Norman

Norman is a captivating drama from 2016 directed and written by Joseph Cedar, a prominent Israeli filmmaker appreciated for his deft storytelling skills and insights into the human psyche. In this cinematically enchanting drama, audiences are privileged to watch performances from a stellar ensemble including Richard Gere, Lior Ashkenazi, Michael Sheen, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Steve Buscemi, and others.

Richard Gere, with his versatile talent, plays the role of Norman Oppenheimer, the lead character and the beating heart of the movie. Norman is a New York fixer, a middleman, an ambitious opportunist struggling to make his mark in the world of high finance while appearing more successful than he truly is. He's a loner, navigating life's complications while guarding his mysterious past which he expertly conceals beneath a slick exterior. Gere brings this tantalizing, complex character to life with his nuanced acting skills, injecting a perfectly balanced touch of empathy into the role.

A pivotal point in the narrative is Norman's chance meeting with Micha Eshel, a charismatic Israeli politician portrayed remarkably by Lior Ashkenazi. The encounter leads to a friendly gesture from Norman, a relatively simple act that sets the wheel of fate in motion. When Eshel becomes the Prime Minister of Israel three years later, Norman finds himself in the unanticipated position of having a genuine connection to a world leader.

However, Norman's seat on the outskirts of the political power circle is double-edged. He finds himself grappling with the complex mechanics of political power, and the blessing becomes a kind of curse as his relationships and individuality are tested in unexpected ways. Simultaneously, he stands on the precipice of influential business magnates, who are as exploitative as they are powerful.

Michael Sheen effectively complements the narrative by embodying the role of Norman's nephew Philip Cohen. He mirrors certain traits of his uncle -- precariousness mingled with a sense of hopefulness, a life on the brink of existential crisis, yet stubbornly optimistic. Charlotte Gainsbourg as Alex Green, an investigator, and Steve Buscemi as Rabbi Blumenthal add to the film's compelling narrative framework.

Joseph Cedar commands the storytelling in a way that the audience is always contemplating the probability of Norman's schemes and the authenticity of his connections, while also raising relevant questions about the nature of political and financial power. From meeting in the private rooms of New York’s financial elite to interacting with Israeli political figures, Cedar takes us on a unique viewing journey that is not only thought-provoking but filled with suspense.

The cinematography and editing styles contribute to the dynamic pacing of the film. The visual strategy is utilized to mirror the intricate workings of Norman's mind. The narrative is further imbued with a sense of realism due to the excellent location choices, which capture the duality of Norman's world perfectly.

With Cedar's distinctive directing style, the film vividly depicts human vulnerability, ambition, and the immense strain of political machinations. The screenplay showcases Cedar's understanding of human nature, his wit and wisdom, rendering the movie as a psychological drama filled with rich dialogues and a powerful narration.

The soundtrack admirably compliments the plot, contributing to the overall dramatic mood of the movie. The amalgamation of sound, visuals, and performances make for a visible pathway into the inner world of Norman, an opportunist whose story unravels intimately and vividly on the screen.

Norman is a splendid example of character-driven storytelling that simultaneously delivers box-office entertainment and intellectual contemplation. This enchanting drama comes packaged with an inspection of the human condition through Norman's caricature, the highs and lows, his desperation, his longing, the simultaneous frailty, and resilience shown in his unpredictable journey.

In conclusion, Norman allows the audiences a peek into the life of a man perpetually operating on the brink of success, yet constantly tripping over his own frailties. This film presents a thought-provoking portrayal of manipulation and survival, where every decision entails a repercussion. Undeniably, Norman is a brilliantly weaved narrative that combines high-performance drama with an engaging plot. It's a film that not only explores the political landscape and economic factor, but also delves deep into human nature and perseverance.