The Bone Collector Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A paralyzed super-cop solves crimes from bed with Angelina Jolie doing all the legwork, all while a cabbie with a bone to pick (literally) recreates scenes from a dusty old pulp novel.

🍿 The Bone Collector: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction of Lincoln Rhyme and Amelia Donaghy

Lincoln Rhyme, a brilliant but now quadriplegic forensic expert, is introduced as he contemplates ending his life. Simultaneously, Amelia Donaghy, a patrol officer haunted by her father’s suicide, discovers a gruesome crime scene. Her keen eye for detail impresses Rhyme, leading him to recruit her as his eyes and legs at crime scenes.

The Bone Collector’s Murders

A serial killer, dubbed ‘The Bone Collector,’ begins staging elaborate murders based on a vintage crime novel. He leaves cryptic clues at each scene, taunting the police and challenging Rhyme’s forensic skills. Amelia, guided by Rhyme, navigates the dangerous crime scenes, collecting evidence and relaying information to Rhyme for analysis.

The Investigation Intensifies

As the body count rises, Rhyme and Amelia race against time to decipher the killer’s clues and prevent further deaths. They uncover connections to old New York City landmarks and historical crimes, adding layers of complexity to the investigation. The pressure mounts as the killer’s motives become increasingly personal.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lincoln Rhyme (Denzel Washington): A quadriplegic ex-homicide detective uses his sharp mind to solve a series of gruesome murders from his bed.
• Amelia Donaghy (Angelina Jolie): A rookie patrol officer is recruited by Rhyme to be his eyes and legs at crime scenes, reluctantly embracing her talent for forensics.
• Richard Thompson (Leland Orser): The seemingly helpful medical technician who assists Rhyme, but is secretly the serial killer seeking revenge.
• Thelma (Queen Latifah): Rhyme’s compassionate nurse who provides care and emotional support.
• Captain Howard Cheney (Michael Rooker): The skeptical and obstructive police captain who initially dismisses Rhyme’s involvement in the case.
• Eddie Ortiz (Luis Guzmán): A dedicated crime technician assisting Rhyme and Amelia by uncovering hidden clues and forensic evidence.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Rhyme: “There are five basic contaminants in a crime scene. I’ll skip to the worse one. Other cops.” – Rhyme explains the challenges of maintaining a crime scene’s integrity.
• Rhyme: “Evidence doesn’t lie. It only tells the truth.” – Rhyme explains the reliability of forensic evidence in solving crimes.
• Amelia Donaghy: “You’re not going to get away with this!” – Amelia confronts the killer in an intense showdown.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $73,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $66,518,655
• Worldwide Gross: $151,493,655

💥 The Bone Collector Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I watched this again last night, and it’s still a solid thriller. Denzel is amazing as Rhyme, and I love the dynamic between him and Angelina. The crime scenes are pretty creepy. I really enjoyed it! A few scenes were predictable. Overall a very exciting movie, and had me on the edge of my seat!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of crime thrillers”
  • “Viewers interested in forensic science themes”
  • “Fans of Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie”
  • “Those who enjoy suspenseful cat-and-mouse stories”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Disturbing images”
  • “Themes of torture and murder”
  • “Brief strong language”

Professional Reviews

• The New York Times: “While Washington delivers a compelling performance, the film relies too heavily on gruesome visuals and formulaic plot twists. Jolie’s character feels underdeveloped, and the overall experience lacks the psychological depth of similar thrillers.
• Rolling Stone: “The Bone Collector boasts strong performances from its leads but ultimately suffers from a predictable plot and reliance on shock value over genuine suspense. It’s a decent thriller for a casual viewing, but it’s not particularly memorable.
• Los Angeles Times: “Phillip Noyce crafts a visually striking film with a suspenseful atmosphere, though the plot occasionally strains credibility. Denzel Washington shines, but the film’s strength lies in its tense sequences and the chemistry between its stars.

Audience Reactions

Denzel Washington’s performance as Lincoln Rhyme is captivating and the emotional core of the film.: Many viewers praise the chemistry between Washington and Jolie and tension.

The dark and suspenseful atmosphere keeps you guessing.: The movie has a tense, dark, and interesting overall story.

Overall Consensus: While not groundbreaking, ‘The Bone Collector’ is considered a thrilling serial killer movie with great performances but with a common story.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Phillip Noyce reportedly wasn’t a fan of his work on this film, feeling pressured to create a ‘Se7en’ copycat.”
• “Angelina Jolie has stated that she shot nude scenes for this film but they were cut because they were felt to be too distracting.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Bone Collector?

The Bone Collector is available for streaming on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Vudu, and Apple TV, where it is available for purchase or rental. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Bone Collector, you might like these similar films:

• Se7en (1995): Both films feature a dark, suspenseful hunt for a serial killer leaving clues related to macabre themes and feature strong visual styles.
• Kiss the Girls (1997): Features a forensic expert tracking a serial killer who leaves clues, with a strong emphasis on solving puzzles to find the victims.
• The Silence of the Lambs (1991): Thematically similar in its use of a brilliant but unconventional investigator working to understand a twisted serial killer’s mind.
• Copycat (1995): A criminal psychologist, similar to Rhyme, must use her expertise from a confined position to catch a serial killer who is mimicking infamous crimes.

🛒 The Bone Collector Related Products

• The Bone Collector (Lincoln Rhyme Novel): The original Jeffery Deaver novel that started it all! Dive deeper into the mind of Lincoln Rhyme and the intricacies of forensic investigation. Experience the story that inspired the movie!
• CSI Forensics Lab Kit: Become a forensic expert and solve mysteries. Includes tools for fingerprinting, crime scene analysis, and more. Perfect for kids and adults who are fascinated by the world of crime scene investigation.
• Taxi Driver T-Shirt: A stylish t-shirt with a design of taxi. Perfect for fans of the taxi movie.
• 100 Mystery Short Stories: A great ebook with 100 mystery short stories. Perfect for mystery fans who want to explore other mysteries after the movie.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Bone Collector features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Juicy” – performed by Gaïnde

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Queen Admits Denzel Was in Bed Pretty Much The Whole Film

Catch Queen Latifah’s hilarious story about how Denzel Washington spent most of ‘The Bone Collector’ chilling in bed. It’s a fun peek into their on-set dynamic!

✨ Rate