Norman (Richard Gere), a New York fixer, knows the right people and can get things done. His life dramatically changes after the young politician he befriended three years ago becomes Prime Minister of Israel.
"Norman" is a small character study of a classic wannabe - think "The King of Comedy," set in the world of Jewish politics - and when it gets bogged down in international intrigue it loses its way.
Continuing his run of terrific latter-career performances, Richard Gere shines as a shyster who politely lies and exaggerates his way through the New York business world.
Is Norman a macher, a schnorrer or a mensch? Thanks to the filmmaker's sensitive touch and Gere's sympathetic performance, he gets to be all three. And that calls for mazel tovs all around.
