MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN MOVIE REVIEW

REVIEW: Based on author Jonathan Lethem’s 1999 novel by the same name, ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ chronicles the life of an outlandish detective Lionel post his friend’s death. After a secret meeting with a group of men, things go sideways leading Minna to succumb to his bullet-shot injury inflicted by the aforementioned gang. Shocked and disappointed by his senseless murder, a visibly deranged Lionel (fondly called Brooklyn) vouches to take on the men that caused the death of the only person who cared about him.

Set against the post-war era, ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ serves as a reflection, and a mirror image of the chaotic times that’s gone by in the borough area of Brooklyn. With apt cinematography by Dick Pope and some potent set design by Kara Zeigon, this detective saga is all things 50s – where hat-and-trench coat wearing men are either bitter from bloodshed and personal failures, or drowning themselves in drinks and self-pity. The story, written and directed by Edward Norton, juxtapositions crime with political misfeasance. And right at the center of it all is the machiavellian man Mo Radoplh, who is a sucker for power and control and exhibits the characteristic traits of a dictator.

‘Motherless Brooklyn’ has got the mood and atmosphere right, but struggles with the pace of the story and narration intricacies – it is slow even for a period film. It digresses from the central track of the story on more than one occasion. At 144 minutes, the movie lingers on and loses its impact on the audience. However, the drama is spearheaded by the talented cast that has been handpicked by Norton and which also includes him. As a mentally-impaired man – prone to bullying and a prisoner to his own lack of social skills – Norton is a delight to watch. Regardless of what your takeaway is from this crime saga, this character is bound to evoke an array of emotions, ranging from compassion to solidarity. Alec Baldwin as a devil of a politician feels implausible at times. Though his rendition seems like a focused and alert version of a certain American president that he has already portrayed on his television show. Bruce Willis as the ‘small-town gumshoe’ detective comes across as a personable character even in his brief appearance. Gugu Mbatha-Raw (playing Laura Rose) is a refreshing change and renders the much-needed tenderness to this otherwise violent drama.

All-in-all, ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ works, thanks to its ensemble cast and their individual talents. Sadly, the story line does not contribute as much as it should have.

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