‘Absolute power corrupts absolutely’ is a term easily applicable to ‘Broken City’s’ characters. Having massive influence becomes their main aphrodisiac to motivate them. ‘Broken City’ explores privileged denizens with a mostly fine cast increasing the tension as various shadowy power plays reach their conclusion.
Working as a private detective after being thrown out of the police force, Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg) tries re-establishing his life. This becomes difficult when he is hired by Mayor Nicholas Hostetler (Russell Crowe). Tasked with following Hostetler’s wife Cathleen (Catherine Zeta-Jones), Taggart soon discovers his easy-sounding assignment is full of danger. Slowly entangled in a murky world of dodgy business deals and deadly ruthlessness, he vows to uncover the truth whatever the cost.
Taking its cue from the film-noir motif ‘Broken City’ is just as perplexing. The main plot is engrossing with Crowe excelling himself as a mayor oozing charismatic menace. How his character uses people as puppets is fascinating with his off-siders mere players in his grand schemes. You almost start barracking for him such is the less than stellar performances of his co-stars. To be fair they seem as confused as viewers may be as needless sub-plots murky an initially solid premise.
Brian Tucker’s script could have been toned down in terms of being too clever by half. Thrillers should at least give audiences a chance to reach the solution with ‘Broken City’s’ unfocussed narrative diluting things. Its examination of the class warfare in which the protagonists engage is interesting even if this strand is quickly discarded. Thankfully Allen Hughes’ direction generally maintains momentum with the tense atmosphere often palatable. His eye for capturing the New York scenery is a plus with its dark street-scapes aiding the constant foreboding feel.
‘Broken City’ is a mid-range thriller which could have been better. Occasional enjoyment can be had with some of the performances as the line between villainy and heroism becoming as blurred as the waywardly written screenplay.
Movie Review Rating out of 10: 6
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
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