Motherless Brooklyn (2019)

I do not know why this got mixed reviews, but I think it is a terrific movie.  Populated by great actors and the pace and content of the screenplay are outstanding.  It is a who done it and why look at New York City Board Authority corruption.  Edward Norton wrote, directed, and acted in this adaption of Jonathan Lethem’s bestseller about an unlikely New York private detective with Tourette syndrome. He moved it back in time to 1957, which apparently upset those who are attached to the book, and splashed his film noir with period details.
Norton brings all his considerable talents to the role of Lionel Essrog, a rebel gumshoe plagued with involuntary tics that cause him to blink, jerk his head, and blurt out words he doesn’t intend to say, like tits. He is pitch perfect in his portrayal.  This leads to him being underestimated by strangers who have no idea about his photographic memory or how expert his mind is at untangling the puzzles the world puts before him.  He goes about uncovering a huge scandal while trying to avenge the death of his friend and protector, and falls for the girl.  Very well done.