If you started (or finished) Binger Cross series on Prime Video, then you’ve already met this intrepid investigator as James Patterson. The latter publishes his first novel And the girls will fall In 1995, without knowing that he was experiencing the real thing A success story.
While walking around the campuses of Duke University and the University of North Carolina, the writer got the idea for his novel and came across billboards with photos of missing young students.
Since then, his Alex Cross collection has included 32 books, three films and a hit series (which will return for a second season). But before Aldis Hodge stepped into the shoes of this eminent investigator, Morgan Freeman was the first to fall into it.
Hollywood took an early interest in Patterson’s novel, which soon became a bestseller. After an initial refusal by the author, who did not want to whitewash his character, Paramount gave the green light to the adaptation, The Collector. If initially Denzel Washington was supposed to play the role of Alex Cross, in the end it was Freeman who got the main role.
A failure at the box office, but still a sequel
Released in 1997, The Collector follows a police inspector when he learns that his niece, who is studying in North Carolina, has disappeared, apparently the victim of a kidnapping. He immediately went to Durham to help with the research. Against the local police, he conducts his own investigation.
He discovers that eight young girls have actually disappeared and one of them has just been found murdered. Cross then realizes that he is dealing with an avid collector of girls who are as beautiful as they are smart.
The cast includes Ashley Judd, Cary Elwes and Brian Cox.
Despite the success of the novel, its adaptation did not quite live up to expectations, with rather mixed reviews from the press and audiences. But with a small budget of $27 million and a profit of $60 million, he convinced Paramount to create a sequel, which was released in 2001.
Wearing a spider mask, Cross investigates the disappearance of a senator’s daughter. Apart from Freeman, who reprises his role, no other famous actors appear in the film…
The Collector leaves Netflix on December 21st.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
