8 Classic Movies Hated By Their Directors
7. Tony Kaye - American History X
American History X is a powerful, disturbing drama that rightfully earned Edward Norton an Oscar nod for best actor. Norton is known for being quite hands on with his work and often gets involved with script rewrites and editing. It’s said his attitude during the making of The Incredible Hulk was a big reason Marvel didn't ask him back for The Avengers.
Norton got involved in a big way with post production on American History X because he felt director Tony Kaye’s edit – which was said to be way flashier and slick – ruined the story. He helped the studio recut and restore key scenes that had been trimmed, but Kaye was not a happy man because of this.
He felt the re-edit destroyed his movie, and put out ads in Variety decrying his treatment by Norton and New Line. He also wanted his name removed from the credits and replaced with Humpty Dumpty; his request was understandably denied.