Sizzling Chemistry and Unforgettable Suspense: Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington Steal the Show in This Iconic 90s Thriller

Highlights

The Bone Collector, a crime thriller from the '90s, borrowed from the horror genre and featured a devious serial killer and a brilliant quadriplegic forensic scientist.

Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington received high praise for their outstanding chemistry in the film, transcending the plot and ending to elevate the movie to new heights. During the release of The Bone Collector, Denzel Washington was already a well-established actor, whereas Angelina Jolie was still in the process of making a name for herself and later became renowned as an action star.

During the 90s, crime thrillers flooded the film industry, ranging from John Grisham adaptations to timeless classics. This genre provided a captivating platform for actors to delve into the intricacies of the human mind. Within crime thrillers, there exists various subcategories, such as psychological thrillers, each with its unique allure. Notably, in the 90s, many popular thrillers drew inspiration from horror, transforming serial killers into slasher movie protagonists. In this context, The Bone Collector exemplifies this trend.

At a time when films like Se7en and Kiss the Girls reigned supreme, Denzel Washington took on a challenging role. He found himself immersed in a complex and violent plot that depicted the killer more as a monstrous figure, rather than a mere human. Originally a novel by Jeffrey Deaver, The Bone Collector possessed tremendous potential, boasting a cunning serial killer and a brilliant quadriplegic forensic scientist. Despite the saturation of crime thrillers in cinemas, audiences flocked back for more, illustrating their enduring fascination with this genre.

What is The Bone Collector About?

In The Bone Collector, we follow Lincoln Rhyme, a forensics investigator confined to a bed who can only use one finger due to a freak accident that severed his spinal cord. Despite his limited mobility, he maintains a snarky attitude that everyone in his spacious SoHo apartment has to tolerate. His constant companion is his nurse, Thelma, portrayed by the talented Queen Latifah. However, everything changes when Amelia Donaghy, a new graduate from the police academy, comes across a severed finger near some train tracks.

As a result, Donaghy ends up in Rhyme's apartment, where he notices her natural talent in forensic work. He decides to enlist her as his eyes and ears on the case. Initially, Donaghy is hesitant since she lacks expertise in forensics and originally joined the police force as a regular officer. However, Lincoln's charm manages to win her over. Soon enough, she finds herself equipped not only with a police-issued firearm but also with a camera and earpiece to relay the crime scenes she investigates to Lincoln.

The movie becomes a nail-biting race against time as the duo realizes they are up against a cunning serial killer. Their initial victims were a married couple, with Donaghy uncovering the husband's severed finger. Tragically, he arrived just in the nick of time to witness the wife being ruthlessly burnt alive by a steam vent. The next target was an NYU student who met a gruesome fate, devoured alive by rats. The killer's chilling spree continued with the brutal slaying of a grandfather and his innocent granddaughter. Eventually, Donaghy manages to piece together the puzzle and uncovers a horrifying truth—that the killer's final victim is none other than Lincoln himself. It becomes chillingly apparent that the killer orchestrated the entire string of murders as a sick and twisted test of wits, specifically tailored for Lincoln's torment.

Who do Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington Play?

The chemistry between Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington was the highlight of the entire movie. Jolie's portrayal of rookie Amelia Donaghy opposite Denzel's character, Lincoln Rhyme, was exceptional. Critics had plenty to say about the film upon its release, but the one consistent element in every critique was the outstanding acting by these two actors. Their roles subtly reflected their real-life positions in Hollywood, with Denzel being the seasoned veteran and Jolie as the rising star.

The Bone Collector served as a testament to Denzel's remarkable acting skills, as he convincingly portrayed a quadriplegic character confined to a bed throughout the film. Not only did he have to maintain stillness, but his facial expressions and tone of voice played a vital role in his performance. In order to prepare for the role, Washington met with several quadriplegics, including Christopher Reeve and a paralyzed police officer. This meticulous preparation paid off, as both Washington and Jolie's performances received high praise from critics. They were recognized for elevating the movie above its nonsensical plot and unremarkable ending.

By the time The Bone Collector made its way to the big screen, Washington's stellar reputation had already been firmly established. With unforgettable performances in Philadelphia, Crimson Tide, and Courage Under Fire, he had proven himself as a powerhouse actor. He was no longer in need of auditions, able to carefully select his next project. Moreover, Washington had a penchant for films that delved into complex characters and thought-provoking themes, offering audiences a glimpse into the depths of the human experience. Notable examples include his remarkable portrayals in Malcolm X and Training Day.

Jolie, in contrast, was in the process of establishing herself and had not yet discovered her niche in the film industry. Eventually, she would solidify her position as an action star with notable roles in Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, Gone in Sixty Seconds, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Furthermore, she ventured into diverse genres including science fiction and fantasy, while Denzel generally gravitated towards realistic storylines. As a result, their career trajectories never intersected, preventing them from reuniting on screen.