Mr. Brooks (2007)

Director:

Bruce A. Evans

Writers (WGA):

Bruce A. Evans (written by) &
Raynold Gideon (written by)

Release Date:

1 June 2007 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Mystery | Thriller

Tagline:

There's something about

Plot:

A psychological thriller about a man who is sometimes controlled by his murder-and-mayhem-loving alter ego.

Plot Keywords:

Murder | Killer | Alter Ego | Fingerprint | House

Awards:

1 nomination

Cast

Kevin Costner	...	Mr. Earl Brooks
Demi Moore	...	Det. Tracy Atwood
Dane Cook	...	Mr. Smith
William Hurt	...	Marshall
Marg Helgenberger	...	Emma Brooks
Ruben Santiago-Hudson	...	Hawkins
Danielle Panabaker	...	Jane Brooks
Aisha Hinds	...	Nancy Hart
Lindsay Crouse	...	Captain Lister
Jason Lewis	...	Jesse Vialo
Reiko Aylesworth	...	Sheila - Jesse's Lawyer
Matt Schulze	...	Thorton Meeks
Yasmine Delawari	...	Sunday
Traci Dinwiddie	...	Sarah Leaves
Michael Cole	...	Atwood’s Lawyer

MPAA:

Rated R for strong bloody violence, some graphic sexual content, nudity and language.

Runtime:

120 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

SDDS | Dolby Digital | DTS

Certification:

Canada:13+ (Quebec) | Canada:14A (Manitoba) | Canada:18A (Alberta/British Columbia/Ontario) | Argentina:16 | Sweden:15 | Netherlands:16 | Australia:MA | USA:R (certificate #43365) | Norway:15 | Finland:K-15 | UK:18 | Ireland:16 | Portugal:M/16 (re-rating on appeal) | France:-12 | Chile:14 | South Korea:18 | Portugal:M/18 (original rating) | Brazil:18 | Spain:18 | Mexico:C | Germany:18 | Singapore:M18 | Ireland:18 (DVD rating) | Japan:R-18 | New Zealand:R16

Filming Locations:

Portland, Oregon, USA

Company:

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM)

Trivia:

According to interviews with Kevin Costner, this is supposedly the first movie in a trilogy.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Mr. Brooks kills the first couple, the lamp inside the room is turned on. However, after he kills the couple, the room is dark and the lamp is off. The lamp later appears turned on in the photograph. The reflection of the lamp which appears turned off can also be seen right after the couple gets killed.

Quotes:

Marshall: She did it, didn't she?
Mr. Earl Brooks: Yeah. It'll take the cops a week to ten days to put their case together, and then... and then they will come back and arrest her.
Marshall: What are you going to do?
[Earl breaks down and cries, while Marshall hugs him]
Mr. Earl Brooks: Oh, God. Oh, God. I was afraid of this since before she was born. She has... she has what I have.
Marshall: Yes, she does. But you were always smart about it. She was stupid. She did it because she got off - okay, I understand. She's in it for fun - okay, I understand. But why didn't she think it through? A hatchet? And she left it there.

Movie Connections:

Featured in "Late Night with Conan O'Brien: (2007-06-07)" (2007)

Soundtrack:

Soleil Soleil

Unusual, creative storyline and scripting, exceptionally well done.

The real star of this drama is the story, and the script. Costner's portrayal of a highly complex, sometimes tortured, character is superb in that he is seemingly always in control, always one step ahead of the challenges. One of the best stories in some time, this one covers all of the bases in a satisfying way, keeping the viewer completely involved from start to finish. There are just enough plot twists, blended seamlessly with just the right amount of predictability, to make this story completely believable, and totally satisfying.

Mr. Brooks, Mr. Citizen, is a soft spoken, highly intelligent man of the community, always in control of his job and family, despite the adversities he faces throughout the movie. Very enjoyable is the intricacy, detail, and discipline he is able to maintain throughout the chaos that befalls him throughout the entire plot. His total control of all of the challenges almost makes him a super hero in terms of skill and control in the performance of his self assigned, gruesome tasks at hand. The blending of his alter-ego, bad conscience side, Marshall, is seamlessly accomplished in this psychological escapade, to the point that one almost has to root for "them". Marshall, although the psychopathic side of Brooks, is almost likable, in a twisted sort of way. The ongoing dialog between the two is perfect, in that almost everyone can relate to conscience issues at some point in their lives.

The added sub-plots concerning detective Demi Moore, the would be wanna be killer Mr. Smith, and the ex-gold digging husband and his attorney, are extra, intriguing elements that are very well done. Though told with a considerable dark tonality because of the theme, one finds himself cheering for Mr. Brooks and his incredible ability as a master craftsman. Ironically, one can also cheer for the detective that is out to capture him.

If you are ready for a story that is intriguing, suspenseful, gripping, and present day, then this movie is a good place to start. Costner, Moore, Cook, and Hurt are all splendid. Each one is intense, tormented, fun, and believable in his respective role. Another positive feature about the storyline, and it's conclusion, is that it lends itself to, perhaps, a very interesting sequel potential. Kudos to the directors, producers, and entire cast.