Classic Movie Pick: ‘Bound’ Was Groundbreaking Crime Thriller

This week’s “Classic Movie Pick” is an edgy, erotic, crime thriller that takes us back to 1996. “Bound” was the Wachowski siblings’ first film and the one that put them on the map as filmmakers.

The film stars Gina Gershon, Jennifer Tilly, Joe Pantaliano and a young Christopher Meloni. Gershon plays Corky, a lesbian ex-con who is hired to paint an apartment that happens to be right next to a gangster and his girlfriend’s place. Tilly plays the girlfriend, Violet, who develops a secret crush on Corky behind her boyfriend Caesar’s back. Caesar is played by Joe Pantoliano. Pantoliano has played a lot of gangster roles over his career, and there’s a reason — he is very good at it! The two women fall in love in the process and start a torrid affair right under Caesar’s nose.

Corky ends up trying to help Violet escape her abusive situation with Caesar and things escalate when the girls steal $2 million that Caesar was holding for his mob boss. The two women set a trap and try to blame the missing funds on Meloni’s character Johnny, who is also the boss’ son. You might know Meloni as Elliot Stabler from the “Law and Order” TV franchise.

In “Bound,” our protagonists’ plan backfires a bit and therein lies the fun as it will keep you on the edge of your seat.

The Wachowski siblings received lots of critical praise for “Bound.” They were applauded for making a mainstream film with a same-sex relationship that was not central to the plot. The success they experienced making this film led to them being able to make the wildly successful “The Matrix” franchise, “V for Vendetta” and “Speed Racer.” The Wachowskis’ real lives are almost as interesting as their silver screen creations. The siblings were Larry and Andy when they started their movie careers, but now both identify as trans women, Lana and Lilly. They are steadfast in their conviction when it comes to their art and have reputations as those who do not compromise.

One of their first gigs was writing the original script for “Assassins,” a 1994 film starring Antonio Banderas. The Wachowskis were replaced by other writers, which is common, but they were so displeased with how the script turned out, they asked to have their names taken removed from the project. That takes major guts for two 20-somethings trying to break into the business. 

Some fun movie facts around the production include the Wachowskis telling Joe Pantoliano to watch the “Treasure of the Sierra Madre” and model his performance as a Caesar after Humphrey Bogart’s portrayal of Dobbs.

As it turned out, the Wachowskis were fortunate to cast two solid actresses like Tilly and Gershon. Due to the risqué nature of the roles, they had trouble getting interest from well-known actresses.

The Wachowski siblings list Billy Wilder as a filmmaking influence. They have said that they make movies about sex, violence and war because that’s what they liked to watch growing up.

Despite iconic roles in “The Sopranos,” “Risky Business” and “The Matrix,” Pantaliano lists Caesar, the first lead film role of his career, as his favorite role ever. Jennifer Tilly said the same thing about the role of Violet. Gershon said she got a sense of her character by watching actors James Dean and Clint Eastwood.

Tilly and Gershon said they prepared for their intimate scenes by drinking tequila. And finally, Gershon’s agent begged her not to take the role of Corky because the agent thought it would ruin her career. After the film came out, Gershon fired her agent.

“Bound” is a crackling good, intense watch and it’s this week’s “Classic Movie Pick of the Week.” 

Editor’s note: For more movie and entertainment talk, join Pete Schwaba weeknights from 6 p.m. to 8 p .m. for “Nite Lite” on the Civic Media radio network.