The bone collector: crime thriller with Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie
The year 1999 brought to the screen a gripping crime thriller that would feature two of Hollywood’s most prominent stars: The Bone Collector. Directed by Phillip Noyce and based on the acclaimed 1997 novel by Jeffery Deaver, this film plunges audiences into the dark underbelly of New York City. At its heart lies a chilling investigation into a series of brutal homicides, masterfully brought to life by the compelling performances of Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. Their collaboration in this intense narrative cemented the film as a memorable entry in the crime thriller genre, exploring themes of deduction, perseverance, and the unyielding pursuit of justice against a cunning and elusive serial killer.
Plot: Investigating a serial killer in NYC
The core of The Bone Collector‘s narrative revolves around a terrifying serial killer operating in the bustling metropolis of New York City. This perpetrator, leaving behind meticulously arranged human remains at his crime scenes, becomes known as the “Bone Collector.” The investigation into his heinous acts is spearheaded by the brilliant but tragically incapacitated homicide detective, Lincoln Rhyme, portrayed by the inimitable Denzel Washington. Having become a quadriplegic due to a past accident, Rhyme is confined to his home, his sharp intellect now his primary tool for solving crimes. He is partnered with Amelia Donaghy, a courageous and newly recruited patrol officer played by Angelina Jolie, who becomes his eyes and hands on the ground. Together, this unlikely duo must race against time, deciphering the killer’s macabre clues and patterns to prevent further bloodshed and bring the perpetrator to justice before he claims another victim.
Cast: Denzel Washington as Lincoln Rhyme, Angelina Jolie as Amelia Donaghy
The success of any crime thriller hinges significantly on its casting, and The Bone Collector struck gold with its lead pair. Denzel Washington delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Lincoln Rhyme, a detective whose physical limitations are starkly contrasted by his formidable mental acuity. Washington’s portrayal captures the frustration, brilliance, and underlying humanity of a man whose life has been irrevocably altered but whose dedication to his profession remains unyielding. Complementing his performance is Angelina Jolie as Amelia Donaghy, the resourceful patrol officer thrust into a high-stakes investigation. Jolie imbues Donaghy with a compelling blend of vulnerability and determination, showcasing her growth from a rookie cop to an indispensable partner in Rhyme’s complex deductive process. Their on-screen chemistry, though not romantic in a conventional sense, is electric, driven by intellectual sparring and a shared commitment to solving the grim mystery.
Phillip Noyce’s vision: casting Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie
Director Phillip Noyce harbored a clear vision for The Bone Collector, one that prominently featured Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie in the lead roles. Noyce recognized the immense talent each actor brought to the table and believed they were the perfect choices to embody the complex characters of Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Donaghy. His determination to secure these particular actors for the film was a testament to his artistic conviction and his understanding of how their individual strengths would coalesce to elevate the narrative and create a truly memorable cinematic experience.
A rewarding challenge for Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington
For both Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington, taking on their respective roles in The Bone Collector presented a unique and deeply rewarding challenge. Denzel Washington described the role of Lincoln Rhyme as a “cerebral thriller,” noting that the physical limitations of his character demanded a different approach to acting, focusing intensely on performance from the neck up. He prepared diligently for this role, even meeting with quadriplegics, including the late Christopher Reeve, to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. Similarly, Angelina Jolie found her portrayal of Amelia Donaghy to be a demanding undertaking. She candidly described her experience on set as “lonely” and “grueling,” admitting to initial feelings of being incapable of handling the intensity of the role. However, it was precisely this difficulty that made the experience so fulfilling, pushing both actors to explore new depths in their craft and deliver performances that were both critically acclaimed and deeply resonant with audiences.
Director’s determination: Noyce? Noice!
Phillip Noyce’s commitment to casting Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie was so strong that he was willing to engage in significant negotiations with the studio to make it happen. The film’s production was not without its hurdles, particularly concerning the casting choices. Noyce faced considerable resistance from the studio, which had other actors in mind for the coveted roles – Al Pacino was initially considered for Lincoln Rhyme, and Demi Moore or Nicole Kidman for Amelia Donaghy. Undeterred, Noyce stood firm, eventually striking a unique financial deal. He agreed to personally cover any budget overages or, conversely, keep any savings that arose during production. This remarkable determination showcased Noyce’s unwavering belief in his casting decisions and his dedication to bringing his artistic vision to life, ultimately proving that his choices were indeed “Noice!” for the film.
Reception: critics reviews vs. audience reviews
Upon its release, The Bone Collector garnered a decidedly mixed reception from critics, a common occurrence for films that tread familiar genre territory. However, the audience response painted a more favorable picture, suggesting that the film’s strengths resonated more profoundly with the general movie-going public than with professional reviewers. This divergence in opinion highlights the subjective nature of film appreciation and the specific elements that capture the attention and imagination of different demographics.
What to know: budget, gross, and critical reception
The Bone Collector, released on November 5, 1999, was produced with a considerable budget of $48 million. The film proved to be a commercial success, ultimately grossing $151.5 million worldwide. Despite its financial performance, critical reviews were largely unenthusiastic. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 30% rating from critics, with many pointing to a formulaic plot and predictable clichés as significant drawbacks. While the film’s suspenseful atmosphere and the central performances were often acknowledged, the overall critical consensus leaned towards disappointment.
Angelina Jolie’s experience: lonely and grueling
Angelina Jolie has spoken openly about the demanding nature of her role as Amelia Donaghy in The Bone Collector. She described her experience on set as “lonely” and “grueling,” initially feeling overwhelmed and unsure if she could adequately portray the character’s arc. This sentiment was amplified by the film’s dark themes and the intense emotional and physical demands of her performance. Despite these challenges, Jolie’s dedication shone through, and her portrayal of Donaghy is widely regarded as a significant performance in her early career, demonstrating her capacity to handle complex and challenging roles. It is worth noting that Jolie later clarified a widely misconstrued quote about “best sex” in relation to working with Denzel Washington, explaining that it referred to the intellectual connection and the “seducing someone with your mind” dynamic within the film, not a literal romantic encounter.
The bone collector’s legacy: sequel rumors and TV series
The impact of The Bone Collector extends beyond its initial release, with its narrative and characters continuing to hold a certain allure. The film’s exploration of a compelling detective duo and its dark, atmospheric crime-solving have sparked discussions and generated interest in potential continuations. This enduring fascination has manifested in both rumors of a direct sequel and a separate television adaptation.
Where to watch and what to expect
For those interested in revisiting the thrilling investigation or experiencing it for the first time, The Bone Collector is widely available on various streaming platforms and for digital purchase or rental. Viewers can expect a classic crime thriller experience, marked by suspenseful cat-and-mouse chases, intricate puzzle-solving, and strong performances from Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. The film’s narrative unfolds as a race against time, with Rhyme’s deductive prowess and Donaghy’s on-the-ground efforts intertwining to unravel the gruesome mystery. In terms of future installments, a potential sequel to The Bone Collector starring Washington and Jolie was reportedly in the works as of June 2023, though details remain scarce. Additionally, a TV series adaptation titled Lincoln Rhyme: Hunt for the Bone Collector premiered in 2020. While it aimed to expand on the original story, the series was canceled after only one season, leaving fans of the novel and the film with a lingering desire for more content.
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