Bound, The Power Of Few (2013)
Directed by: Leone Marucci
Written by: Leone Marucci
Starring: Anthony Anderson, Christian Slater, Christopher Walken, Derek Richardson, Devon Gearhart, Jesse Bradford, Jordan Prentice, Juvenile, Moon Bloodgood, Navid Negahban, Q'orianka Kilcher, Tione Johnson
BOUND (aka THE POWER OF FEW) (2013)
Written and directed by Leone Marucci
When a bunch of strangers from all walks of life unwittingly contribute to a terrible incident, the unlikeliest of heroes could change everything.
Bound, also known in the USA as The Power of Few, is set around events which unfold over 20 minutes in New Orleans, showcasing the stories of 5 different sets of characters and how their actions contribute to one tragic event that affects all of them.
The first of the stories focuses on Cory (Devon Gearhart), a teenager who’s drug-addled mother is too off her head to look after Cory’s crying baby brother, who’s sick in his cot. Waking up in the afternoon and discovering his mother’s couldn’t-care-less attitude, Cory visits his grandpa where he finds a gun. With little to no money for medicine for his baby brother, could he use the gun to his advantage?
Riding around New Orleans in the second episode is Alexa (Q’orianka Kilcher), a scooter-riding courier who bumps into a young man Dom (Jesse Bradford) on the run. With an urgent package needing to be delivered, Alexa must decide whether to help the handsome stranger or not.
The third story sees two agents Marti (Nicky Whelan) and Clyde (Christian Slater) who are instructed to track down marks and try to uncover some sort of plot which Marti is convinced is bomb related. Arriving at Sahel’s (Navid Negahban) home, the two set to interrogate him, but an eager Marti just cannot resist getting help from The Bag (Kim Blacklock).
Bringing humour and riddles in the fourth episode is Christopher Walken as you’ve never seen him before, as a homeless guy named Doke, who walks the streets looking for scraps with fellow hobo Brown (Jordan Prentice). Brown gets on with Doke but is confused by Doke’s witterings and how lots of people, including the local police officer, seem to know Doke.
The final story features a young girl named Few (Tione Johnson) who’s stuffed herself with so much candy, she’s too ill to walk home so decides to catch a lift with her brother and his mate. Unaware she’s in the backseat, the duo set about taking care of ‘business’ as their homie Reggie is charged and being summoned to court.
This independent film is modern, quirky and stylish whilst retaining a clear direction. The cinematopgraphy is amazing, opting for various camera setups including steady shots as well as camera shots from in front of an individual, over the shoulder and affixed to a bicycle’s handlebars in the case of the character of Cory.
Each actor brings something fresh and unique to their character, making something about their personalities that makes them likable. Watching the movie, I even formed an opinion on the characters with negative traits, which shows the sign of a good movie as some films can struggle to make the viewer give a damn one way or another about their characters. Director Leone Marucci has definitely selected the right bunch of actors for the roles, with many of the stars appearing other big movies including Derek Richardson (Hostel), Moon Bloodgood (Terminator Salvation), Jesse Bradford (Flags of our Fathers) as well as the obvious big stars Christian Slater and Christopher Walken who’s presence are used equal measure to everyone elses.
A film like this that centres on one event but played through the eyes or lives of different individuals can be difficult to pull off, but Marucci does it so wonderfully. Bound makes much more sense in the order of events than Pulp Fiction which also shares the same sort of structure. Bound also deals with many different emotions, from empathy, sadness, anger, romance and even comedy, of which there are some fantastic, funny moments. One of my favourites involves The Bag, who features alongside Christian Slater and Nicky Whelan’s particular episode. Christopher Walken and young Tione Johnson also provide some fantastic humour from their scenes of dialogue.
This movie is enjoyable on so many levels and is one of those rare films that leave you with a smile on your face and spring in your step. There’s lots to enjoy and get out the film, regardless of the age of the viewer, and is one of those independent films that deserves to be seen.
Rating: 
Do you know what the picture on the bottom of the front cover is about as it is nothing to do with the film!
You’re quite correct, Eddie. It has nothing to do with the film. Unfortunately that happens quite often with lower budget/indie releases for some reason.