Normal: A Gritty, Fun, Action-Packed Thrill Ride
The cinematic landscape is often punctuated by films that defy easy categorization, blending genres to create unique viewing experiences. "Normal," the latest offering from director Ben Wheatley, starring Bob Odenkirk, Henry Winkler, and Lena Headey, emerges as precisely such a film. Described as a dark comedy, it delivers a potent cocktail of gritty realism, high-octane action, and unexpected humor, all set against the seemingly idyllic backdrop of a small Minnesota town. While not taking itself overly seriously, the film’s narrative is anchored by strong performances, particularly from Odenkirk, who continues to solidify his reputation as a compelling lead in the action-thriller genre.
The film’s audacious opening sequence immediately signals its departure from conventional storytelling. Set in Tokyo, the narrative plunges viewers into a stark and brutal scene. Three men, clearly having incurred the wrath of a powerful Yakuza overlord, are subjected to a brutal ultimatum: sever a portion of a finger as penance for their failures, or face severe consequences. Two comply, their grim determination palpable. The third, however, refuses, leading to his swift and violent execution by sword. The surviving men, bearing their self-inflicted mutilation, are then dispatched to the remote, unassuming town of Normal, Minnesota, setting the stage for an international confluence of crime and desperation.
This jarring introduction transitions to the perspective of Ulysses Richardson, portrayed by Bob Odenkirk. Through a series of voice-over messages to his estranged wife, Ulysses reveals his reluctant acceptance of an interim sheriff position in Normal. The previous sheriff’s untimely demise has created a vacuum, and Ulysses, grappling with his own past moral quandaries and marital strife, sees this posting as a potential refuge, a chance for a quiet reset. However, the tranquility of Normal proves to be a carefully constructed facade.
Ulysses’s initial foray into his new role is marked by the mundane, yet subtly unsettling, realities of small-town law enforcement. His first day involves a trivial dispute over a parking violation, a minor incident that nonetheless highlights the town’s unusual approach to order. The recipient of a ticket, humorously inscribed with the directive "Park Better," finds the interaction amusing, a foreshadowing of the town’s peculiar brand of normalcy. Accompanying him is Deputy Mike Nelson, played by Billy MacLellan, whose folksy demeanor and squeaky leather jacket provide a touch of comedic relief amidst the unfolding tension.
Upon arriving at the sparsely equipped police station, Ulysses discovers anomalies that quickly raise his suspicions. The death certificate of his predecessor is noted for its unusual circumstances, and the armory, remarkably extensive for such a small community, is left unsecured. He also encounters Deputy Blaine Anderson, portrayed by Ryan Allen, a character who harbors ambitions for the sheriff’s position, setting up an immediate professional rivalry.
The film further deepens its intrigue during a funeral reception for the former sheriff, hosted at his residence. Mayor Kibner, embodied by the ever-charismatic Henry Winkler, subtly hints at the possibility of Ulysses securing the permanent sheriff role, suggesting a level of political maneuvering beneath the surface of grief. A conversation with Dr. Walter Vilie (David Lawrence Brown), the physician who signed the death certificate, reveals the peculiar state in which the deceased lawman was found: clad only in his underwear, holding a fishing pole in the snow. This detail, bordering on the absurd, fuels Ulysses’s growing unease.
Adding another layer to the unfolding mystery is Alex, the deceased sheriff’s daughter, played by Jess McLeod. Ulysses observes her contentious exchange with Blaine in the parking area, noting her military background through photographic evidence. This suggests that Alex possesses skills and knowledge that may be crucial to understanding the events unfolding in Normal.
The narrative takes a significant turn with the appearance of Lori (Reena Jolly) and her companion Keith (Brendan Fletcher) at the local motel. Their attempt to access a vending machine leads to a comical, yet telling, interaction with Ulysses, where his intervention inadvertently forces their hand. Later that day, a bank alarm shrieks, drawing the attention of the entire town. Lori and Keith are revealed as the perpetrators of a botched robbery, their initial objective for cash yielding meager results, prompting them to demand access to the bank vault.
As Ulysses arrives at the scene, preparing to confront the robbers, he is met with a shocking betrayal. Blaine opens fire, attempting to eliminate Ulysses, forcing the interim sheriff to seek cover. Simultaneously, one of the Yakuza operatives, present as a security guard, incapacitates Keith. This escalating chaos ignites a series of critical questions: What lies within the bank vault that has drawn such dangerous attention? Why are Ulysses’s own officers turning against him? And what is the true connection between the Yakuza syndicate and the seemingly placid town of Normal?
The film’s success lies in its masterful execution of dark comedy, a tone established from the opening scenes in Tokyo. The juxtaposition of extreme violence with the banality of everyday life creates a potent, often hilarious, contrast. The town of Normal, far from being a typical rural enclave, harbors a deep, dangerous secret, and its citizens, despite their unassuming appearances, are entangled in a complex web of illicit activities. The film cleverly plays on the element of surprise, with assassination attempts often thwarted by sheer ineptitude and unfortunate circumstances, adding to the comedic effect. Ulysses, positioned as a moral anchor, remains steadfast against the pervasive corruption, a trait that makes him a relatable and compelling protagonist.
The action sequences are a standout feature, characterized by their inventive choreography and over-the-top execution. The film leverages a diverse arsenal of weaponry, contributing to spectacular, and often explosive, set pieces. A memorable kitchen scene showcases the surprisingly effective and humorous use of everyday cutlery as implements of combat.
Beyond the action and dark humor, "Normal" excels in its character development. The inhabitants of Normal are portrayed as quirky, relatable individuals, embodying the essence of small-town life. Their transformation from seemingly ordinary citizens to participants in clandestine operations is handled with a nuanced touch, evoking a sense of pity rather than outright condemnation, as they are revealed to be in over their heads. Even the bank robbers, Lori and Keith, are afforded moments of humanity, their actions stemming from desperation rather than malice, mirroring the predicament of the townsfolk. This underlying humanity provides a crucial grounding, lending a semblance of believability to the increasingly absurd plot.
The film’s production notes reveal a meticulous attention to detail, particularly in its depiction of the environment. The weather itself becomes a character, with the decision on the type of snow to be used during a pivotal blizzard requiring careful consideration. To overcome the limitations of real-world weather conditions, a studio version of Normal was constructed, allowing for precise control over the cinematic environment.
Bob Odenkirk’s performance as Ulysses Richardson is a cornerstone of the film’s success. Building on his acclaimed roles in the "Nobody" franchise, Odenkirk once again embodies the "everyman" character with remarkable authenticity. His voice-over narration, oscillating between mundane observations and heartfelt reflections, effectively conveys Ulysses’s internal struggles and his determination to navigate the perilous circumstances. The lingering impact of a past incident, which led him to leave his previous profession, subtly informs his present actions, emphasizing his practical approach and inherent common sense, making him a character the audience readily roots for.
While Odenkirk commands the majority of the screen time, the supporting cast delivers performances that significantly enhance the film’s overall impact. Billy MacLellan’s portrayal of Deputy Mike Nelson, initially appearing as a simple, well-meaning deputy, evolves into a nuanced performance, hinting at a deeper awareness of the town’s secrets. Ryan Allen’s Deputy Blaine Anderson transitions from an arrogant antagonist to a more complex, redeemable figure. Jess McLeod imbues Alex with a subtle blend of grief and anger, hinting at her inner turmoil. Henry Winkler, as Mayor Kibner, provides his signature charm and gravitas, perfectly fitting the role of a small-town leader with hidden depths. Reena Jolly and Brendan Fletcher, as the bank robbers, also earn audience sympathy through their believable portrayal of desperate individuals caught in an escalating crisis.
The screenplay, penned by Derek Kolstad, is a testament to clever and inventive storytelling. It seamlessly weaves together elements of action, unexpected plot twists, and compelling character arcs, resulting in an engaging and entertaining viewing experience. The film’s description as a "Western" by some production notes, while acknowledging the presence of showdowns, doesn’t fully capture the genre-bending nature of the narrative, which leans more towards a modern crime thriller with a darkly comedic edge.
"Normal" is not a film for young children, given its explicit depiction of violence. However, for adult audiences and teenagers, it offers a thrilling and darkly humorous journey through a town where nothing is as it seems. The film’s ability to blend extreme violence with laugh-out-loud moments, coupled with strong performances and a tightly woven plot, cements its status as a standout entry in the action-comedy genre.
The film’s implications extend beyond its immediate narrative. It serves as a cautionary tale about the hidden undercurrents that can exist beneath the surface of seemingly ordinary communities, and the universal human struggle to maintain integrity in the face of overwhelming corruption and danger. The Yakuza’s involvement suggests a broader criminal network, hinting at a larger, more complex criminal underworld that Normal has inadvertently become a part of. The film’s success also underscores the continued appeal of Bob Odenkirk as a leading man in action-oriented roles, demonstrating his versatility and ability to connect with audiences through complex, relatable characters.
In conclusion, "Normal" is a meticulously crafted film that delivers on its promise of a gritty, fun, and action-packed thrill ride. Its ability to balance intense action with dark humor, while exploring themes of corruption, desperation, and the search for normalcy, makes it a compelling and memorable cinematic experience.
Rating: Four out of five stars.
