by John Zenoni
Well, I have seen a performance by someone else, other than that of Joaquin Phoenix in “Joker”, who I believe should be nominated for best actor in a film - Edward Norton. His performance in “Motherless Brooklyn” is nothing short of amazing. The fact that he directed, wrote, and produced this film just makes it that much better.
The movie is about private detective Lionel Essrog, played by Edward Norton, who has a brilliant, inquisitive mind with an excellent memory, but who also just happens to have Tourette’s Syndrome. After suffering the loss of his friend and boss, Frank Minna, played very well by Bruce Willis, he becomes obsessed with finding out who was responsible for his murder. As he begins to dig into it and goes underground into nightclubs and bars for clues, he begins to realize that not everything or everyone is what or who they say they are.
Has this type of film been made before? Absolutely - a hundreds times over. But the development of the story and characters is so well done that you'll forget the movie is over 2 hours long because you'll just have to know how it ends in hope that justice prevails.
There are so many good, recognizable actors in this film and they all do a fine job in their roles - Willem Dafoe, Alex Baldwin, Leslie Mann, Bobby Cannavale, Fisher Stevens, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Michael K. Williams and more. The scenery, mood music, and atmosphere really is superbly done and makes you feel like you're back in the 1950’s.
I don’t think this one is going to blow away the box office by any means as it really is a ‘thinking person’s’ film but it is a tribute to the film noir. It's definitely one that should be relished for being a good, well acted, old-fashioned suspense film.
Kudos to Mr. Norton for adding another fine film to his resume.
Originally Posted 11/4/19
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