Bounce - Behind the Velvet Rope (2000)

40% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
34% of users liked it
(1,154 ratings)

Oscar-nominated documentarian Steven Cantor makes his full-length debut with this look at the trials and tribulations of the testosterone-pumped men who keep the rabble out of Manhattan's poshest nightspots. Among Cantor's interview subjects are Terence Buckley, who dreams of patrolling bigger and… More Oscar-nominated documentarian Steven Cantor makes his full-length debut with this look at the trials and tribulations of the testosterone-pumped men who keep the rabble out of Manhattan's poshest nightspots. Among Cantor's interview subjects are Terence Buckley, who dreams of patrolling bigger and better Gotham haunts; the legendary Lenny McLean, who made his name in London; and a set of twin brothers who aspire to be just like Sylvester Stallone. Throughout, Cantor reveals the sensitive side of this group of skilled tradesmen who are often viewed merely as intimidating thugs. The film's hard-driving score comes courtesy of Samantha Maloney, drummer for the rock band Hole. ~ Michael Hastings, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: Unrated, 1 hr. 12 min.
Directed By: Steven Cantor
Written By: Steven Cantor
Genres: Documentary, Special Interest

In Theaters: Apr 15, 2000 Wide
On DVD: Mar 11, 2003
Studio: Artistic License

Critic Reviews

Jonathan Foreman, New York Post
Much of the resulting material is very funny, though there are a few times when the filmmakers patronize or mock their subjects in a way that makes you uncomfortable.
Dave Kehr, New York Times
[A] casually shot and loosely assembled film.
Kevin Maynard, Mr. Showbiz
A compelling examination of masculinity and machismo.
Amy Taubin, Village Voice
Mindless, shoddy.
Martin Scribbs, Low IQ Canadian
Self-important knuckleheads bloviate on club life. Though docs are reknown as tools to create empathy, Bounce merely confirms the worst prejudices of its audience.
Doris Toumarkine, Film Journal International
Bouncing here doesn't look like fun, but the film is.
Christopher Null, Filmcritic.com
After about half an hour, looking at wounds and comparing workout rituals gets a bit tedious.
Maitland McDonagh, TV Guide's Movie Guide
Demonstrates that bouncers are indeed beefy bullies who get their kicks roughing up people in the guise of providing 'security' at night spots.
Dave White, IFilm
In spite of that condescension, it's still fascinating to watch these men keep the disco peace.
Ed Gonzalez, Slant Magazine
Bounce will strike a nerve for those whose less-than-graceful attitudes have prevented them from getting inside a club.

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