Edward Norton came out of absolute nowhere and immediately blew the critic’s minds as early back as his debut performance. Since then he’s gone on to star in some of the most popular and successful cult films of the last fifteen years and has risen today to the level of A-list celebrity figure.
If Ed Norton is in a film, you know it’s probably worth watching. Whether he’s playing a central or supporting role, Norton always brings something to the table, whether that’s his massive range or his irresistible likeability.
That’s why assembling this list was more difficult than either of the previous lists in this series (the first being Christian Bale and the second being Colin Farrell); when choosing an Ed Norton performance that sucked, you’re choosing from a decidedly short list.
With his recent turn in The Bourne Legacy (which I haven’t yet had chance to see, so you’ll forgive its absence from this list… I hope), we thought it was about time we took a look back over Norton’s short career to date, to pick out what we believe to be 5 of his most awesome performances vs. 5 we’d rather forget – we’re sorry Ed, but there are some, please don’t get angry. We don’t like you when you’re angry.
So without further faffing, let’s hop right to it.
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9 Comments
he’s terrific in the dramas but not at ease in the comedies
Have you never seen the illusionist? If not consider yourself lucky because not only is the movie awful, norton is absolutely terrible. Completely phoned in and a bad accent to boot. You also left out the italian job and the recent hulk movie, where norton sucks big time in both.
I have to admit, I’m not a fan of Edward Norton. His name is more likely to turn me off something than turn me on to it. I think Fight Club is hugely overrated also, it’s good, but it’s not brilliant.
The Score (2001) with Bob De Niro was a good performance too, Great list by the way.
He is, without a doubt, the best actor in the world. He just needs to get back on the horse.
Kingdom of Heaven, even when he didnt show his face, Norton is great :)
Rounders was 1998 not 2002.
I don’t quite understand the point of these 5 and 5 lists for performances. The good ones are usually obvious and the the bad ones you consistantly say things like, “while so and so’s performance wasn’t terrible the movie was awful.” That doesn’t mean the performace sucked. It seems like it only justifies filling up 5 more slots so you can write this article. If thats the case what’s the point? Write something else. Do an article on how great he was in American History X and leave it at that. I’d certainly be more interested in an article like that.
He’s been an actor on the decline for awhile now. Most of his recent stuff has been awful with a few exceptions. Now he just plays Edward Norton instead of actual characters. Phones it in in the new Bourne, not bad in Moonrise Kingdom but not exactly a standout. He needs to get back to acting and not just merely showing up.
am i the only one that loves death to smoochy? not sure why all the hate. sure, its not mainstream but most good movies arent.