Bound. (1996) Cert 18. Directors - The Wachowski Brothers. Writers - The Wachowski Brothers. Starring - Gina Gershon, Jennifer Tilly & Joe Pantolaino.

Premise - Bound is a film noir telling the story of Violet (Jennifer Tilly) as the girlfriend of mafia money launderer Ceaser (Joe Pantolaino). She hooks up with lesbian Corky (Gina Gershon) and plots to steal $2 million from Ceaser and the mob. Bound is an excellent little movie that a lot of people missed upon it's original release. Bypassed by many people it would seem because the distributor decided to sell the movie as an erotic thriller, rather than the superior film noir it actually is. Watching the promotional extra's on the DVD this becomes all to apparent as the US trailers dwell more on the movies short and few sex scenes than the rest of the movie. The European trailer has an altogether different tone, focusing instead on the mob story. Boasting fantastic direction and cinematography courtesy of the Wachowski brothers, whom would go on to make 'The Matrix'. In-fact many of the techniques used in The Matrix can be seen here, albeit in a lesser form. In a shoot out scene the brothers employ some glorious slow motion and tracking, as if attempting to enter bullet-time. Camera's track and follow the actor's through the most unlikely of positions and angles. The Brothers directing style is certainly unorthodox and I for one love it. The script also sparkles, again by the Wachowski brothers it never resorts to mafia movie cliches and contains some nice plot moments to keep you on your toes. Characters seem intelligent and are never 'dumbed down' to pander to the lowest common denominator. The film is sprinkled with a light layer of humour that is very welcome and enjoyable. The main source of this humour is the over zealous son of the Don, who plays nicely off the straight-laced Ceaser. The performances are good all round, but I do find Tilly's voice a trifle irritating. Pantoliano in particular is good, nicely portraying a man that grows more and more desperate to keep it together. Gershon is on form as well, oozing a sort of easygoing charm. The relationship between Gershon and Tilly is fleshed out to a somewhat graphic degree. Bound contains some of the most explicit sex scenes I have seen in a mainstream Hollywood movie. The steamy scenes are right at the beginning of the movie and serve to introduce us to the kind of bond that the two leads will enjoy for the remainder of the film. They never feel uncomfortable or exploitative and serve to further the plot rather than titilate. An excellent little movie that deserved more exposure than it received. Highly Recommended.

8/10 for Bound. Poster Quote - You are bound to enjoy this film!