Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

“Bound” was made only a few years ago, but can be categorized as a Film Noir. Film Noir is a type of film made back in the 40's and 50's, but Bound can be placed in this dark and mysterious genre of films.

I had to watch this film for a women's studies/film noir class, which is why I was especially shocked once I saw this movie. I would have never expected to see what I saw. Although, of course it was a college class, the content of the film was surprising. The foundation of the movie is based on a same-sex relationship. There is not a subtle part of the plot, and I was surprised at the sexuality of the film (as I had no background knowledge of it). Keep in mind that this movie is rated R, for strong sexuality, violence, and language.

(By the way.. below, I am going to go into some plot concepts.. but will not spoil the movie entirely!)

"Violet" is the main character, and is played by Jennifer Tilly. The producers could not have chosen a better actress for this role. She plays the part of the seductress perfectly- her voice and looks complementing the screenplay wonderfully. Jennifer Tilly has a very distinctive voice that exudes sexuality when applied to these types of roles. Her counterpart in the film, "Corky", is played by Gina Gershon, is also played quite well.

Film Noir often represents women who are trapped in a relationship with a man- many times, it is common that these relationships are unfavorable because the man treats his wife as though he as ownership of her in a patriarchal manner. “Bound” represented this situation quite well. Violet is unsatisfied in her marriage to Caesar (played by Joe Pantoliano) and feels trapped. She wishes to escape from the man to whom she is married, and begin a new life with a different partner. Each character is unique and functional in the puzzle that makes up this film.

So far the most part, “Bound” begins with Violet meeting Corky in a flirtatious type scene before we meet or even find out that Violet is married to a man. When Caesar walks in on Violet and Corky, he believes Corky is a man, and is instantly angered. He is very violent and angry (being his typical self), and starts to yell at Violet before he discovers the truth (that Corky is a woman). He's a mob man, and things must go right for him. Caesar is much older than Violet, and one can wonder how a woman like Violet could be attracted to such an unscrupulous and unsavory character. Yet again another element of film noir.

Violet, like many of the women in Film Noir, is ensnared in her relationship out of fear. Violet is bound by fear, and it is obvious why this is the case. This also explains the title of the film. Caesar would not hesitate to punish her for anything he could deem unsuitable. He has built a reputation on fear and physical violence, and no one will ever get away with displeasing him.

Not far into each of the films, the women expose their discontent. They are not happy. Violet is rebellious in her character and appearance. She smoks, dresses fairly scantily, acts flirtatious, and has an overall less traditional character. Violet’s role in “Bound” is one of rebelliousness. She has black nail polish, tattoos, and she smokes. She has short black hair and wears revealing black clothing. Even more explicit is her gender disobedience and her success in breaking out of her traditional sex role. Violet especially acts very enticing and provocative. Men are looking at her- she knows it and uses this to her advantage.

Fulfilling the roles of the femme fatale, Violet is manipulative and deceitful- her goal is to use cunning tactics to escape from her relationship. However, she acts normal and continues to act affectionate. Violet uses her act of sexuality in order to protect herself from the impending events.

The films depicts Violet as having no remorse, and as being completely premeditated in her actions. She is not concerned as to what consequences there might be, and does not express any kind of remorse. Violet thinks only of herself and how her life will be improved and how she will emerge from the situation with a prize of a new lover.

The potential for freedom appears to be incredibly potent for Violet, driving her almost to the point of insanity. Violet is represented as the stereotypical female figure in film noir, a commodity. But the important thing in this case is that Violet uses this to her benefit. She knows that if she allows herself to be exploited, men will continue to be “intoxicated” by her. To gain freedom, she knows that her best cover is to continue fulfilling male desire and male expectation.

Violet has a realization of the domination by her husband, and an understanding of how to use male desire against him. A new life is only considered attainable by a femme fatales by eliminating their husband, and reaching a goal of a new lover. She is driven by thought of the new lover, and nothing seems to stop her. Violet simply wants to bury the life she is living and start over.

This film has some pretty bloody scenes and general violence. However, I would not describe it as being action packed. The viewer is not drawn in or entertained by stunts, action, and so on. Instead, the viewer is put in a position where they must question what is happening and why. The beginning of "Bound" is very misleading in that it doesn't really seem as though anything is happening. This same kind of deceiving and supposed lack of events is apparent at different times throughout the film. The plot is built so that there is an element of surprise that rears it's head every so often.

This film was made by "first time" directors Larry and Andy Wachowski. They took this film on as a unique project, and I would have to say that it represented a risk, because it was very different and creative.. not really conforming to any mainstream film concepts. Right away, you'll know that you aren't seeing your usual film.

Overall, I would have to say I would have never chosen this film on my own to see, and if you don't know anything about the plot, you'll be in for a surprise. I think that having a background in film noir helped me to understand and predict some of the roles and events that were unfolding, because much of this film follows the stereotypes in film noir. This type of film is more of an artwork, representing a journey that involves the senses. Use your eyes and use thought in viewing "Bound"; details matter. Complexities will keep you on your toes. This is not a traditional movie in most aspects!

I'm giving Bound the rating I did because this film requires some thought, patience, and understanding to enjoy. I think you will love it or hate it depending on what you like. Put some effort in on your part and you'll survive.

Recommended: No

Viewing Format: VHS
Suitability For Children: Not suitable for Children of any age