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IMDbPro

Motherless Brooklyn

  • 20192019
  • 1515
  • 2h 24m
IMDb RATING
6.8/10
55K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,822
195
Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin, Willem Dafoe, Edward Norton, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, 'Motherless Brooklyn' follows Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), a private detective living with Tourette Syndrome, as he ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). Armed only with a few clues and the engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely-guarded secrets that hold the fate of the whole city in the balance.  In a mystery that carries him from gin-soaked jazz clubs in Harlem to the hard-edged slums of Brooklyn and, finally, into the gilded halls of New York's power brokers, Lionel contends with thugs, corruption and the most dangerous man in the city to honor his friend and save the woman who might be his own salvation.
Play trailer2:40
8 Videos
99+ Photos
CrimeDramaMystery

In 1950s New York, a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend.In 1950s New York, a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend.In 1950s New York, a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome ventures to solve the murder of his mentor and only friend.

IMDb RATING
6.8/10
55K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
2,822
195
  • Director
    • Edward Norton
  • Writers
    • Edward Norton(written for the screen by)
    • Jonathan Lethem(from the novel by)
  • Stars
    • Edward Norton
    • Gugu Mbatha-Raw
    • Alec Baldwin
Top credits
  • Director
    • Edward Norton
  • Writers
    • Edward Norton(written for the screen by)
    • Jonathan Lethem(from the novel by)
  • Stars
    • Edward Norton
    • Gugu Mbatha-Raw
    • Alec Baldwin
  • See production, box office & company info
    • 429User reviews
    • 185Critic reviews
    • 60Metascore
  • See more at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 2 wins & 15 nominations

    Videos8

    Official Trailer
    Trailer 2:40
    Official Trailer
    Motherless Brooklyn
    Trailer 2:32
    Motherless Brooklyn
    Motherless Brooklyn
    Trailer 2:40
    Motherless Brooklyn
    Edward Norton Talks 'Motherless Brooklyn,' Great Actors, and Creative Obstacles
    Clip 7:55
    Edward Norton Talks 'Motherless Brooklyn,' Great Actors, and Creative Obstacles
    Everything You Need to Know for TIFF 2019
    Clip 7:03
    Everything You Need to Know for TIFF 2019
    How Edward Norton Relied on Alec Baldwin, Willem Dafoe, and Cherry Jones
    Full Episode 6:35
    How Edward Norton Relied on Alec Baldwin, Willem Dafoe, and Cherry Jones
    How Edward Norton Got Inspiration From Directors, Lawyers, and NBA Players
    Video 3:54
    How Edward Norton Got Inspiration From Directors, Lawyers, and NBA Players
    This Is What Happens When You Judge a Film by Its Logline
    Video 2:26
    This Is What Happens When You Judge a Film by Its Logline

    Photos389

    Edward Norton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Seth Rogen at an event for Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Edward Norton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw at an event for Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Willem Dafoe at an event for Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Edward Norton and Gugu Mbatha-Raw at an event for Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Willem Dafoe, Edward Norton, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw at an event for Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Willem Dafoe and Gugu Mbatha-Raw at an event for Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Willem Dafoe at an event for Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Willem Dafoe at an event for Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Bruce Willis, Alec Baldwin, Willem Dafoe, Edward Norton, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Edward Norton in Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
    Alec Baldwin and Edward Norton in Motherless Brooklyn (2019)

    Top cast

    Edit
    Edward Norton
    Edward Norton
    • Lionel Essrogas Lionel Essrog
    Gugu Mbatha-Raw
    Gugu Mbatha-Raw
    • Laura Roseas Laura Rose
    Alec Baldwin
    Alec Baldwin
    • Moses Randolphas Moses Randolph
    Willem Dafoe
    Willem Dafoe
    • Paul Randolphas Paul Randolph
    Bruce Willis
    Bruce Willis
    • Frank Minnaas Frank Minna
    Ethan Suplee
    Ethan Suplee
    • Gilbert Coneyas Gilbert Coney
    Cherry Jones
    Cherry Jones
    • Gabby Horowitzas Gabby Horowitz
    Bobby Cannavale
    Bobby Cannavale
    • Tony Vermonteas Tony Vermonte
    Dallas Roberts
    Dallas Roberts
    • Danny Fantlas Danny Fantl
    Josh Pais
    Josh Pais
    • William Liebermanas William Lieberman
    Radu Spinghel
    • Giant Manas Giant Man
    Fisher Stevens
    Fisher Stevens
    • Louas Lou
    Peter Gray Lewis
    Peter Gray Lewis
    • Mayoras Mayor
    • (as Peter Lewis)
    Robert Wisdom
    Robert Wisdom
    • Billy Roseas Billy Rose
    • (as Robert Ray Wisdom)
    Michael Kenneth Williams
    Michael Kenneth Williams
    • Trumpet Manas Trumpet Man
    Isaiah J. Thompson
    • King Rooster Piano Playeras King Rooster Piano Player
    Russell Hall
    • King Rooster Bassistas King Rooster Bassist
    Joe Farnsworth
    • King Rooster Drummeras King Rooster Drummer
    • Director
      • Edward Norton
    • Writers
      • Edward Norton(written for the screen by)
      • Jonathan Lethem(from the novel by)
    • All cast & crew
    • See more cast details at IMDbPro

    Storyline

    Edit
    Set against the backdrop of 1950s New York, "Motherless Brooklyn" follows Lionel Essrog (Norton), a lonely private detective afflicted with Tourette's Syndrome, as he ventures to solve his friend's murder. Armed only with a few clues and the powerful engine of his obsessive mind, Lionel unravels closely-guarded secrets that hold the fate of the whole city in the balance. —Warner Bros.
    neo noirjazz musicbased on noveldetectivetourette syndrome196 more
    • Plot summary
    • Plot synopsis
    • Genres
      • Crime
      • Drama
      • Mystery
    • Certificate
      • 15
    • Parents guide

    Did you know

    Edit
    • Trivia
      Edward Norton met and consulted many members of the Tourette's Association of America to prepare for the role. The film has received approval from the organization as well.
    • Goofs
      When Lionel enters the club at night to find a dead body, we can see two crew members and boom mics on the left side.
    • Quotes

      Lionel Essrog: But there's no upside in lyin' to a woman who's smarter than you, so, I told her the truth.

    • Crazy credits
      Shauna Lyn... this is yours as much as mine.
    • Connections
      Featured in CTV News at 11:30 Toronto: Episode dated 10 September 2019 (2019)
    • Soundtracks
      Daily Battles
      Written by Thom Yorke

      Performed by Thom Yorke and Flea (as Michael Balzary)

    User reviews429

    Review
    Top review
    Edward the Great
    After the end of this film, I was very grateful to Edward Norton. For the wise craft of each piece of the film. For atmosphere, music, cast, for the story and , sure , the New York of 1950. And for his Lionel Essrog. A seductive film for details, performances and for something defining a fine director. Sure, many lines of plot, to generous perspective and the end as a sort of compromise. But the good use of Alec Baldwin, Bruce Willis and Willem Dafoe is just a noble virtue. Not ignoring the job of Edward Dafoe himself and good jazz, smart use of interracial problems, the abuses for urban solutions and the reasonable solution for a delicate case. So, very subjective, a film reminding the art of Edward the Great.
    helpful•10
    4
    • Kirpianuscus
    • Mar 11, 2021

    FAQ2

    • Surely Tom Waits the news stand owner at 35mins 35 sec...?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • December 6, 2019 (United Kingdom)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Official sites
      • Isputlockers [usa]
      • Official Facebook
    • Languages
      • English
      • French
    • Also known as
      • Khu Mồ Côi Brooklyn
    • Filming locations
      • Washington Square Park, Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA
    • Production companies
      • Warner Bros. Pictures
      • Class 5 Films
      • MWM Studios
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

    Edit
    • Budget
      • $26,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $9,277,736
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $3,500,454
      • Nov 3, 2019
    • Gross worldwide
      • $18,477,736
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Technical specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      2 hours 24 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • Dolby Digital
    • Aspect ratio
      • 1.85 : 1

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