NORMAN
Norman Oppenheimer (Richard Gere) is a small time operator who befriends a young politician (Lior Ashkenazi) at a low point in his life. Three years later, when the politician becomes an influential world leader, Norman's life dramatically changes for better and worse.
Director:
Joseph Cedar
Cast:
Richard Gere, Lior Ashkenazi, Steve Buscemi
Screenplay:
Joseph Cedar
Screening Date:
Mar 25, 2017
Studio:
Sony Pictures Classics
Running Time:
117 minutes
| Excellent | Very Good | Good | Fair | Poor |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35.7% | 33.3% | 28.6% | 2.4% | 0.0% |
“Excellent.”
“I loved all the casting choices including the inclusion of Hank Azaria as Norman’s replacement! Loved this.”
“Well put together, intriguing film. Appropriate for our times and current political situation.”
“Unsettling. Hated him and felt sorry for him. As soon as Norman started with ‘I’ll help you’ etc. it made me think of the GODFATHER. Although I realize these favors - you scratch my back I’ll scratch yours - is part of politics worldwide in countries and cultures it is still unsettling. He’s not a fixer he’s a connector. What’s unsettling is how anti-Semitic people would use this against the Jews and Israel. Liked the camera shots a lot. The overhead after Norman meets the Prime Minister stops and you cut to individuals was riveting. Loved the side-by- side shots. Richard Gere does a terrific piece of acting. The pond with the Koi too obvious – ‘sleeping with the fishes’ references.”
“Fun, light hearted! Motto: virtue is its own punishment.”
“Easily the most original screenplay we’ve seen in a long time. Encompasses the complex case of a compulsive liar, but one seeking to do good, with national geopolitical implications. Bravo!”
“Just great! Very good comment on our times. Enjoyed it very much. Thank you.”
“A terrific cast and a great screenplay.”
“I wasn’t quite sure how much influence Norman had with the Prime Minister which seemed minimal. I understand the opposition just using him as a pawn, but he was so ineffectual he had nothing to hide. Doubtful a pair of shoes would have condemned them all but hey, it’s politics.”
“An interesting character casting of Gere makes Norman somewhat sad/repellent at same sympathetic to me. The open ended interchanges are very thought provoking.”
“So NYC! Cinematography was great. Cast was great but still just too long.”
“Congratulations Mr. Cedar for a great film and being a great guest, I love learning all the behind-the-scenes stories.”
“The best elements of a foreign film that’s not tied to stale stories or worn out plot conventions, but with a great cast, great production values and a totally unique screenplay.”
“I never liked people like Norman - a bullshitter, intruder, copier. A very interesting, complex, thoughtful film.”
“Richard Gere is great although he often slips into a very good Woody Allen impression.”
“Really smart screenplay and direction and editing. Loved the twists and was so caught up in how this would all resolve and untangle. Well done!”
“First part of the film was confusing needed clarity.”
“Loved it! Great casting.”
If you'd like to know more about the film...
Take a look at this interview in which director Joseph Cedar discusses his religious upbringing and his empathy for corrupt politicians: http://www.haaretz.com/life/film/.premium-1.776305
In an interview with The Jerusalem Post, actor Lior Ashkenazi talks about his portrayal of a corrupt politician in NORMAN and his general passion for acting. Read about it here: http://www.jpost.com/Israel-News/Culture/Lior-Ashkenazi-takes-a-look-at-...
Read this interesting article that mentions how Richard Gere chose to take on the lead role in this movie, and how he channeled his “inner schlub” to play Norman: http://jewishstandard.timesofisrael.com/richard-gere-on-channeling-his-i...
