The Bone Collector

Watch The Bone Collector

"Two cops on the trail of a serial killer. They must see as one... They must act as one... They must think as one... Before another victim falls."
  • R
  • 1999
  • 1 hr 58 min
  • 6.7  (181,892)
  • 45

The Bone Collector is a thrilling crime drama released in 1999, directed by Phillip Noyce and based on the novel of the same name by Jeffery Deaver. The movie stars Denzel Washington as Lincoln Rhyme, a quadriplegic ex-cop and forensic expert who teams up with young and ambitious police officer Amelia Donaghy, played by Angelina Jolie, to catch a serial killer in New York City.

The movie begins with Lincoln Rhyme, a brilliant detective and forensic expert, who remains bedridden after an accident that left him paralyzed from the neck down. He is approached by his former partner and friend, Detective Paulie Sellitto, played by Ed O'Neill, who asks for his help in investigating a series of murders committed by a psychopath who calls himself "The Bone Collector." The killer is so named because he leaves behind bone shards at each crime scene, taunting the police with clues to his next target.

Despite his physical limitations, Lincoln Rhyme is still considered one of the top forensic experts in the world and provides the NYPD with invaluable insights into the killer's psychology and modus operandi. When the killer strikes again, at a subway station, and takes men prisoner, Rhyme and Sellitto are joined by officer Amelia Donaghy, who discovered the bone shard and realizes she might have what it takes to catch the killer.

As the investigation proceeds, Amelia and Lincoln develop a close working relationship, with Rhyme mentoring her and providing her with the tools and knowledge to solve crimes in new and innovative ways. They become convinced that the killer is a member of the NYPD, someone who knows the city's layout and police procedures intimately. They also discover that the killer has a motive for his killings that goes beyond the twisted pleasure he derives from murder.

The Bone Collector is a gripping thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout. The movie is not just about solving a crime but about the characters and their personal struggles as well. Denzel Washington's portrayal of Lincoln Rhyme is a tour-de-force, capturing both his intelligence and his despair at the life he could have had were it not for his accident. Angelina Jolie gives an impressive performance as Amelia Donaghy, a young and inexperienced cop who is forced to confront her own demons as she faces the horrors of the murder investigation.

The supporting cast of The Bone Collector is another highlight of the movie. Queen Latifah, as Rhyme's nurse and caretaker, Thelma, provides a much-needed dose of humor and warmth to the film, while Michael Rooker, as Detective Howard Cheney, is a formidable presence as the head of the NYPD's Special Crimes Unit.

The Bone Collector is also notable for its stunning cinematography and art direction, which create a moody and atmospheric New York City that is both menacing and alluring. The movie's score, composed by Craig Armstrong, adds to the movie's suspenseful tone, especially during the tense moments when Amelia or Lincoln are in danger.

Overall, The Bone Collector is a thrilling, well-crafted movie that is still enjoyable to watch today, more than 20 years since its release. The movie's main strength lies in its excellent cast, led by Washington and Jolie, who deliver standout performances that keep the audience engaged from beginning to end. It is a must-watch for anyone who loves a good crime drama with engaging characters and a complex plot.

The Bone Collector is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 58 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7 and a MetaScore of 45.

The Bone Collector
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Where to Watch The Bone Collector
The Bone Collector is available to watch, stream, download and buy on demand at Hulu, Amazon Prime, Apple TV Channels, Starz, Peacock Premium, The Roku Channel, Apple TV, Amazon, Google Play, YouTube VOD and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent The Bone Collector for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    1999
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 58 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.7  (181,892)
  • Metascore
    45