Broken City (2013) Official Trailer Description

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Broken City (2013), directed by Allen Hughes, is a neo-noir crime thriller that delves into corruption and betrayal in New York City. Released by 20th Century Fox, the film stars Mark Wahlberg, Russell Crowe, and Catherine Zeta-Jones. The official trailer, available on platforms like YouTube, encapsulates the film’s gritty tone and intense narrative. Below is a detailed description of the Broken City (2013) official trailer, its structure, and its impact, optimized for fans searching for this 2013 thriller.

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Trailer Overview

The Broken City official trailer, released by 20th Century Fox on October 25, 2012, runs for approximately 2 minutes and 24 seconds, as noted on YouTube. It opens with a moody montage of New York City’s skyline, shrouded in shadows, setting a gritty, noir atmosphere. A deep-voiced narrator or on-screen text introduces Billy Taggart (Mark Wahlberg), an ex-cop turned private detective, who is hired by Mayor Nicholas Hostetler (Russell Crowe) to investigate his wife’s (Catherine Zeta-Jones) suspected infidelity. The trailer quickly escalates, revealing a web of corruption, betrayal, and murder that engulfs Taggart.

The trailer emphasizes the power struggle between Taggart and Hostetler, with rapid cuts of urban chases, tense confrontations, and glimpses of incriminating documents. Hans Zimmer’s pulsating score amplifies the suspense, drawing viewers into a world where “everyone has a motive, and no one can be trusted,” as stated in promotional materials.

Why it works: The trailer’s fast-paced editing and stark visuals hook viewers by teasing a complex conspiracy while showcasing the star power of Wahlberg and Crowe.

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Key Scenes and Highlights

Based on sources like YouTube and Collider, the trailer includes several pivotal moments:

  • Taggart’s Introduction: The trailer opens with Mark Wahlberg’s Billy Taggart in a dimly lit office, narrating his fall from grace as a cop after a controversial shooting. A flashback shows him in a courtroom, hinting at his arrest for murdering Mikey Tavarez, setting up his quest for redemption.

  • Mayor’s Offer: Russell Crowe’s Mayor Hostetler, exuding charm and menace, hires Taggart to follow his wife, Kathleen (Catherine Zeta-Jones). A key scene shows Hostetler offering $50,000, with Crowe’s sly delivery suggesting ulterior motives.

  • Investigation Unravels: Taggart trails Kathleen, with shots of Zeta-Jones in elegant attire, her enigmatic smile hinting at secrets. The trailer teases her ambiguous role, showing her meeting a mysterious figure, later revealed as connected to a larger scandal.

  • Action and Betrayal: The trailer ramps up with Taggart in a high-speed car chase, pursued by Hostetler’s men after uncovering documents about Bolton Village’s sale—a corrupt real estate deal. A clip of Taggart confronting Hostetler, who reveals a video of Taggart’s past crime, underscores the mayor’s ruthlessness.

  • Supporting Cast: Brief glimpses of Jeffrey Wright as a police commissioner, Barry Pepper as a political rival, and Natalie Martinez as Taggart’s girlfriend add depth to the conspiracy. A tense exchange between Taggart and Pepper’s character hints at political intrigue.

Why it works: The trailer balances character-driven drama with action-packed sequences, teasing Taggart’s moral dilemma and the city’s corruption without revealing the full plot. Wahlberg’s gritty toughness and Crowe’s charismatic villainy dominate the preview.

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Tone and Style

The trailer’s tone is dark and intense, reflecting the film’s neo-noir aesthetic. Allen Hughes’ direction is evident in the moody cinematography, with rain-slicked streets, shadowy offices, and stark lighting that evoke classic crime thrillers. The editing is sharp, with quick cuts between Taggart’s investigation, Hostetler’s schemes, and bursts of violence, creating a sense of escalating danger.

The score, attributed to Hans Zimmer’s influence (though composed by Atticus Ross, Claudia Sarne, and Leopold Ross), features driving percussion and ominous strings, amplifying the trailer’s urgency. Sound design—gunshots, screeching tires, and Taggart’s determined voiceover—enhances the immersive experience.

Why it works: The trailer’s noir-inspired visuals and pulsating music align with the film’s themes of betrayal and justice, appealing to fans of L.A. Confidential or The Departed.

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Why the Trailer Resonates

The Broken City trailer resonates due to its star-driven narrative and timely themes of political corruption, which felt relevant in 2013 and remain poignant in 2025 amid ongoing discussions of urban governance. Mark Wahlberg’s everyman toughness, paired with Russell Crowe’s commanding presence, creates a compelling dynamic, as noted in a 2012 Collider article praising the “enticing power play” between their characters. Posts on X from 2021 highlight the film’s streaming popularity on Prime Video, reflecting enduring fan interest in its fast-paced plot and strong acting.

Despite mixed reviews (28% on Rotten Tomatoes) and a box office underperformance ($19.7 million against a $35 million budget), the trailer successfully markets the film as a gripping thriller. It downplays the script’s criticized plot holes, focusing instead on the stellar cast and high-stakes drama, as IGN noted in 2013.

Why it works: The trailer leverages Wahlberg and Crowe’s star power and the allure of a corrupt city to draw viewers, even if the film itself fell short of expectations.

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Where to Watch the Trailer

The Broken City (2013) official trailer is widely accessible:

  • YouTube: Available on channels like Movieclips Classic Trailers, posted on October 25, 2012, with high-quality versions.

  • 20th Century Studios Website: The trailer is featured under the film’s page, alongside promotional materials.

  • Streaming Platforms: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, and Fandango at Home include the trailer with rental or purchase options, as noted on Movie Insider.

  • DVD/Blu-ray: The trailer is included in the film’s Blu-ray release from April 30, 2013, per Movie Insider.

  • International Versions: The Italian trailer, posted by 20th Century Fox Italia, is available on YouTube with subtitles, titled Corrupción en Nueva York in some dubs.

Why it works: The trailer’s availability across platforms ensures fans can engage with this 2013 thriller, fueling nostalgia for early 2010s crime dramas.

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Why Watch Broken City?

The Broken City (2013) official trailer promises a tense, star-driven crime thriller with Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe at their best. Despite a 6.1/10 IMDb rating and critical pans for its convoluted plot, the trailer highlights the film’s strengths: a fast-paced story, strong performances, and a gritty New York setting. For fans of neo-noir thrillers or Wahlberg’s action roles, the trailer teases an engaging, if flawed, cinematic experience. The film’s availability on streaming platforms like Prime Video, as noted in X posts, makes it an easy watch for curious viewers.

Call to action: Watch the Broken City (2013) official trailer on YouTube or 20th Century Studios’ website to dive into this neo-noir thriller. Stream or rent the film on Amazon Prime, Apple TV, or Fandango at Home, and share your thoughts with #BrokenCity.

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