut, film producers and executives continually told Lily and Lana Wachowski that the film they were trying to make would work better, and more importantly get financing, if they made the character of Corky a man instead of a woman. Thankfully they stuck to their guns and their usual reply was that type of movie had been made before (there is literally an entire film genre to prove their argument) and they had no interest in making that movie. For them, it needed to be a story about two women and they were willing to buck the system in order to do it their way. (This would turn out to be a regular thing for them)
By casting Gina Gershon as Corky and Jennifer Tilly as Violet, the Wachowskis gave cinema goers the team up we never knew we absolutely needed, namely TIlly’s voice and Gerson’s lips. But while those attributes certainly contributed to the film’s allure, both actresses gave incredible performances that, alongside the Wachowski’s direction, gave us some of the steamiest scenes committed to screen. For those who doubt me, just watch the early plumbing scene. Sure, the whole “I’m here to fix your pipes” is practically a porn staple, but in the hands of these creators I’ll be damned if it doesn’t actually work.
Alongside the leads work we’ve got the always wonderful Joe Pantoliano as Ceasar, who is his usual weaselly self and Christopher Meloni, who has a gift for exuding creepy charm, playing the entitled son Johnnie. Both have big parts to play in Violet and Corky’s attempt to rob $2 million from the mob, even if they aren’t ever aware of it.
The film doesn’t entirely rely on the work of it’s capable actors though. It’s almost unbelievable that this was the Wachowski’s first crack at directing a feature film. The film looks amazing, with some shots that are poster-worthy alongside some excellent camera movement. The setting feels very rich and it’s hard to believe the majority of the film takes place in only two apartments. The film never looks stale and the color palette choices complimentsl the story in very subtle ways. Their script, which does have some dialogue issues, tells an excellent caper filled with twists and turns that maintains tension throughout.
Based on their work on Bound, they were able to get the go ahead on The Matrix and it’s apparent that they had the talent to literally change Hollywood. They’ve got another Matrix film in the pipeline but I doubt I’m the only viewer who hopes they’ve got another small film like this in their pocket.
Rated 4 out of 5 stars.
