Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer

Israeli writer-director Joseph Cedar (Footnote) makes his English language debut with Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer, the darkly quirky story of a mysterious political grubber named Norman Oppenheimer. Richard Gere plays Norman, once again collaborating with executive producer Oren Moverman (The Dinner), and once again delivering a fussy and tic-heavy performance, although here at least his actor-ly affectations fit the character. Desperate to make a big deal and willing to take any ethical or factual shortcuts in the process, Norman attaches himself to an Israeli politician on the rise, eventually weaving a spider web of “small favors” that threatens to bring both men down. Norman is an epic chamber drama, largely performed through pleading phone calls and manufactured chance encounters, although the film is ultimately more admirable than engrossing. The impressive supporting cast includes Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi, Dan Stevens and Charlotte Gainsbourg. D.B.