Aseverely underrated actorwho deserves more recognition and praise than he gets isEdward Norton. Even if Norton does not receive the fame he deserves, he has undoubtedly left his mark on Hollywood. FromFight ClubtoBirdman, Norton has delivered some extraordinary performances. Though he’s surprisingly never won an Oscar, his performances are iconic and still talked about today.
Even if Norton has reduced his presence in Hollywood in order to pursue other ventures, he is still a remarkable personality who is worth discussing. Here are some of the best Edward Norton movies, with performances that are still beloved by cinephiles everywhere.
10Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery
The return of Rian Johnson’s compellingKnives Outfollowing Netflix’s acquisition of the franchise signified the promise of a new, cunning antagonist that Benoit Blanc would be tasked with bringing down. In this instance, Norton would portray tech-tycoon, Miles Bron and would be channeling his inner baddie that saw him excel in 1996’sPrimal Fear. 2022’sGlass Onion: A Knives Out Mysterysees Daniel Craig’s Benoit Blanc, with his unmistakable Kentucky Fried accent, entrusted with the grace responsibility of uncovering another murderer at Bron’s exclusive island retreat.
Why Edward Norton’s Performance is Great Glass Onion
Norton is immense as the slippery and slimy tech guru whose noxious ways wreak havoc among his eclectic assortment of guests. Tapping into his immense repertoire of slightly deranged, morally bankrupt previous characters, as seen in the likes ofPrimal FearandAmerican History X,there’s an alluring unpredictability to his demeanor and one that makes him an increasingly intriguing antagonist.Stream on Netflix.
9Motherless Brooklyn (2019)
Motherless Brooklyn
The turn of 2019 came with somewhat of a passion project for Norton, who penned, directed, and starred in the neo-noir crime thriller,Motherless Brooklyn. Based on Jonathan Lethem’s novel of the same name. The story follows the titular character, Lionel Esrog, a private detective, whose Tourette’s Syndrome makes him a rather unconventional detective. When his boss and friend, Frank (Bruce Willis) is brutally murdered, Lionel and fellow detectives, Tony (Bobby Cannavale) and Gilbert (Ethan Suplee) decide to investigate and locate the perpetrators, navigating the perilous criminal underworld of New York.
Why Norton’s Performance in Motherless Brooklyn is So Brilliant
Norton’s performance holds this hard-boiled pastiche firmly together, creating this cohesive whole.Motherless Brooklynis a tremendous feat both in terms of what Norton gets out of his acting ability, but also what he achieves from a directorial standpoint in what was his first outing as a director in almost 20 years.Rent on YouTube.
8Moonrise Kingdom (2012)
Moonrise Kingdom
Wes Anderson’sMoonrise Kingdomis about young love and revolves around the idea of fitting into a world where you are rejected. This particular movie might seem silly at first, but it unpacks darker themes with splendid visuals, great music, and deep emotion, and is thusone of the best films by Anderson. What makes the film even better is its casting of Edward Norton as Scout Master Ward, the leader of the Khaki Scouts.
Why Edward Norton is So Great in Moonrise Kingdom
This character exudes both innocence and passion, as we see Scout Master Ward putting his best effort into his job. He literally saves the day and definitely wins the hearts of the audience. Norton’s role as Scout Master Ward shows his range, as we often see him portraying more serious, dark, and even sinister characters. Seeing him in this jovial capacity under Wes Anderson is not only refreshing but an emphatic reminder of what he can achieve in a comedic role.Rent on YouTube.
7The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
The People vs. Larry Flynt
This fun biopic is based on the real-life story of Larry Flynt, whose case against a “leader of the Religious Right” went to the Supreme Court and ended up leaving a lasting impact in relation to the First Amendment rights of the USA. InThe People vs. Larry Flynt, Norton takes on the role of Alan Isaacman, the lawyer who represented Flynt and helped him win the case. Norton’s delivery of Isaacman’s arguments is a phenomenal performance as he taps into the true essence of a court argument rather than a dramatized one, thanks to his research into the actual case.
Related:MCU: Why Did Mark Ruffalo Replace Edward Norton as The Hulk?
Why Norton is Exceptional in The People vs. Larry Flynt
This particular film bythe great Milos Formanis undeniably a masterpiece, and Norton’s role as the straight-laced Isaacman is one of the many reasons for its popularity. While Woody Harrelson’s leading role is excellent, Norton is remarkable in more of a supporting capacity as the attorney tasked with frequently coming to his client’s rescue with supremely articulated arguments.Rent on YouTube and Apple TV+.
6The Illusionist (2010)
The Illusionist
This particular film takes place in 1880s Vienna and is based on Steven Millhauser’s short story “Eisenheim the Illusionist.” A brilliant piece that focuses on romance, crime, and mystery,The Illusionistis a film that ensures the viewer’s attention is fully focused on its twisting plot.
Why Edward Norton is Sensational in The Illusionist
Norton’s role as the protagonist, Eisenheim, is a brilliant performance. AsThe Independent Critic notes, what makes this film a success is the perfect cast that brings out the “multi-faceted complexities of the film without taking away its fun and intrigue.” Norton’s extraordinary performance here went slightly overlooked, asThe Illusionistwas released within two months of a similar, dark period drama focused on magic, the bigger-budgeted Christopher Nolan filmThe Prestige.Stream on Prime, Pluto, Peacock, Tubi, and YouTube.
5Primal Fear (1996)
Primal Fear
Another legal thriller,Primal Fear, this time introduced Edward Norton to the world as Aaron Stampler. He is a 19-year-old boy who is initially portrayed as someone with a multiple personality disorder. What makes this particular performance by Norton exceptional (aside from it being his debut film and earning an Oscar nomination) is the complex nature of the character. Stampler is portrayed as a victim who turns out to be a psychopath who flaunts his murders.
Why Edward Norton is Spellbinding in Primal Fear
Portraying a character who shifts between different personas is no easy task, but Norton does so perfectly; his character alone makesPrimal Feara must-watch. This sense of underlying evil is the film’s driving force, with the audience in a perennial guessing game about whether this man accused of a heinous crime is guilty or not. Norton’s display is effortless as the creepy, manipulative, and sociopathic Aaron Stampler, and considering he was just 24 when delivering such a performance, it’s understandable why he has become so highly regarded.Stream on Prime Video, Pluto TV, and Paramount+.
4Birdman (2014)
Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance)
This Academy-Award-winning film focuses on Riggan Thomson (played by Michael Keaton)going through an existential crisisand hilariously trying to figure out the meaning of his life. Even if Edward Norton plays the side character of Mike Shiner, a narcissistic method actor, he definitely shows his variety and often steals the show.
Related:Every Edward Norton Movie of the 2010s, Ranked
Why Norton is Compelling in Birdman
Norton’s portrayal of Shiner is another great performance, as he teeters around the edges of annoyance and plays the villain, while still remaining magnetic and funny, which is no easy task. Viewers might hate the character, but they can’t look away.Stream on Prime, Hulu, and Paramount+.
325th Hour (2002)
The 25th Hour
Based on David Benioff’s debut novel,25th Hourby Spike Lee focuses on the last day of a man’s freedom before he is sent to prison for drug dealing. Edward Norton takes up the role of the protagonist, Monty Brogan. Monty’s character is one with a lot of depth, as we see him reflecting on his mistakes and his flaws.
Why Edward Norton is Sublime in 25th Hour
Regardless of his being a criminal, Monty is a character who grabs the hearts of the audience, rescuing dogs and refusing to take revenge. Norton’s ability to capture the different sides of such a character indicates his immense talent and25th Hourremains one of the most underrated and greatestSpike Lee movies.Rent on Prime Video and YouTube.
2American History X (1998)
American History X
A film that explores racism and cycles of violence,American History Xis a brutal eye-opener. Norton takes on the role of Derek Vinyard, a white supremacist who goes to prison for voluntary manslaughter. Derek’s persona is constructed with racist ideologies and repugnant hatred, which eventually get him into trouble. However, this character progresses to the extent that he lets go of these disturbing ideas and attempts to help his brother, as well.
Why Norton is Great in American History X
Norton does an amazing job improving this character throughout the story. It’s not easy to take a character from being a violent bigot to becoming truly repentant. Moreover, Norton’scommitment to this rolecan be seen in the way he gained 20 pounds just to represent Derek accurately, and gets almost scarily lost in his character. This eventually led him to an Academy Award nomination.Stream on Showtime, Prime Video, YouTube, and Hulu.
1Fight Club (1999)
Fight Club
Based on the novel by Chuck Palahniuk,Fight Clubis a cult classic that is still a major hit. Edward Norton takes on the role of the unnamed protagonist whileBrad Pitt playsthe character of Tyler Durden. Norton’s character is more complex than we realize; we see him beginning the story as someone with chronic insomnia leading a mundane life, but with Tyler’s entrance, Norton’s character breaks out of his shell and takes a huge turn.
Why Fight Club is Norton’s Best Movie
Fight Clubis a spectacle of a film, one that leaves the audience shocked with amassive plot twistbut entranced by David Fincher’s energetic and charismatic direction. Norton’s performance as the protagonist plays a major role in this brilliant masterpiece gaining such prominence years after it bombed at the box office.Rent on Prime Video and YouTube.
