Motherless Brooklyn

A 2019 American neo-noir crime film directed by Edward Norton, who also served as the screenwriter and producer. The plot is based on Jonathan Lethem's 1999 novel of the same name, but the setting is shifted to 1957 New York City. The story centers on private detective Lionel Essrog (Edward Norton), who suffers from Tourette's syndrome, manifesting in uncontrollable tics and compulsive word repetitions. Despite this, Lionel possesses a brilliant mind and photographic memory, making him a valuable asset to the detective agency led by his mentor and only friend, Frank Minna (Bruce Willis). When Frank is mysteriously killed during an investigation, Lionel resolves to solve the crime on his own. Delving into the case, he encounters corrupt politician Moses Randolph (Alec Baldwin), who controls urban development and resident displacement, as well as his brother, architect Paul (Willem Dafoe), who seeks to expose Moses's schemes. Lionel connects with activist Laura Rose (Gugu Mbatha-Raw), fighting for the rights of African American communities threatened by Randolph's plans. Unraveling the web of intrigue, Lionel discovers links between Frank's death and the city's corrupt practices, risking his own life in pursuit of the truth. The film explores themes of social injustice, corruption, and personal struggles with inner demons, creating the atmosphere of classic noir with contemporary depth in characters and plot.