Motherless Brooklyn [Includes Digital Copy] [DVD] [2019]

I ordered it at Best Buy because of the fact that it had Bruce Willis in it. He played a smaller part in it than I expected but I was very happy with the movie anyway.

It's a shame this gorgeous looking film noir from star and director Edward Norton didn't get wider play in theaters last year or receive some Oscar love from the Academy. A loose adaptation of Jonathan Lethem's 1999 novel, the film, adapted by Norton and Lethem, begs for comparison with some of the classics of the genre, especially 1974's "Chinatown." Like that film, this one involves a real estate swindle in 1950s New York that reeks of political corruption and leaves a slew of dead bodies amid the wreckage. Norton stars as Lionel Essrog, a Tourettes-afflicted junior operative who works for a private detective (Bruce Willis in a sharp cameo) bumped off because his snooping gets a little too close to uncovering what's going on. Against the advice of his associates, Lionel picks up the investigation and soon finds himself in the crosshairs of some very powerful and very dangerous people. Alec Baldwin, Willem Dafoe, Cherry Jones, and Bobby Canavale offer solid supporting performances, but it is newcomer Gugu Mbatha-Raw who gives the film its soul as a damsel in distress whom Lionel becomes obsessed with saving. If you're a fan of hard-edged noir filmed with style and loving attention to period detail, this disc of "Motherless Brooklyn" deserves a home in your collection.

Everything in the film is period correct for 1950’s New York City to include both fore & background shots of buildings, building interiors, clothing, style of speech – even the chewing gum wrappers. This is a story of a private Detective Agency, and the story-line is evenly paced, taught, low-key, and accompanied by an easy sound-track – it is an ol’ fashioned Detective Story. Happily, the casting was on-point and the saga was superbly acted – Both Norton and Dafoe acted their characters splendidly as-well-as Gugu Mbatha-Raw’s Laura Rose who was beautifully portrayed.

I thought this movie was pretty good. (Norton) has Tourette's syndrome and works for a detective (Willis) whom is killed and the movie is basically getting information as to why he was killed and what is has to do with why New York is removing living locations for the low class residents and creating parks instead. this movie has you at the edge the whole time but in my opinion it could have been a bit shorter

If I could give a 4.5 star review I would. This film is underrated. It's a jazzy 50's detective story led by actor/director Edward Norton. The whole cast is stellar. I dock a bit because it gets a bit complicated. It takes it's time which is great but it's a tad too long. Still I did love the film and it's vibe. High marks. One to discover.

Ed Norton was amazing in his acting as always, but even more so, his directing as well. The movie has plenty of storylines. Going back and forth with twists and turns. Set decoration was top notch. I truly felt I was in New York back in the old days. Bottom line, great thriller.

My wife and I were not able to see this movie in our local movie theater and am happy we were able to purchase it at a good price from BestBuy and am looking forward to watching it as often as we want.

This is a good representation of the book by Jonathan Lethem. A few parts deviate but overall, it's a nice interpretation. Edward Norton and a cast of GREAT actors make it worth it alone but if you enjoyed the book I highly suggest this film. If you haven't read the book, I suggest that too!