Costner happy to subvert screen image

Mr Brooks is a fascinating study of a serial killer casting Kevin Costner against type as the eponymous family man tormented by murderous compulsions which have lain dormant for too long.

Evans and co-writer Raynold Gideon excise all dramatic fat, cranking up the suspense as the central protagonist heads for a tragic downfall.

To his family and friends, Earl Brooks (Kevin Costner) is the perfect husband and father, recently anointed Portland Chamber of Commerce’s man of the year.

However, Earl conceals a terrible secret: he is the notorious Thumbprint Killer, a serial murderer with a raging bloodlust, and a sardonic alter ego, Marshall (William Hurt), who stokes that desire for slaughter.

Earl’s adoring wife Emma (Marg Helgenberger) and daughter Jane (Danielle Panabaker) are completely oblivious to the cold-blooded killer in their home; they see only the kind, generous, bespectacled philanthropist and provider, who tenderly kisses them good night.

When photographer Mr Smith (Dane Cook) inadvertently snaps Earl committing his latest crime, the slaying of a couple in flagrante, the stranger blackmails the businessman.

“What I want is for you to take me with you when you kill someone. And I would like that to be soon.”

Earl has no choice but to agree to the demands and he begins to mentor Mr Smith, sharing the tricks of the trade: “You never kill someone you know. It’s the quickest way to get caught!”

Meanwhile, police detective Tracy Atwood (Demi Moore), who is currently mired in a messy divorce, and her partner Hawkins (Ruben Santiago-Hudson) begin to close in on Earl as their prime suspect. Costner brilliantly subverts his screen image as the all-American hero, verbally jousting with Hurt’s manipulative dark side.

“Why do you fight it so hard Earl?” ponders Marshall with devilish glee. “We are going to have so much fun!”

“This is the last time, Marshall,” replies Earl meekly. “Understand me, the very last time.”

Cook is solid as the opportunistic bystander, with twisted plans of his own for Earl. The tense game of cat and mouse between the killer and cops pales next to Earl’s hard fought internal battle with Marshall.

Eventually one side must prevail, but at whose expense?

Star rating H H H