Critics may not have been overwhelmingly impressed by The Bone Collector, but for Angelina Jolie, the film left a lasting impact in more ways than one.

Following the massive success of Seven (1995), Hollywood studios rushed to capitalize on the growing appetite for dark, psychological thrillers. Universal Pictures answered this demand with The Bone Collector, adapted from Jeffery Deaver’s 1997 crime novel. The film featured a stellar cast, including two Academy Award winners—Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington—as well as Oscar nominee Queen Latifah.

Set in the gritty landscape of New York City, the story centers on a brilliant yet quadriplegic homicide detective, played by Denzel Washington. Though physically confined, his keen intellect makes him an invaluable asset in solving some of the city’s most gruesome murders.

Alongside him is Amelia, a newly recruited patrol officer portrayed by Angelina Jolie. Eager yet inexperienced, she finds herself thrust into a chilling murder investigation. As the duo races against time, uncovering cryptic clues that bring them closer to a deadly serial killer, the city itself transforms into a web of deception and danger.

When Jolie first read the script, she was immediately captivated. Alone in her apartment, she found herself gripped by fear, unable to put it down.

“It scared me to death,” she later admitted. “I couldn’t stop reading it, and when I finally put it down, I couldn’t forget about it. It haunted me.”

One of the film’s most distinctive elements is the complexity of Washington’s character, Lincoln Rhyme.

A quadriplegic genius confined to his bed, Lincoln relies on Amelia as his eyes and ears in the field. While she investigates crime scenes, he guides her through the case remotely, forming a dynamic partnership that is both intense and compelling. The contrast between his immobility and her physical engagement in the investigation creates an unusual tension, shaping the film’s narrative in a unique way.

Typically, romantic chemistry in films is built on physical attraction, but for Lincoln and Amelia, the absence of physical contact strengthens their bond.

Jolie reflected on this aspect of their relationship, stating in an interview with Dark Horizons that the idea of “seducing someone with your mind” was deeply intriguing to her.

“What’s fascinating are the journeys these two characters undertake and the deep relationship that evolves between them,” she explained.

A particular scene where Amelia uses her intellect and sense of smell to connect with Lincoln stood out to Jolie. She described it as “the best sex I ever had”—a testament to the emotional and mental intimacy that defined their relationship.

While the connection between the characters was profound, Jolie also found the filming process to be a lonely experience.

“It was really lonely, and I went a bit nuts,” she revealed. “From the beginning, I felt as if I was not capable of doing this, of leading a film and being responsible for this, of physically handling this, of saving a life and going in there and being a cop.”

The emotional weight of Amelia’s character took a toll on Jolie, pushing her to question herself.

“It nearly drove me insane because she [Amelia] was so insane inside,” she added.

Despite mixed critical reception, The Bone Collector proved to be a commercial success, grossing $151.5 million worldwide against a $48 million budget after its release on November 5, 1999.

More than two decades later, in June 2023, reports surfaced that a sequel was in development. With both Denzel Washington and Angelina Jolie rumored to reprise their roles, fans of the original film eagerly anticipate seeing the duo reunite on screen after 26 years.