Bound

REVIEW
In this stunning debut feature, the brothers Wachowski have accomplished a remarkable feat: They've taken a tried-and-true cinematic formula (film noirish plans, scams and betrayal) and added a very '90s sensibility to it, not to mention a major lesbian plot angle, without losing any of the thrill, intrigue, or snappy dialogue which characterized its '40s counterparts. Gershon and Tilly star as neighbors who become lovers first, then partners in crime. Or as Gershon says, "I can fuck somebody when I've just met them; but to steal with them, I have to know them better than myself." The question for the rest of the film then becomes who will betray whom. The intelligent script avoids every cliché it approaches and is constantly taking the viewer into new angles of the familiar story line. Bound is an unexpected accomplishment, stylishly shot and edge-of-your-seat tense, and both actresses give their best performances to date. Pantoliano is great in support as Tilly's mob-connected boyfriend.