Eccentric and potentially insane detectives are nothing new in the world of film or fiction at large, with numerous private eyes and cap-wearing know-it-alls gracing the silver screen over the years. However, few are perhaps quite as detached from reality as detective Bun in Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai's aptly titled “Mad Detective”. The 2007 film marks the pair's further exploration of the Hong-Kong crime thriller with mixed results.
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Bun (Ching Wan-lau) has a gift, the ability to see people's inner personalities that reveal their true selves. Or does he? Having lost his badge after cutting off his ear and presenting it to the retiring chief, Bun lives an odd life alone until Inspector Ho Ka-on (Andy On) shows up on his doorstep, looking for help with a case. The crazed yet brilliant detective is lured back into the field, though it will be tough to convince Ho and others that his prophetic visions aren't, in fact, the products of lunacy.
Out of all the so-called mad detectives to be put to film, Bun is certainly at the zanier end of the spectrum. Self-harm, hallucinations, anti-social behaviour and much more plague the detective daily, and when we first meet him, it has cost him his job. However, as with many such investigators, there's a method to Bun's madness, as the detective needs to emulate the actions of criminals to truly understand them. Scenes in which an apologetic Ho chases after Bun as he replicates grocery store hold-ups while armed with a finger gun are an example of the film's light-hearted humour. Bun's ability should make unravelling the central mystery more straightforward, but he struggles to persuade others that his inexplicable visions do present truths.
It's with presenting Bun's madness that To and Ka-fai really get to have fun, as we are treated to several sequences from the mad detective's perspective. Where Ho sees the lone figure of shady cop Ko Chi-wai walking down the street, Bun will see several. Where others see a headstrong detective, Bun will see a scared little boy. These visual manifestations are a major part of what makes “Mad Detective” work, as they allow for a unique investigative process on the part of Bun. One particular sequence in a restaurant bathroom presents a wonderful back and forth between Ho's perspective of a potential suspect contrasting with Bun's viewpoint of their multiple personalities.
However, for as interesting as Bun's ability might be, at least visually, it does harm the intensity of the narrative overall. The detective is privy to information that's impossible for him to know, suggesting that his third eye is rooted in the supernatural rather than superhuman powers of perception. His seeming omnipotence strips away much of the intrigue from the question of whodunnit and leaves little room for surprises along the way. For as engaging as the climax is, there's no question as to the identity of the perpetrator, which leaves things feeling a little flat. Perhaps if there was a greater focus on Bun's internal struggle, it might make for a more compelling story. Still, as it stands, the narrative doesn't commit to either exploring its central character or presenting an engrossing mystery.
Regardless of Bun's lack of depth, Chin Wan-lau does a great job portraying the unhinged detective. The actor's manic behaviour presents Bun as more of a basket case than a scatty genius, which adds to the tragicomic nature of his character. Lam Ka-tung and Andy On are also great in their supporting roles, with the former possibly deserving more screen time, due to his cold and intimidating screen presence. The intensity in all the performances means that the film at least feels urgent, even if events in the narrative are not.
Aside from its supernaturally gifted lead, “Mad Detective” does little else to distinguish itself from typical crime procedurals. However, not all such thrillers have the deft directorial hands of Johnnie To and Wai Ka-fai behind the camera. The innovative approach to the genre and strong performances just about elevate the film to be a brisk and enjoyable detective saga.
