James Metcalf on the fictionality of the latest archaeological page-turners
Stephen Puddicombe looks at the unusual appeal of Samuel Beckett's Waiting for Godot
Ciaran Rafferty investigates the science of book classification
As the tagline suggests, Earl Brooks (Kevin Costner) does appear to have everything, and everything to lose. His addiction to killing, which he constantly needs to satisfy, means his public life as a successful business man and loving father is in jeopardy. On the night we meet him, he has been ‘clean’ for two years, but is tempted to return to his secret life as the ‘Thumbprint Killer’. Costner, in an uncharacteristic role, takes the lead wonderfully, complemented by his alter ego, Marshall (William Hurt). Marshall is the manifestation of the dark side of his psyche, and represents the deliciously uncompromised instinct to kill; the very part of himself that Earl is trying to suppress.
Costner’s character provides an interesting insight into the mind of a serial killer, and the audience may even feel certain empathy towards him. Whilst he is a brutal and ruthless killer, he remains rational, cautious, and meticulous in keeping his murders a secret in order to protect his family.
Costner, in an uncharacteristic role, takes the lead wonderfully, complemented by his alter ego, Marshall
The proverbial spanner in the works is Mr Smith (Dane Cook), a peeping tom who stumbles upon Earl’s twisted secret. Without giving too much away, Mr Smith becomes deeply involved, and Cook plays him beautifully as a fragile yet disturbed soul.
Demi Moore plays the rather stereotyped Detective Tracy Atwood, assigned to the ‘Thumbprint Killer’ case. Her scenes are a little flat and lack the exuberant tension of the rest of the film. Frankly, she adds no real substance, to the point of being completely superfluous, apart from providing the obligatory police presence.
During the film, it emerges that Earl’s daughter, played by Danielle Panabaker, may be afflicted by the same ‘disease’ as her father. This subplot adds depth both to the storyline and to the emotional side of Mr. Brooks. He clearly loves his family and will do anything to protect them; as we see in the brilliant cliff-hanger.
Finally, the soundtrack of this film should not be ignored. Written by Ramin Djawadi, it’s gorgeous, brooding, and consistently adds to the atmosphere of every scene. It even features a fantastic track by The Veils, ‘Vicious Traditions’. If you don’t manage to catch the film, at least give the soundtrack a listen.
Catch Mr Brooks now at VUE, Clifton Moor Centre.
You must log in to submit a comment.
