“Mr. Brooks”
Director Bruce A. Evans
MGM
(Out Of 5)
Earl Brooks seems like a great guy. That is, until his alter ego, Marshall, convinces him to satisfy his addiction to murder. And it sure doesn’t take much to sway Mr. Brooks.
After a two-year homicide hiatus, he gravely enters his hidden lair ““ equipped with a closet of identical black suits and an incinerator for burning the evidence ““ dons his killer clothing, and pulls out a plastic-covered handgun.
Moments like these remind us just how bad this guy really is. Strangely enough, reminders are needed ““ because aside from being a sociopath, Mr. Brooks (Kevin Costner) seems so … normal. The character’s uncanny ability to hide his “problem” reflects Costner’s commendable versatility as an actor.
Brooks’ intimate one-on-one talks with Marshall (William Hurt) and his daughter win him the viewers’ sympathy. It is a great feat to portray a character who is stalking his potential victims one minute and caressing his wife the next, and yet remains relatable to the very end. Working together, Costner and Hurt are able to pull off this duality of personality.
Marshall, derisive and domineering, provides the perfect contrast to Mr. Brooks’ ruthless but initially reluctant behavior. The alter ego, with his pale face reflected in Mr. Brooks’ rearview mirror, seems evil at first. However, the development of the bond between the two suggests otherwise. The actors work exceptionally well together ““ the laughs and hugs they share provide some of the most engaging moments of the film.
Demi Moore (who plays Detective Tracy Atwood), although involved in an unneeded subplot involving another murderer, benefits the plot with her role as a fiery heroine.
Unfortunately Dane Cook, as Mr. Smith (a man who catches Mr. Brooks in the act), is unable to rid himself of some of the same goof that defines his humor as a comedian.
The lighthearted undertones that accompanies the murderous events are perhaps the most eerie moments in the film. Marshall and Mr. Brooks laugh hardily in reference to a murderous scheme. Mr. Smith reacts to witnessing a murder like a kid reacts to a candy store. Murder is not taken nearly seriously enough, but that’s what makes the film as disturbing as it is.
When the audience is chilled after laughing along with the murderer(s), that’s when “Mr. Brooks” has achieved its goal.