Motherless Brooklyn Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A detective with Tourette’s says funny words while accidentally uncovering city-wide corruption, basically making him a less effective, but funnier, whistleblower.

🍿 Motherless Brooklyn: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Murder of Frank Minna

Lionel Essrog, a private investigator with Tourette’s Syndrome working for Frank Minna’s detective agency in 1950s New York, accompanies Frank on a secretive meeting. While tailing Frank, Lionel overhears a tense negotiation involving sensitive documents related to city development projects. The meeting turns violent, and Frank is fatally shot, leaving Lionel devastated and determined to uncover the truth behind his mentor’s death. Driven by loyalty and a need for justice, Lionel embarks on a quest to solve Frank’s murder, navigating the complex underbelly of New York City. He grapples with his Tourette’s Syndrome, which presents unique challenges as he attempts to blend in and gather information.

Unraveling the Conspiracy

Lionel’s investigation leads him to Laura Rose, an activist fighting against the displacement of marginalized communities due to urban development initiatives. He discovers Frank was investigating the same issues, linking his murder to a larger conspiracy involving powerful figures manipulating city planning for personal gain. Lionel poses as a reporter to get close to Laura, learning about the corruption plaguing New York City’s development projects. As Lionel delves deeper, he uncovers connections between real estate magnate Moses Randolph and the shady deals displacing communities. He navigates dangerous encounters, alliances, and betrayals, piecing together the puzzle of Frank’s murder and the sinister forces behind it.

The Truth Revealed

The investigation culminates in the revelation that Moses Randolph is secretly Laura’s father, the result of a past assault on her mother. Frank Minna was killed to cover up this secret and to protect Randolph’s corrupt development schemes. Lionel uses this information to confront Randolph, forcing him to protect Laura and acknowledge his actions. Lionel, using his unique abilities and unwavering determination, brings the truth to light, even as the powerful forces against him attempt to silence him. The film reveals the layers of corruption and moral compromises that fuel the city’s growth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton): A private detective with Tourette’s Syndrome, Lionel is determined to solve his mentor’s murder, uncovering a city-wide conspiracy.
• Frank Minna (Bruce Willis): Frank is Lionel’s mentor and boss, whose murder sets the events of the movie in motion.
• Laura Rose (Gugu Mbatha-Raw): Laura is a community activist fighting against gentrification who becomes entangled in Lionel’s investigation.
• Moses Randolph (Alec Baldwin): Moses is a powerful and corrupt city planner, whose actions drive much of the conflict in the film.
• Paul Randolph (Willem Dafoe): Paul is Moses’s brother, an engineer with a troubled relationship with Moses and a desire to improve the city.
• Gilbert Coney (Ethan Suplee): Gilbert is one of Lionel’s fellow detectives who tries to help him solve the murder of Frank.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Lionel Essrog: “But there’s no upside in lyin’ to a woman who’s smarter than you, so, I told her the truth.” – Lionel explaining his honest approach to Laura, highlighting his vulnerability and respect.
• Frank Minna: “Get my hat ya mook!” – One of the last things Frank said to Lionel, showing their affectionate and bantering relationship, right before his death.
• Lionel Essrog: “Sometimes I can’t hear the music, but I can feel it.” – Lionel describes his unique experience with jazz music, reflecting his way of understanding the world through his condition.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $26,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $9,277,736
• Worldwide Gross: $18,577,736

💥 Motherless Brooklyn Reviews

Personal Review

I really wanted to love Motherless Brooklyn. The cast is incredible, and the 1950s New York setting is mesmerizing. Edward Norton’s performance as Lionel is both heartfelt and captivating, and it really gave me insight into how challenging it must be to have Tourette’s. The storyline got a bit confusing in the middle, I had to really pay attention! But ultimately, it was a fascinating film and I’m happy I watched it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir films”
  • “Those interested in historical crime dramas”
  • “Viewers who appreciate complex character studies”
  • “Fans of Edward Norton”
  • “Individuals interested in urban history and social issues”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Some strong language”
  • “Themes of corruption and racism”

Professional Reviews

• IndieWire: “Edward Norton’s passion project is a visually stunning neo-noir that gets bogged down by its own ambition. While the performances are captivating and the recreation of 1950s New York is immaculate, the convoluted plot and lengthy runtime make it a challenging watch.
• The Hollywood Reporter: “A stylish but ultimately underwhelming crime drama. Norton’s dedication to portraying Tourette’s syndrome is commendable, but the film’s complex narrative and occasional lack of urgency prevent it from reaching its full potential.
• Variety: “Motherless Brooklyn is a well-acted and beautifully designed period piece that tackles themes of corruption and social injustice. However, it suffers from pacing issues and a storyline that becomes increasingly difficult to follow.

Audience Reactions

Edward Norton’s performance is outstanding, bringing depth and humanity to a complex character.: The film’s portrayal of 1950s New York is visually stunning and immersive.

The jazz soundtrack perfectly complements the film’s noir atmosphere, creating a captivating mood.: The supporting cast delivers strong performances, adding layers to the intricate plot.

Overall Consensus: Motherless Brooklyn is a visually appealing and well-acted neo-noir with a complex storyline that may challenge some viewers. Edward Norton’s performance is widely praised, but pacing and plot clarity are common criticisms.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Edward Norton spent nearly 20 years developing ‘Motherless Brooklyn’, securing the rights to Jonathan Lethem’s novel in 1999 and writing the screenplay himself.”
• “Norton consulted with the Tourette Association of America to accurately portray Lionel’s Tourette’s syndrome.”
• “To create an authentic 1950s New York atmosphere, the production team meticulously recreated the era’s clothing, cars, and jazz music scene.”
• “The character of Moses Randolph, played by Alec Baldwin, is loosely based on New York City urban planner Robert Moses, known for his controversial city development projects.”

🖥️ How to Watch Motherless Brooklyn?

Motherless Brooklyn is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable availability.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Motherless Brooklyn, you might like these similar films:

• Chinatown (1974): Both are neo-noir films set in a historical Los Angeles with a complex mystery involving powerful figures and corruption.
• L.A. Confidential (1997): Explores crime and corruption in mid-20th century Los Angeles, focusing on detectives uncovering deep-seated secrets.
• The Untouchables (1987): A crime drama set in the Prohibition era, featuring determined law enforcement battling organized crime in Chicago.
• Prisoners (2013): Features a determined protagonist delving into a dark mystery, exploring moral boundaries in the pursuit of truth.
• The Long Goodbye (1973): Cult classic neo-noir following a private detective embroiled in a complex case, blending mystery with character study.

🛒 Motherless Brooklyn Related Products

• Motherless Brooklyn (Novel): The original novel by Jonathan Lethem that inspired the film, offering a deeper dive into Lionel Essrog’s world and thought process.
• The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York: Robert Caro’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, provides a comprehensive and in-depth look at Robert Moses, the inspiration for Alec Baldwin’s character, offering insights into his impact on New York City.
• 1950s New York City Photography Book: A collection of photographs capturing the essence of 1950s New York City, showcasing the architecture, fashion, and culture of the era.
• Jazz Classics Album – 1950s Era: An album featuring classic jazz recordings from the 1950s, capturing the musical atmosphere of the film and showcasing iconic artists of the time.

🎧 Soundtrack

Motherless Brooklyn features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Daily Battles” – performed by Thom Yorke & Flea
• “Skip to Main Content” – performed by Daniel Pemberton
• “The Village Line” – performed by Wynton Marsalis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

MOTHERLESS BROOKLYN – “Timely” Featurette

Want to know what went into making ‘Motherless Brooklyn’? This featurette gives you the inside scoop with Edward Norton and the cast, and honestly, it makes you appreciate the movie even more!

When an Actor Is Too Passionate – Edward Norton

Ever wonder about Edward Norton’s creative process? This video dives into his career, his passion, and how that might have affected ‘Motherless Brooklyn.’ It’s pretty insightful and gives you a new perspective on the movie.

Edward Norton Does His Impression of Alec Baldwin’s Method Acting

Okay, Edward Norton’s Alec Baldwin impression is hilarious! He talks about what it was like working with him on ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ on Fallon, and it’s pure comedy gold. You gotta check it out!

✨ Rate