An F.B.I. Agent persuades a social worker, who is adept with a new experimental technology, to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in order to learn where he has hidden his latest kid... Read allAn F.B.I. Agent persuades a social worker, who is adept with a new experimental technology, to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in order to learn where he has hidden his latest kidnap victim.An F.B.I. Agent persuades a social worker, who is adept with a new experimental technology, to enter the mind of a comatose serial killer in order to learn where he has hidden his latest kidnap victim.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 9 wins & 29 nominations total
- Agent Stockwell
- (as John Cothran Jr.)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaVincent D'Onofrio later admitted that his wife refused to sleep in the same bed with him for two weeks after seeing his performance in the movie.
- GoofsAny goofs occurring in the "subconscious" world which the characters enter, do not have to be consistent or conform to realistic physics, as the subconscious is arbitrary, and can create whatever rules it wants.
- Quotes
Miriam: Did we go sailing?
Catharine Deane: Almost! Mocky-Lock showed up.
Miriam: [saying a nursery rhyme] Mocky-Lock is the boogeyman, Mocky-Lock wants me where I am!
Catharine Deane: Mocky-Lock is a pain in the ass.
- Alternate versionsOne scene, where Vincent D'Onofrio hangs on his piercings, masturbating over the dead body of a woman, was not included in the US theatrical or DVD release, but can be seen in the European one. However, the US Blu-ray happens to contain the director's cut of the film, despite not being labelled as such on the packaging and the R-rating listed on the back. The runtime is listed as 109 (the length of the director's cut) which marks the first time the film has been released uncut in the US.
- ConnectionsEdited into The Cell: Deleted Scenes (2000)
- SoundtracksO SCIORE CCHIU FELICE
Written by Raiz (as G. Della Volpe), Stefano Facchielli (as S. Facchielli), Giovanni Mantice (as G. Mantice), Pier Paolo Polcari and Gennaro Tesone (as G. Tesone)
Performed by Almamegretta (as Alma Me Gretta)
Courtesy of BMG Ricordi S.p.A.
By Arrangement with The RCA Records Label of BMG Entertainment
This is essentially a serial killer film with a very original angle. The science fiction element is really there purely as a means to allow us to enter the subconscious dream world of the killer. It's here where the movie departs from other films of the same genre. It's also here where The Cell truly marks itself out as a memorable movie. The story isn't all that strong but the look and feel of the dream-world is where this one scores. Visually, it's extremely good, with an especially well-used widescreen frame, and beautiful use of colour. The subconscious worlds are by turns surreal, beautiful and creepy. It is without a doubt the fantastic cinematography, set-design, costumes and lighting that are the strengths of this film.
As a means of trying to discover the whereabouts of the trapped girl, the psychiatrist tries to make a connection with the killer. In doing so she realises that he has a good and bad side. The good being his younger self before he became twisted as a result of abuse. It's an unusual angle to attempt to empathise with a serial murderer. Usually audiences are never asked to and I suppose it's an interesting difference. However, it's not an idea that 100% works though as no matter the childhood traumas it's quite difficult sympathising with a man who abducts, tortures and kills young women. This aside though, The Cell remains a highly stylish thriller, whose visual brilliance alone is enough reason for it to be considered a triumph.
- Red-Barracuda
- Aug 7, 2012
Details
Box office
- Budget
- $33,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $61,334,059
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $17,515,050
- Aug 20, 2000
- Gross worldwide
- $104,155,843
- Runtime1 hour 47 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.39:1