Angelina Jolie’s 1999 movie The Bone Collector may not have wowed critics, but it left a strong impression on her in a surprising way. Starring alongside Denzel Washington, Angelina found something special in their on-screen connection, describing one scene as “the best sex I ever had.”
After the success of Seven in 1995, many studios rushed to produce intense thrillers like The Bone Collector, based on Jeffery Deaver’s novel. The film stars Oscar winners Angelina Jolie and Denzel Washington and Oscar nominee Queen Latifah. It’s set in dark New York streets where Denzel plays Lincoln Rhyme, a paralyzed but brilliant homicide detective, while Angelina plays Amelia, a rookie cop assisting him.
Angelina has said she was captivated by the script and felt haunted by it. What made the story unique was the deep bond between Amelia and Lincoln, built not on physical contact—since Lincoln is quadriplegic—but on mental and emotional connection.
Discussing their relationship in an interview, Angelina explained that “seducing someone with your mind” was “a huge turn-on.” She pointed to a particular scene where Amelia uses intellect and even smell to connect with Lincoln—calling it the best sexual experience she ever had on screen.
Filming was tough and lonely for Angelina, who sometimes felt overwhelmed by the demands of leading the film and portraying Amelia’s intense emotions. Despite that, the mental intimacy she built with Denzel was something she valued deeply.
Though the film had mixed reviews, it earned over $150 million worldwide. Fans got exciting news in 2023 when a sequel was announced, with both stars set to return—reuniting a pair whose chemistry still resonates over two decades later.
