The Bone Collector
3/4
Starring: Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Ed O'Neill, Michael Rooker, Luis Guzman
Rated R for Strong Violent Content including Grisly Images, and for Language
Like "Seven," which this film bears a similarity to, "The Bone Collector" is a thriller that is not so much about who the killer is, but what he will do next, and whether the detectives can put together the clues in time to save the victims. It's not as good as David Fincher's infamous thriller (the plot isn't as strong, and while it looks nice, Dean Semler's cinematography has got nothing on Darius Khondji's work), but it's one of the few serial killer movies that is both smart and suspenseful.
Detective Lincoln Rhyme (Washington) was once New York City's leading forensic cop. But while investigating a crime scene, a beam fell from above and "nearly ripped him in half. Now bedridden, Rhyme only has movement in one finger and his head and shoulders. He also suffers from violent seizures which threaten to turn him into a vegetable. He's made arrangements to "cross over on his own terms." That's when a police officer named Amelia Donaghy (Jolie) finds a murder victim and photographs the forensic evidence. It soon becomes clear to them that they are on the trail of a serial killer with a thorough knowledge of forensic science.
The performances by the two leads are effective, but both Washington and Jolie have done better work elsewhere. Washington has the most difficult role; he must create a character using only his voice and facial expressions. The actor, who is almost always good (last year's "Flight" being an exception), is solid. He's cynical and depressed, but for all its morbidity, this new case gives him something to do and live for. Angelina Jolie is also good as the rookie cop, but like Washington, the script limits what she can do (more so in her case). Queen Latifah and Ed O'Neill are reliable as always. Michael Rooker, on the other hand, is an eyesore. It's not his fault, though. His character is the obligatory obstacle meant to increase conflict, but his character is annoying and unnecessary.
There's no doubt that the film is intense and intelligent (a rarity among thrillers), but it doesn't go the extra mile. Director Philip Noyce doesn't give it an extra spark to make it truly memorable. Compare this to something like the aforementioned "Seven" or "Copycat," and it comes up short. At least Noyce doesn't waste time trying to make us guess who the killer is, since for the purposes of this film, it's almost irrelevant. But with an extra "oomph," this could have risen to the higher echelon of serial killer movies.
Starring: Denzel Washington, Angelina Jolie, Queen Latifah, Ed O'Neill, Michael Rooker, Luis Guzman
Rated R for Strong Violent Content including Grisly Images, and for Language
Like "Seven," which this film bears a similarity to, "The Bone Collector" is a thriller that is not so much about who the killer is, but what he will do next, and whether the detectives can put together the clues in time to save the victims. It's not as good as David Fincher's infamous thriller (the plot isn't as strong, and while it looks nice, Dean Semler's cinematography has got nothing on Darius Khondji's work), but it's one of the few serial killer movies that is both smart and suspenseful.
Detective Lincoln Rhyme (Washington) was once New York City's leading forensic cop. But while investigating a crime scene, a beam fell from above and "nearly ripped him in half. Now bedridden, Rhyme only has movement in one finger and his head and shoulders. He also suffers from violent seizures which threaten to turn him into a vegetable. He's made arrangements to "cross over on his own terms." That's when a police officer named Amelia Donaghy (Jolie) finds a murder victim and photographs the forensic evidence. It soon becomes clear to them that they are on the trail of a serial killer with a thorough knowledge of forensic science.
The performances by the two leads are effective, but both Washington and Jolie have done better work elsewhere. Washington has the most difficult role; he must create a character using only his voice and facial expressions. The actor, who is almost always good (last year's "Flight" being an exception), is solid. He's cynical and depressed, but for all its morbidity, this new case gives him something to do and live for. Angelina Jolie is also good as the rookie cop, but like Washington, the script limits what she can do (more so in her case). Queen Latifah and Ed O'Neill are reliable as always. Michael Rooker, on the other hand, is an eyesore. It's not his fault, though. His character is the obligatory obstacle meant to increase conflict, but his character is annoying and unnecessary.
There's no doubt that the film is intense and intelligent (a rarity among thrillers), but it doesn't go the extra mile. Director Philip Noyce doesn't give it an extra spark to make it truly memorable. Compare this to something like the aforementioned "Seven" or "Copycat," and it comes up short. At least Noyce doesn't waste time trying to make us guess who the killer is, since for the purposes of this film, it's almost irrelevant. But with an extra "oomph," this could have risen to the higher echelon of serial killer movies.
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