Synopsis

Earl Brooks is a respected Portland businessman, devoted husband, and recovering addict. His addiction, however, is murder, encouraged by his sinister alter ego, Marshall. After killing a young couple, Brooks is blackmailed by an amateur photographer who wants to join him. As Detective Tracy Atwood closes in and Brooks confronts his daughter's disturbing behavior, he struggles to protect his family while concealing his crimes.

Factoids & Trivia

• Although the story is set in Portland, Oregon, the film was shot primarily in and around Shreveport, Louisiana. Production used rain on streets and windows, carefully selected locations, and mostly nighttime exteriors to create the Pacific Northwest atmosphere.

• Cinematographer John Lindley used contrasting visual styles for Brooks' two lives. His public world was photographed with warmer tones, while the murder sequences employed harsher contrast and less fill light.

• Several scenes between Brooks and Marshall were filmed on a specially constructed two-story set beside Brooks' house. The set was built for key interior sequences involving the character's psychological alter ego.

• The screenplay was written by Bruce A. Evans and Raynold Gideon, whose earlier screenwriting collaborations included "Starman" and "Stand by Me."

• The filmmakers originally envisioned "Mr. Brooks" as the first film in a trilogy. No full scripts or treatments for the proposed sequels were completed, but one planned storyline would have involved Brooks joining forces with Detective Atwood after his wife and daughter were kidnapped.

• Ramin Djawadi composed the score, which was released as a soundtrack album on May 22, 2007. The album also includes "Vicious Traditions" by The Veils.

• The film earned approximately $48.4 million worldwide against a reported $20 million production budget, making it a modest commercial success but not enough to launch the planned series.