5 Under appreciated films that feature the acting talents of Edward Norton

NERD NOSTALGIA: 5 Under Appreciated Films that feature the acting talents of Edward Norton.

By: Brian Cotnoir

It’s no secret to anyone who knows me personally that I am a huge fan of Actor Edward Norton.  Ever since I first saw  “American History X” during my senior year of high school I have grown to admire Edward Norton as an actor.  Even if you don’t recognize the name, most people know him as The Narrator/“The Other Guy in Fight Club”...the one that isn’t Brad Pitt.  Besides “Fight Club,  Norton has received a lot of great praise for his roles in films such as “American History X”, “The Incredible Hulk”, “The Illusionist” and “The People vs. Larry Flynt”.  However, Edward Norton has also been featured in a lot of other great films that not many people know about.  So this week’s review is going to serve two purposes: 1.) Pay Homage to his awesomness Edward Norton and 2.) Expose you to some of Norton’s lesser known works.

5.)-”Kingdom of Heaven”

Yep, That's Edward Norton

     Not many people know that Edward Norton was in this film and there’s a very good reason why: his character wears a mask the entire film.  The film itself it’s pretty long and it the tale of a blacksmith—played by Orlando Bloom—and he leaves France to help a Christian Army reclaim the city of Jerusalem.  Edward Norton’s character is named “Baldwin IV”, and as I said his character wears a mask because he is a leper.  I actually saw this film for the first time on TV, and as I was watching it I began to say to myself, “hey, that guy in the mask sounds a lot like Edward Norton”; one trip to IMDB later, and my suspicions were confirmed.  This film doesn’t have a lot of action in it, but it does feature other great actors, like Liam Neeson, and also early on in the film they show one the coolest way that I have ever seen a person killed in a film, so you’re definitely going to want check out “Kingdom of Heaven”.

4.)- “Death to Smoochy”

It's so funny!

I have no idea why so many people hate this movie.  It has a great story, an all-star cast, and it’s just so freaking hilarious to see Edward Norton dressed up as a big purple rhino.  Edward Norton’s character is the overly-sensitive vegetarian loser who writes politically correct songs for a children’s show for a character he created called “Smoochy the Rhino”.  Robin William’s plays a washed up children’s TV show actor who lost his show to Norton because it was discovered that he was taking bribes from kids parents so that they could be on the show.  I’ll be perfectly honest: I think Robin William’s is very annoying and only about 5% of the movies I’ve seen him in are actually good, but d@mn it he is so hilarious in this movie.  He’s so crazy and neurotic in her pursuit to ruin Edward Norton’s character’s show that you can’t help but laugh.  I don’t care what anyone says; this is a funny movie and this is an awesome movie!

Now that's some quality children's entertainment

3.)- “Keeping the Faith”

Norton be praised!

     Edward Norton stars and makes his directorial debut in the 2000 Comedy “Keeping the Faith”.  It’s the story of two friends a Catholic Priest (Edward Norton) and a Rabbi (Ben Stiller) who learn that their old friend Anna (Jenna Elfman) has come back to New York City.  Both friends have always secretly had a crush on Anna, but neither of them every told the other. Now both friends and men of faith are out to win the heart of their old friend.  This film just has a ridiculous premise and that’s why it’s so great.  Edward Norton’s character is a Catholic Priest, so already he took a vow of celibacy, and yet he still yearns to be with this woman, and Ben Stiller is just hilarious as the Rabbi Jacob Shram.  I have no idea why Edward Norton and Ben Stiller haven’t collaborated together on other films because they both work together so well!  This is a good comedy, and has laughs, drama, romance, and all other sorts of good things in it.  You should probably check it out.

2.)- “Leaves of Grass”

Edward Norton meet Edward Norton

This is definitely one of Edward Norton’s lesser known films.  This film got a limited release in theatres back in 2008, and what I like the most about it is that Edward Norton plays two roles...actually he’s playing twin brothers in this film.  One character he plays, Billy, is an Ivy League Philosophy Professor who leaves his home in Oklahoma and goes to the East coast.  Billy’s Twin brother, Brady, is a small time drug dealer who claims to grow the best marijuana in the state of Oklahoma.  Brady gets into some big trouble when he can’t pay a debt back to a local drug lord, and has to fake his own death to get his brother to come back to Oklahoma to help him out.  This film is just awesome and really funny.  It features other big name stars like Richard Dreyfus and Susan Sarandon, and it’s just so cool to see Edward Norton play two characters on screen at the same time.

My Favorite Scene in the film

It's just funny to watch Edward Norton talk to himself

1.)- “Primal Fear”

     Edward Norton’s first film is also probably his best acting performance.  This film earned Edward Norton a Golden Globe award and a Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor (which he wrongly went to Cuba Gooding, Jr. for Jerry Magurie).  The film is based off of a novel written by William Diehl, “Primal Fear” tells the story of a Chicago attorney named Martin Vail, played by Richard Gere, who defends a young altar boy accused of viciously murdering a beloved archbishop.  As it turns out the attorney chosen to prosecute the case is Vail’s ex-lover.  What follows next is a roller coaster ride of passion, determination, and exposed secrets.         

Just look at that fresh young face

Edward Norton, plays Aaron Stampler, a young altar boy accused of the arch bishop’s murder.  Stampler claims he was in the room when the archbishop was murdered, but that it was an unknown third party who committed the murder.  His attorney, Mr. Vail, tries to exploit the possibility that Aaron possibly suffers from “multiple personality disorder” and that it was his other personality “Roy” who committed the murder.  Norton does a great job playing the young Aaron Stampler and his rogue bad-ass alternate personality, Roy.  
    I will admit the first time I saw “Primal Fear” I was zoning in and out of the film.  In particular the parts of the film that focus on Martin Vail’s investigation.  However, I was totally blown away by the twist-ending at the end of the film.  In my personal opinion it is the best twist/surprise endings in cinema history.  Primal Fear is an ideal film for those who have interests in law, mystery, and crime-drama’s and I think people who see it will really enjoy it.

Meet Aaron

Meet Roy