2. American History X (1998)
Nortons Character: Derek Vinyard
Why It Was Awesome: First of all, everyone involved in this masterpiece of a movie, from the Director; to the lead performer; down to the work experience tea-boy, should give themselves a pat on the back. Norton plays Derek Vinyard, a seductive, charismatic white supremacist, who after befriending an African American in prison, attempts to repair the damage his ignorance has done to himself and to his family. Norton really is astounding in his performance here and who knows, if it wasnt for the sheer gravitas he was able to bring to the role, maybe the film itself wouldnt be considered as excellent as it is. Hes just so bristling throughout; at first with the venomous, misdirected rage of a Neo-Nazi, but later with an opposing, pity-inducing desperation to repair the damage hes caused. Derek Vinyard cant have been an easy character to bring to life, but Norton dug deep and managed to turn in one of the defining performances of his career to date.