Lana and Lilly Wachowski’s seductive debut feature remains as alluring as ever
Back in 1996, Lana and Lilly Wachowski (wonderfully credited as such in this new release) delivered their breakout feature Bound. A brooding and sensual neo-noir that showcased much of the visual flair and interest in themes of queerness, power, and love, that so pervaded their follow-up, The Matrix. Befitting genre traditions, the plot is relatively simple. Violet (Jennifer Tilly) is a girl trapped in a relationship with Caesar (Joe Pantoliano), a money launder for a local mob outfit. A $2million score that falls into Caesar’s “to do” pile, sparks a plan and a means of getting from under his thumb. But Violet needs help, and after seducing her building maintenance worker Corky (Gina Gershon), she proceeds to enlist her in a plan to take the money and send Caesar on the run. Well made plans go awry, and soon the pair find themselves getting closer to each other, as the factions hunting for this money close in.
A simple plot centered around a love triangle and a heap of cash, the rest is mood and character. Many of the noir tropes are present, with some flipped to provide some compelling twists and turns. What sets Bound apart is a through-line of investment, and hope, in the burgeoning relationship between Violet and Corky. It doesn’t just give us an inherent embrace of queerness, but also a fight the patriarchy angle, as we see the toxicity and destructiveness of these men encircle them. You end up not just rooting for the pair to have a shot at love outside this dangerous dynamic, but also for them to succeed, through using smarts over the more blunt force strength of these oppressors. Tilly channels old-school bombshell vibes as Violet, while Gershon offers a perfect counterpoint with the more gruff charms of Corky, a seething leather-jacketed rebellious element. Their chemistry is palpable, as they so clearly complement and strengthen each other. Pantoliano completes the headliners with an odious character that he is so adept at bringing to life.
Bound is a remarkably accomplished debut feature, not just in terms of technical merits, but its vision too. The Wachowski’s script is perfused with a black sense of humor and wit. Through the steamy sequences, sensuality, and gender-infused power plays, the film confidently flirts with the erotic thriller genre. Nudity and violence well weaved into the narrative. It’s compelling storytelling married to a distinct look ( thanks to cinematographer Bill Pope milking the $6 million budget to great effect) and tone, but what pulls it all together is the well defined ties that bind these women together in this dire situation, and how their love could offer them both the freedom they seek.
The Package
Criterion’s 4K transfer and restoration is approved by cinematographer Bill Pope, and the results are truly impressive. The films aesthetic is heightened, thanks to some deep deep blacks, and a vibrancy to the colors that contrast against them, and more stark lights. There is an impressive contrast range, depth and detail to the image, and a natural filmic quality that persists. Criterion have put out some stellar 4K releases and this is one of the best so far. The extra features are largely made up of archival features and include:
- One 4K UHD disc of the film presented in Dolby Vision HDR and one Blu-ray with the film and special features
- Audio commentary featuring directors Lana and Lilly Wachowski; actors Gina Gershon, Joe Pantoliano, and Jennifer Tilly; editor Zach Staenberg; and technical consultant Susie Bright: Runs the gamut of covering the films themes, production, on set intimacy coordination, technical approaches, on-set experiences, and more. Lively and informative
- New video essay by film critic Christina Newland, Pipeline to Seduction: The only addition to the legacy features is a very nice contribution that dives into the screenplay vs realized form of the film, and the themes and symbolism littered through the feature
- Six interview programs featuring Gershon, Pantoliano, Pope, Staenberg, Tilly, actor Christopher Meloni, composer Don Davis, title designer Patti Podesta, and film scholars Jennifer Moorman and B. Ruby Rich: Reflective pieces as each looks back on their experience making the film, and its ensuing legacy. Really nice, personally and emotionally informed interviews with the cast. The ‘scholars’ piece is more angled toward discussing Bound within the noir genre, while the crew members discuss their technical contributions that brought he film to life
- Trailers:
- PLUS: An essay by scholar McKenzie Wark: Included in the liner notes. touching on the Wachowski’s oeuvre, and the cinematic era that Bound was released in
- New cover by Drusilla Adeline/Sister Hyde Design
The Bottom Line
Bound is not just one of the Wachowski’s finest features, it’s one of the best directorial debut features to grace our screens. Brooding, sensual, and beguiling filmmaking, along with a trio of captivating performances. Criterion’s 4K treatment is resplendent, and the extras nicely cover all the elements that went into making the film a cult classic.
Bound 4K is available via Criterion now
