LeoGlossary: The Bone Collector (1999 Film)

The Bone Collector is a 1999 American crime thriller film directed by Phillip Noyce and starring Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie. The film is based on the 1997 crime novel of the same name written by Jeffery Deaver, concerning the tetraplegic detective Lincoln Rhyme. The story follows a paralyzed forensic specialist who takes on a young protege in order to solve the murders of a serial killer. The murderer's special signature is to leave tantalizing clues based on the grim remains of his crimes.

Plot

The story follows a paralyzed forensic specialist who takes on a young protege in order to solve the murders of a serial killer. The murderer's special signature is to leave tantalizing clues based on the grim remains of his crimes. Investigation reveals the bullet taken from Alan Rubin was from an old gun, and the bolt has NSG embossed on it. Asbestos from the crime scene is also investigated. The crime technician Eddie Ortiz arrives and sets up his lab. He finds a scrap of very old paper on the bolt. The sand appears to be ground-up oyster shells. Rhyme remembers a police case from 1913 where a body was found in crushed oyster shells in downtown Manhattan, near the Woolworth building.

Theme & Reception

The theme of The Bone Collector revolves around the pursuit of justice and the importance of teamwork. The film highlights the importance of working together to solve complex problems and overcome obstacles. The main characters, Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Donaghy must work together to solve the murders committed by the serial killer. The film also explores the themes of disability and the challenges faced by people with disabilities.

The reception of the film was mixed. Some critics praised the performances of the cast and the story, while others criticized it for being cliched and predictable. The film was originally promoted as a thriller in the tradition of "The Silence of the Lambs" and "Seven", suggesting that it would be a dark and intense film. However, some viewers found the film to be less suspenseful and thrilling than they had expected. Despite the mixed reviews, the film was a commercial success, grossing $66.5 million in the United States.

Visual Style or technique

The film introduces new techniques and a slightly different angle for the viewer, while still conforming to the iconographic elements found in the psychological thriller genre. The film may have used repetition of certain elements to create a sense of familiarity for viewers, which is common in many other genres such as romantic comedies and teen flicks.