Cashing In!
Modern politics get raked over the coals in Norman. Perfect timing with the current British Columbia and Great Britain elections now in full bloom comes this savvy flick from Mongrel Media now seeking your votes at the Fifth Avenue Cinemas. Much a labour of love gathered here are some top line actors seemingly yakking it up at government expense. Share in the joy.
Front and centre in this black comedy are a shady New Yorker and an obscure Israeli politician. No one seems to take much stock of the rather restless Norman Oppenheimer. Here Effective casting sees Richard Gere come on strong as the ultimate wannabe Wall Street huckster. Too bad that Woody Allenesque approach seems to rub many people the wrong way. This is the type of guy who in a harmless sort of way manages to get in your face – although in a nice sort of way. Norman is the poster child for invading one’s own personal space.
Sheer luck sees the mensch meet Eshel , an up and coming Israeli politician played with convincing zeal by Lior Ashkenazi. Strange things can happen in The world of politics, as in life, so when Eshel becomes the Prime Minister it opens up a whole set of doors and can of worms for Norman and friends.
Mostly a vanity project Norman offers some real good campy performances and may be inspired in parts by bribery scandals that have plagued leaders in the land of milk and honey in the past as well as other world leaders. Somewhat of a guilty pleasure it’s fun to watch this wacky nudnik ply his trade. Among those crossing this well-meaning (?) vagabond’s path include first rate actors like Michael Sheen, Steve Buscemi and Hank Azaria. Fans of politics, business and money may like this insight into the messed-up mind of a delusional manipulator and scammer par excellence. Sounds like most politicians when you peel away the veneer
