In an interview with Kyle Meredith, Edward Norton delves into the intricate process of bringing his film Motherless Brooklyn to life—a project that has been a passion of his for over 20 years. Set in 1950s New York, Motherless Brooklyn tells the story of a private detective with Tourette syndrome, portrayed by Norton himself. The film is based on Jonathan Lethem’s 1999 novel but is transposed into a noir setting that amplifies its emotional and social undercurrents.
Norton, who is celebrated not only as an actor but also as a director, producer, and writer, took on multiple roles in this film. He wrote the screenplay, directed the movie, and played the lead role. Norton’s career is marked by his versatility and commitment to complex characters, as seen in Primal Fear, American History X, and Fight Club. His work on Motherless Brooklyn is no exception, embodying the film’s exploration of identity, power, and corruption.
Music plays a pivotal role in Motherless Brooklyn, and Norton carefully crafted the film’s soundscape to match its period setting. He discusses his collaboration with jazz legend Wynton Marsalis, who curated an authentic jazz soundtrack that reflects the era’s hard bop movement. Norton chose jazz not only for its historical accuracy but also for its metaphorical resonance with the protagonist’s mind—a chaotic yet harmonious internal world. The score, composed by Daniel Pemberton, weaves in these jazz elements with a more traditional noir feel, creating an atmosphere that is both nostalgic and innovative.
One of the standout aspects of the soundtrack is the original song “Daily Battles,” a haunting piece created by Thom Yorke of Radiohead and Flea of the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Norton shares how this collaboration came about, emphasizing how Yorke’s ability to capture both personal and societal anxiety perfectly complements the film’s tone. The song serves as a thematic anchor, bridging the traditional jazz elements with a more contemporary sound, mirroring the film’s blend of classic noir with modern sensibilities.
The actor also touches on the broader thematic concerns of the film, including its exploration of power dynamics in a rapidly changing New York City. The character’s journey through the city’s underbelly mirrors the larger social and political upheavals of the time, making Motherless Brooklyn a layered narrative that resonates on multiple levels.
In the interview, Norton reflects on the joys and challenges of directing, especially when working with artists he admires, like Yorke and Marsalis, expressing a deep sense of fulfillment in being able to merge his love of film with his passion for music, creating a piece of art that is as sonically rich as it is visually and narratively compelling.
Listen to the interview above and then check out the trailer below.
