Bound's Release and Initial Reception

The Wachowskis' neo-noir film 'Bound' was released 30 years ago today on October 4, 1996, but initially caused little buzz.

Box Office and Early Criticism

The film made $7 million on a $6 million budget and was not a zeitgeist rattler at first.

Roger Ebert's Praise

Roger Ebert gave 'Bound' four stars, calling it 'shocking and violent' but skillful filmmaking that explores time, space, money, and danger.

“is shocking and violent, and will offend some audiences. It's that kind of movie. But it's skillful filmmaking, setting a puzzle that involves time, space, money, and danger, and seeing how many different ways it can be solved.”

Queer Themes and Symbolism

The film's open queerness was noted by Ebert, who praised Tilly and Gershon for playing sex with delight rather than solemn gynecological drudgery.

“play the sex for delight instead of for solemn earth-shaking gynecological drudgery”

Plot and Characters

Tilly plays Violet, a girlfriend of gangster Caesar, who becomes romantically involved with neighbor Corky, a butch lesbian.

Cult Status and Legacy

The film gained cult status after 'The Matrix' success, becoming a flashpoint for queer representation and cited by GLAAD for its symbolism.

“the closet is the most obvious signpost to me right off the bat. The idea of wanting out is right there. You're not even thirty seconds into the film, and that's one of the key lines.”

Modern Relevance

Jennifer Tilly referenced 'Bound' in 'Seed of Chucky,' where she joked about her sex scenes with Gina Gershon.