So, you are Gina Gershon and you have just gotten great reviews for your performance in one of the most criticized flops in film history, "Showgirls." In fact, you basically stole that film, virtually the sole survivor of a train wreck ("Showgirls" has since become a cult classic, but the beatdown of it then was intense). What do you do? Well, she decided to pick something very offbeat. Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon hook up in more ways than one for the sexy thriller "Bound" (1996).

The potential menage a trois in "Bound."

So, Gina decided to do this quirky lesbian romp "Bound" (1996), directed by Lana and Lilly Wachowski (then Larry and Andy) of "The Matrix" fame. "Bound" also is written by the Wachowski brothers/sisters for Dino De Laurentiis Company. Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon wind up forming a fine pair of scheming lovers in the movie "Bound." Who knew? While not a big success - at best it broke even - "Bound" further established Gina as someone willing to take chances and push the boundaries of her image.

Caesar and Violet in "Bound."

Corky (Gershon), a lesbian ex con hired to work in an apartment as a plumber, meets neighbors Caesar (Joe Pantoliano). Caesar launders money for the Mafia, and his girlfriend is Violet (Jennifer Tilly). The two women have a love affair and decide to steal $2,000,000 that Caesar has in his custody. Naturally, Caesar and mob boss Gino Marzone (Richard C. Sarafian) want their money. Caesar is set up by the two scheming women as a scapegoat but things go wrong when he reacts in an unexpected way.

Violet drying out the money in "Bound."

There isn't much more to this film than that. Well, unless you count the long, intense lesbian seduction scene between Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon that was shot in one long, lingering take. It supposedly came about as close to being censored as is possible without it actually happening.

Gina Gershon as Corky in "Bound."

If Sapphic love offends you, please stay far, far away from this film. You don't want to be near any of that ... that ... TRASH!

The brothers Wachowski at work on "Bound."

On the other hand, if you find Sapphic love at all appealing, you may want to pick up a copy of this classic. I know that Tilly and her distinctive voice is kind of annoying to some people, but she tones it down in this film.

Corky and Violet come to a meeting of the minds in "Bound."

Once again, Gershon does a wonderful job. While this is no "Showgirls," "Bound" further boosted her reputation through the roof once again. She never quite became the superstar she should have, but she worked steadily after this.

Pucker up! Corky and Violet show some affection in "Bound."

While the females dominate this film, I think Pantoliano gives the most remarkable performance. He is memorable despite not having sex with the women. That is quite a feat. The film almost is about a threesome with him, Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon, but Caesar isn't really part of the main action. Some might say that the Sapphic angle is overplayed, and that may well be. There is a simple truth: sex sells.

Caesar has suspicions about what is going on in "Bound."

However, if you are going to watch this now, you probably aren't on the lookout for quality acting. Perhaps you want a bit of sleaze? If so, this one is for you.

The two ladies in "Bound."

I recommend this film for those looking for something off-beat but definitely entertaining. If you like seductions of the lesbian variety, you will enjoy the movie "Bound" tremendously.


2017