The Bone Collector
Plot
The Bone Collector is a 1999 American thriller film directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Angelina Jolie, Denzel Washington, and Ed O'Neill. Detective Lincoln Rhyme (Denzel Washington) was once the top homicide detective in New York City's police department. However, his life takes a devastating turn when he suffers a spinal cord injury that leaves him paralyzed from the neck down. Despite this physical limitation, Rhyme's mind remains sharp and keen, and he continues to work as a consultant for the NYPD. Enter Rookie cop Amelia Donaghy (Angelina Jolie), who is assigned to partner with Rhyme on a series of gruesome murders that have been occurring throughout the city. The killer is targeting young women, leaving behind a trail of eerie clues and a signature bone from each victim's skeleton. As the body count rises, Rhyme and Donaghy must work together to unravel the mystery behind the killings. Despite their vastly different backgrounds and personalities, the two detectives develop a strong working relationship as they delve deeper into the case. Rhyme's keen analytical mind and Donaghy's street smarts prove to be a formidable combination, as they follow leads and piece together the evidence to get closer to the killer. As the tension builds and the stakes grow higher, Rhyme and Donaghy find themselves in a deadly game of cat and mouse with the killer. With time running out for the next victim, the two detectives must use all their skills and resources to catch the Bone Collector before it's too late. The Bone Collector is a gripping thriller that explores themes of redemption, perseverance, and the human spirit. Through Rhyme's character, the film shows that even in the face of adversity, one can still find ways to make a difference and contribute to society. With its intricate plot, strong performances, and atmospheric setting, The Bone Collector is a must-see for fans of the thriller genre.
Reviews
Willow
Felt rather generic. The connection between the events was too weak, making it less engaging than even a TV series. As some reviews mentioned, this film relies more on the actors than the plot itself.
Ashton
Having not read the original novel, I found the plot to be sufficiently tight and the reasoning smooth. The male lead is a detective who isn't present at the crime scene, and the assistant, Amelia, has believable reactions, although her crucial appearance at the last minute is a common trope... Considering it was made in '99, I'll let the motive slide... Overall, it's a very enjoyable watch.
Astrid
The film masterfully builds suspense, though the connections between individual cases could be stronger, resulting in a slightly weaker emphasis on deduction. Denzel Washington effortlessly portrays the experienced investigator, while Angelina Jolie is well-suited for the role of the assertive, strong-willed woman.
Riley
The killer's ending was a bit of a letdown. = =
Catalina
Denzel Washington is a powerhouse, portraying a paralyzed patient confined to bed, yet his eyes are sharp and insightful, and his fingers can only twitch slightly. Despite his physical limitations, he conveys a powerful inner strength and a formidable spirit. The plot is excellent, and the actors' performances are even more outstanding. This is a truly classic film.
