The Wachowski Brothers achieved fame with the Matrix films, but it’s easy to forget that they started out with a bold and striking crime thriller which not only challenged convention, but turned out to be one of the most remarkable films of that year. Bound might not be on the same scale or scope as what was to follow, but it still stands up today as one of their best films.
A chance encounter in a lift between Violet (Jennifer Tilly) and her new neighbour ex-con Corky (Gina Gershon) leads to instant attraction. Violet’s crooked boyfriend, Cesar (Joe Pantoliano), comes home covered in blood with a suitcase full of money, and the pair hatch a plot to steal it for themselves. When mob boss Gino (Joe Pantoliano) and his livewire son Johnnie (Christopher Meloni) show up, Ceasar decides to take matters into his own hands; threatening to derail the lovers’ scheme.
Bound is a powerful and startling film. Placing female actors as leads adds a fresh dimension to the traditional double-cross movie. As a film noir it works on every level, Tilly adding a new spin on the femme fatale whilst a sense of jeopardy is present throughout. There are many precursors to the Matrix in Bound, but limited by a tiny budget, The Wachowskis use all the tricks and subterfuge at their disposal to make it look slick and stylish. A strong cast put in great performances (Tilly is a revelation), which allied with cutting-edge camerawork, renders Bound as fresh and thrilling today as when it was released.
SPECIAL EDITION CONTENTS:
• High definition digital transfer
• High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) and Standard Definition DVD presentation
• Optional 5.1 Surround and 2.0 Stereo audio (with DTS-HD Master Audio and Uncompressed PCM on the Blu-ray)
• Optional English subtitles for the deaf and hard of hearing
• Audio Commentary with Writer/Directors the Wachowskis, Stars Jennifer Tilly, Gina Gershon, and Joe Pantoliano, Editor Zach Staenberg, and Consultant Susie Bright
• Femme Fatales – Interviews with Stars Gina Gershon & Jennifer Tilly
• Hail Ceasar! – An Interview with Actor Joe Pantoliano
• Here’s Johnny! – An Interview with Actor Christopher Meloni
• Modern Noir: The Sights & Sounds of Bound – Interviews with Director of Photography Bill Pope, Editor Zach Staenberg, and Composer Don Davis
• Vintage EPK Featurettes (US & International Versions)
• Theatrical Trailers
• TV Spots
• Still Gallery Images
• Reversible sleeve featuring original and newly commissioned artwork by Sam Smith
• Collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by James Oliver
Bound is released by Arrow Films on Dual Format today.
