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When discussing The Black List, several concepts come to mind, particularly in the realms of television and cinema. Many people might recall James Spader’s acclaimed NBC series that debuted in 2013. Others, particularly in documentary circles, might think of the film interview series The Black List that aired on HBO in years past. However, the term also holds significant weight in Hollywood. It was introduced over two decades ago by Franklin Leonard, then a development executive, and refers to a curated list showcasing screenplays recognized by over 500 studio and production company executives as the “most-liked” but yet-to-be-produced works.
This prestigious list has historically featured notable films, such as The Menu, which was included in 2019 and saw its release in 2022, and Challengers, which came out in 2024. Despite being a valuable resource for studios and an enticing source for film enthusiasts, inclusion on this list does not guarantee commercial success. A prime example of this is Mark Wahlberg’s 2013 film, Broken City.
Broken City, which graced The Black List in 2008 alongside titles like Inglourious Basterds and Sherlock Holmes, possesses an intriguing backstory. Mandate Pictures, now merged with Lionsgate, acquired the screenplay penned by Brian Tucker earlier that year. The company teamed up with Mr. Mudd, aiming to release one film annually. However, when their partnership dissolved for undisclosed reasons, Broken City languished in development hell for three years. It wasn’t until 2011 that Regency Enterprises, led by founder Arnon Milchan, sought to reenergize the project by emphasizing a desire for edgier films, drawing inspiration from renowned classics like Heat and L.A. Confidential. This pivot, however, did not translate successfully to the screen.
Mark Wahlberg Plays a Tangled Private Eye in ‘Broken City’
Release Date: January 18, 2013
Runtime: 109 minutes
A succinct synopsis of Broken City provided on its Black List entry declares: “A New York City private investigator gets sucked into a shady mayoral election.” In this narrative, Wahlberg portrays Billy Taggart, a former police officer turned private detective, while Crowe takes on the role of Mayor Nicholas Hostetler. Despite the commendation for the performances of both lead actors—something many reviews have acknowledged—the film’s narrative fails to deliver the expected dynamism. Taggart’s probe into an alleged affair involving the mayor’s wife traverses familiar territory, lacking the twists and intrigue one hopes for in a suspenseful thriller.
The film’s setting evokes a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of productions from the 1940s and 1950s, with scenes taking place in Hostetler’s dimly lit office and Taggart’s cluttered workspace. The pacing mirrors that of vintage crime dramas, creating a slower rhythm than more contemporary offerings, which may not appeal to every audience. Moreover, significant moments often end abruptly, halting the narrative at points that could have elevated the film’s tension.
While Wahlberg’s and Crowe’s performances manage to sustain a semblance of excitement leading to the climax, the film as a whole leaves crime genre enthusiasts yearning for more. Critics, including Robert Roeper, noted minimal entertainment value, characterizing the experience as “pretty trashy and sometimes stupid.”
‘Broken City’ Unsuccessfully Mixed Visual Looks
With an estimated production budget of $56 million, Broken City recouped less than half of its costs domestically. This less-than-stellar financial performance stood in stark contrast to Wahlberg’s earlier success with Contraband, which had been a hit just a year prior. The distinction likely lies in Contraband’s more forward-looking approach compared to Broken City’s attempt to mesh historical aesthetics with a modern storyline. Hollywood Reporter’s Emily Helwig suggested that the film might have resonated more strongly had it been framed as a period piece.
Upon reflection, it seems that screenwriter Brian Tucker had the opportunity to infuse the narrative with elements reminiscent of acclaimed films such as Gangster Squad or Public Enemies. While Broken City may have faltered at the box office, it certainly should not be dismissed outright. The screenplay had garnered substantial acclaim from studio executives for its potential to evoke classic suspense.
Ultimately, despite the attempts to invoke a nostalgic cinematic quality, the film did not achieve its ambitious goal. The combined talents of Wahlberg, Crowe, and Catherine Zeta-Jones couldn’t fully resurrect the spirit of a bygone era, making Broken City more of a casual viewing option than a blockbuster triumph. For those interested, Broken City is available for streaming on Tubi.
Source
movieweb.com