Mr. Brooks

Mr. Brooks is a smart, strange psychological thriller told from the warped perspective of a serial killer. Though the premise may sound odd, the well-executed (pun intended) story and solid acting work together to create a dark, engaging film well worth the price of a rental. Earl Brooks (Kevin Costner) seems like a simple family man living an average life but underneath his regular guy exterior lurks the heart of a killer. After years of fighting his urge for murder by attending AA meetings, Brooks succumbs to his dark desire. Guided by his psychotic imaginary friend Marshall (William Hurt), Brooks stalks and butchers his prey. Unfortunately, the attack is witnessed by a voyeuristic neighbour (Dane Cook) and Brooks is soon being blackmailed, not for money but for lessons on how to become a serial killer. Portraying a sympathetic psychopath is not an easy task but Costner manages to create a complex character, one torn between his murderous compulsions and a desire to live a normal life. Hurt is outstanding as Brooks’s creepy alter ego Marshall, a sort of disturbed, invisible Jiminy Cricket who advises and manipulates Brooks like a devil on his shoulder. The DVD contains a standard commentary track and deleted scenes, as well as a "Writing of” feature with Bruce A. Evans and Reynold Gideon (both of Stand By Me fame), and a "Murder on the Minds” feature that attempts to delve further into the fictional psychology of the disturbed characters. Mr. Brooks is a unique film, featuring one of the creepiest anti-heroes in recent years, and is sure to generate mixed feelings for many viewers. The dark, unapologetic nature of this story is not for everyone but if you want something a little out of the ordinary, then this film is for you.