Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer
Sony Pictures Classics | Release Date: April 14, 2017
6.2
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 29 Ratings
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Mixed:
11
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4
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9
BHBarryApr 16, 2017
“Norman-The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer” stars Richard Gere who plays the title role in this film from Israeli born writer and director Joseph Cedar. The “spoiler” title tells a lot of what this movie is about but it is“Norman-The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer” stars Richard Gere who plays the title role in this film from Israeli born writer and director Joseph Cedar. The “spoiler” title tells a lot of what this movie is about but it is indeed much more. Reaching beyond his traditional roles, Mr. Gere, in exemplary fashion, portrays the part of Norman Oppenheimer, a self-styled consultant/businessman who knows someone who knows someone else who knows another who can get you the contacts or deals you are seeking. The film takes us into the inner workings of smart east coast investors to the chambers and offices of the Israeli Knesset, its cabinet and its Prime Minister, and how Norman, by conniving and sheer “chutzpah”, interacts with them all. For those familiar with Yiddish parlance, he would be commonly referred to as a “macher”, or in English, an influential guy with great connections. The interesting point in the casting is that the actors portraying the Israeli members of the cast are, in fact, Israeli, but the other Jewish roles, including Norman, are played by non-Jewish performers such as Michael Sheen, as Norman’s nephew, and Steve Buscemi, as Norman’s rabbi. Make no mistake, this film is more universal in its appeal than the semitic nature of its script would imply for it deals with drama, political intrigue, thrills and a story that will keep the viewer interested, on edge and appreciative of a well performed and well written motion picture. I give the film a 9 snd, as Norman himself might say, “try it, you’ll like it”… Expand
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7
StevieGJDMay 3, 2017
The title of "Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer" is both misleading, while at the same time too revealing. The movie is well made and well acted. There are moments of wry humor and moments of sweet charm. It isThe title of "Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer" is both misleading, while at the same time too revealing. The movie is well made and well acted. There are moments of wry humor and moments of sweet charm. It is categorized as a drama/thriller in Metacritic, which it most certainly is not. There is not a single moment of thriller here. And while there is drama, it is counterbalanced by a sweet comedic tone. Richard Gere is quite good in the title role, in a part where he is on the screen 95% of the film. He is charming and folksy, as well as annoying at times. But that is who Norman is. Steve Buscemi is great as Norman's Rabbi and possibly only confidante. There are numerous other very good performances by other Israeli actors. The direction and pacing are first rate by Isreali Director Joseph Cedar. What I didn't like about the movie was how obvious both one of the storylines (with Charlotte Gainsbourg as Alex, a prosecutor working at the Isreali embassy) and the end were. Norman's meeting with Alex is near the middle of the film and you immediately know how it is going to play out. I kept hoping I was wrong. But it just kept coming. As to the end, when it becomes obvious that there is only one way for things to work out, we still have 15-20 minutes of getting there, which led to an otherwise very good movie just being pretty good. I kept hoping that all this lead up was going to lead to a twist, but alas it does not. Still it was worth seeing and I liked it. With all the great acting and direction here, it could have been great.… Expand
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9
FuturedirectorAug 2, 2017
Witty, gorgeously directed, and nicely acted, Norman: The Moderate Rise and Tragic Fall of a New York Fixer is a nice welcome picture in Richard Gere's reputation.
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8
RAISEDbyWOLVESMay 26, 2017
Richard Gere is Norman. That's about all you need to recommend this film. Norman forces his way into people's lives with his only reason being he wants to do you a favor and make himself valuable. i think i would equate him to a wart. But aRichard Gere is Norman. That's about all you need to recommend this film. Norman forces his way into people's lives with his only reason being he wants to do you a favor and make himself valuable. i think i would equate him to a wart. But a lovable wart.When he befriends a low level Israeli politician and in trying to ingratiate himself, buys him a pair of shoes, an $1100 pair of shoes, the politician, 3 years later, is now the Prime Minister of Israel and Norman and he are reunited.But Norman gets caught up in intrigue as the opponents of the P.M. try to oust him for his stand of compromise with all. Gere will get at least a Golden Globe nomination and the P.M.(Lior Ashkenazi) was brilliant.… Expand
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7
JLuis_001Dec 26, 2018
Very good. At last, after a while, an intelligent film.
Good argument, good photography, good direction and the always good performance and presence of Richard Gere.

Highly recommended.
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10
marynycNov 15, 2017
As a writer and a student of New York, I adore this film. It is superbly written. Richard Gere and the supporting cast are excellent. When Norman wangles his way into sitting next to the attractive young lawyer on the train and she identifiesAs a writer and a student of New York, I adore this film. It is superbly written. Richard Gere and the supporting cast are excellent. When Norman wangles his way into sitting next to the attractive young lawyer on the train and she identifies her job, and he blithely goes ahead explaining his "business" by drawing a diagram on her yellow pad—I am yelling, "Stop! Norman! you didn't listen to what her job is, you should know better than to try to impress her with your connection to the Prime Minister, eeeek!" Total enjoyment!… Expand
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9
vkiliarisApr 12, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. A story on the give and take in politics, economics and interpersonal relations, i.e., Praxis as a behaviour of exchanging as more favours as possible and their potential outcomes based on probabilities.… Expand
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