Join the not-so-ordinary detective journey in 'Motherless Brooklyn', a noir that keeps you guessing, 'What next?'
Data Sheet
- Director: Edward Norton (acting alone wasn't enough)
- Genre: Noir with a Norton twist
- Duration: 144 minutes of clue-hunting fun
- Year: 2019, a brave year for cinema
- Based on: A novel by Jonathan Lethem (because sometimes movies do come from books)
- Cast: Edward Norton, Bruce Willis, and others wondering, "What am I doing here?"
- Where to watch: Prime Video
Plot
In a New York resembling a box of spoiled chocolates, Lionel Essrog, a private eye with a knack for nervous tics and an obsession for details, finds himself mentorless. His boss, Frank Minna - a kind of stray-cat ethical father figure - is mysteriously murdered.
Lionel, equipped with a sharp mind like a blunted knife and Tourette's making him blurt out the unlikeliest things at the worst times, decides to investigate. Because, naturally, when your boss dies and you have a neurological disorder, playing detective is the logical choice.
Among verbal tics and brilliant observations, Lionel uncovers a plot thicker than your average murder mystery. He dives into a web of corruption, power, and secrets that would make even the juiciest "Gossip Girl" episode pale.
He meets characters straight out of a runaway circus: a construction magnate with an ego bigger than Manhattan, a mysterious woman who might or might not have all the answers, and a mix of shady figures that make "Boardwalk Empire" folks look like casual strollers.
With his unique style, Lionel navigates this urban maze, facing not just criminals but his inner demons, loud as a heavy metal concert..
The mystery's resolution comes with an ironic twist and an epiphany easily mistaken for a Tourette's outbreak. Lionel, on his journey, not only unveils a city's corrupt secrets but also learns about human nature - mainly, it's as weird and complicated as a good noir plot.
Review
Starting with the premise that every film noir should have a bit of dark humor, "Motherless Brooklyn" takes it up a notch, embracing sarcasm like an old friend itching to prank you. Edward Norton, apparently not busy enough being the lead actor, decides to direct and produce. Why limit oneself, right?
The plot unfolds like an adult version of "Scooby-Doo", sans the dog and snacks. Lionel, our hero, is like Sherlock Holmes, if Sherlock had Tourette's and an amphetamine dependency. Norton's performance is so convincing you start wondering if he's acting or just being himself.
The film toys with the noir genre like a cat with a half-dead mouse. It revives it with snappy dialogues and well-shot scenes, only to let it slump back into a dark, forgotten corner. The other actors, including Bruce Willis in an extended cameo, seem to have a blast, even if they're not quite sure which movie they're in.
In terms of sticking to the book, let's say it's like ordering a steak and getting a burger. Not quite what you expected, but tasty nonetheless. The cinematography and costumes make you feel like you're strolling through the past, though you sometimes wonder if that past has been overly "adjusted" for modern tastes.
In conclusion, "Motherless Brooklyn" is like an old wine bottle in a new cellar: slightly out of place but unexpectedly delightful. It leaves you wondering, "What did I just watch?" with a weird smile on your face. Score: 7.5/10 for audacity and originality, though sometimes it tries too hard to be both.
Why I Recommend It
I recommend it for its ability to immerse you in a gripping story and Norton's extraordinary portrayal. A film that makes you think while dragging you into an exciting adventure.
Why I Don't
I don't recommend it if you prefer light, unnuanced films. Here, the complexity of characters and plot demands attention and appreciation for details.
