Edward Norton Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ

Edward Norton breaks down his most iconic roles, including his characters in 'Fight Club,' 'American History X,' 'Primal Fear,' 'Rounders,' '25th Hour' and 'Motherless Brooklyn.'
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Edward Norton Breaks Down His Most Iconic Characters | GQ
0:00 Introduction
0:24 Primal Fear
2:38 Rounders
3:39 American History
7:43 FIGHT CLUB
9:28 25th Hour
11:26 Motherless Brooklyn

[@LNLBD]

Plot twist: There is no interviewer and Ed Norton is talking to himself.

[@eduardoandres5989]

"its THE poker movie"

[@cyrisssmith8830]

Plot twist on a plot twist. Edward Norton is pretending to play himself.

[@Heartwing37]

Plot twist: There is no you.

[@crashpal]

Oh come The interviewer is clearly Brad Pitt

[@Ericdz302]

I knew it!

[@AA-qb7ni]

It's a crime this man hasn't won an Oscar. He's one of the greatest of his time.

[@lanimeyl]

right??

[@katyalacrua6793]

Huck Oskar, many didn't.

[@adafridi]

Doesn't need one that's garbage. He's a legend

[@nomeacaso5790]

Oscar is something you can buy. It has no meaning. Everybody knows that.

[@SullyReviews5000]

He should have won for American history X

[@Finnegan-er3pr]

He's not underrated. He's just not a commercial type of actor. Nevertheless, he's got a few marvelous roles that superstar actors can only dream of

[@smuwu21]

agreed

[@tonym2513]

He’s way over rated imo.

[@user-ew1ec3gd7v]

@@tonym2513 Dumbass...

[@seanc41556]

In a way I get what you mean and I agree with you, but, in an other way you just contradicted yourself, because you kind of stated partly why he's so underrated.

[@patinho5589]

He’s gotten*

[@jjbizzare96]

I don't think Edward knows how much us Marvel fans love him for his take on The Incredible Hulk. I thought as a kid he was the best. I love all of the Hulks but Edward's is my absolute favorite.

[@mullaoslo]

Oh he knows the social media blew up when he left the hulk to a degree that Ruffalo had to make a statement saying he had talked to Edward about it and got his blessing to do it.. I was a long time Norton fan since the 90s I was DYING to see him in the avengers.. As much as Ruffalo killed it I still wish Norton would have done the first avengers movie at least

[@brianT8721]

I am surprised that they didst include him/the hulk in this video. The 2005 and today's hulk was good but the 2008 hulk was the best.

[@TripleXMango]

Norton’s Hulk is incomparable, and it doesn’t help that ruffalos Hulk is just cookie cutter and boring. I wish we lived in the alternate timeline where he never left the role

[@boxianparkk]

SAMEEEEE

[@spike3333]

his Hulk movie is unfairly maligned.

[@KarlHeinzofWpg]

I guess I've watched about 10 of these now, and so far, Edward Norton is the only one to actually "break down" his most iconic characters.

[@p-tiddy]

Nic Cage

[@nathanielstove8662]

Jon Hams one is alright

[@moonlasers2495]

Ethan hawke

[@daddyleogamingchannel5356]

Russell crowe was good one, great stories

[@Intracis]

Jack Black's is really good and hillarious

[@bertdeva8057]

Edward Norton looks like he hasn't slept since Fight Club.

[@codyvandal2860]

Yeah I can't quite put my finger on it but there is something strangely alarming about his appearance lol

[@migueldelacruz4799]

For 21 years, I couldn't sleep (echoed) I couldn't sleep I couldn't I couldn't sleep....

[@Eastsidebridge]

Bert Deva you just broke the first rule

[@ascend3654]

Training Day? Is that a subliminal dig at Gere?

[@revlo1557]

He always looks like that lol

[@jaquelinem.9820]

Him as King Baldwin IV in Kingdom of Heaven is probably one of my favourites of his. His performance was absolutely wonderful and perfect.

[@Realbrownclown]

Why doesnt he talk about it?

[@xxxbaldwin]

I wanna hear him talk bout it

[@AJ8871]

Most impressive thing to me is Primal Fear being his first featured role. Absolutely nailed it

[@miata350]

He often plays characters with multiple personalities, real or not. Like The Score, a character playing a character. American History X is like two characters. Fight Club he changes so much he doesn't resemble who he began as.

[@alexiane250]

i love how iconic his voice sounds

[@MaddestMousse]

@Alexander Supertramp no no, some peoples' voices, actors or otherwise are more distinctive and recognizable than others. Ed Norton is one of those actors whose voice is especially iconic or at least memorable or recognizable. Same thing with say Tom hanks or Christopher walken or Morgan Freeman . As opposed to I dunno jeremy Renner or even Harrison Ford or will Smith or something, their voices just aren't quite as distinctive and are more "generic" or regular sounding, you probably wouldn't recognize them with just hearing the voice as easily or as fast.

[@musicallystoned7489]

I Am Jack's Iconic Voice.

[@BodywiseMustard]

He sounds exactly like Wes Anderson

[@sylkewatter1170]

@@MaddestMousse I would also put Sam Elliot and Kurt Russel on that list!

[@MaddestMousse]

@@sylkewatter1170 which one lol iconically recognizable or not? :P

[@usmanfarooq96]

how this man doesnt have an oscar is beyond me

[@realone8575]

Oscars arnt for good actors tbh... loon how long it took leonardo DiCaprio

[@serbronnoftheblackwater798]

Oscars are rigged, u should look up the documentary and history of it.

[@alexanderarkum4793]

Liberals run Hollywood and they don't like independent thinkers

[@tobiasthomsen7984]

@@serbronnoftheblackwater798 whats the documentary called?

[@microchrist6122]

98-99 google the movies that came out those years. He was punching up for sure.

[@SnoozecoopYT]

His portrayal of King Baldwin the 4th in Kingdom of Heaven won me over. Probably one of his best performance too.

[@xxxbaldwin]

I watch it everyday, king baldwin's scene every now and then, I love the calm voice sm ❤

[@cashmoney2493]

I gained a whole new level of respect and admiration for Edward Norton after watching this. Just the way he takes acting to such a deep level is mind blowing to me

[@Danosauruscrecks]

I feel like all Norton wants is a good script.

[@austinmucciante3108]

He got birdman

[@nachocuello9830]

Nah, he always makes big changes to scripts to adapt them to him, thats why he doesn't get along with the majority of directors.

[@evanlarsen574]

You haven’t seen American History X

[@rentalsnake6542]

@@nachocuello9830 he basically tried to rewrite the hulk film lol.

[@nachocuello9830]

@@rentalsnake6542 ye because it was trash

[@chrishandsome4267]

American History X is a masterpiece, & Norton’s performance is one of the best I’ve ever seen to date. The character development he created was beautiful

[@mazzy2121]

#truth!!!

[@Jovic_00]

If I had to pick a sad movie, it'd be American History X. The theme and story behind that movie is extremely powerful, but at the same time so dark and tragic. The ending left me completely speechless.

[@CMorse-xn3fs]

@v- r-m Go on, please. Do you think it would have made a better short film? I've wondered before if you edited it down to like an hour if it'd be the best short film ever.

[@rankalucard3960]

Hunter you see this? It means not welcome!

[@davidabell962]

The basketball scene is probably one of the worst most ridiculous scenes of all time 😂

[@brians7901]

You will not find a better performance than American history x. It's one of the most incredible roles ever played. It's like DeNiro in the deer hunter it just can't be replicated by anyone else

[@KarmikLmp]

Bro…..

[@brians7901]

@@KarmikLmp I stand by my statement. Nobody else could've pulled this off better than him

[@EdenAntebi1]

The Illusionist and Birdman were both masterpieces that wouldn't function the same without Ed Norton I'm sad they didn't get a mention.

[@79dmcjr]

He's so great in Birdman

[@LuisSierra42]

I love the Illusionist

[@TheCleaner76]

Hated Birdman

[@lurkingheretic]

I came here to say this--glad I am not alone.

[@capri2673]

I liked The Illusionist. Didn't care for Birdman, though.

[@seancorrigan7448]

'Primal Fear', 'American History X' and 'Fight Club' were three of the greatest and most defining performances of the 90s. Edward Norton is a genius!

[@gorgon352]

Sean Corrigan have you heard lil xans new song baby you love me

[@mastadon6384]

I have said this many times. American History X is one of the most important and impactful movies of its generation. Where he had to go mentally to do what he did in that role. Such a powerful performance

[@gorgon352]

Mastadon lil xans the best tho

[@krisbrag87]

Fight clubb 💩

[@killemall69]

Can you be a genius with only three movies ?

[@evenkeel6131]

How he didn't win multiple major awards for American History X is beyond me.

[@howiehippie6156]

They were not ready. And a lot where white haha

[@johntaylorson7769]

It's an intense performance, but it's a pretty poor film I think- which is no surprise given how much of a mess it was behind the scenes.

[@reservoirfrogs2177]

@@johntaylorson7769 its a fantastic film, what happened behind the scenes is barely even noteworthy when comparing to other movies. Most great films were absolute wrecks behind the scenes

[@johntaylorson7769]

@@reservoirfrogs2177 Each to their own: I appreciate it's a very well liked film. I was maybe being unduly harsh when I said it was poor, but I always got the impression it could have been so much better, given the talent- acting and script- involved. I just think it's directed with a sledgehammer approach and at times super melodramatic, when a bit of subtlety would have actually given it more impact. I seem to remember Norton took over the editing and it makes me wonder if the original vision would have been better. But that's just my two cents.

[@Clowncentral101]

@@johntaylorson7769 I totally get what you're saying it's really really dramatic but I think that's something good. Most stories like this are told realistically.

[@skygazer6898]

This guy is a brilliant character actor. Ed is one of the best actors just wish he was in a few more films.

[@TheJellymonty]

I loved him in the Grand Budapest Hotel. But my absolute fav film of his is the illusionist. He mesmerized me and made me believe in magic. He should have won an oscar for American History X. He was brilliant in it.

[@Yamas258]

To this day he picks films for the art of acting, not money or recognition. True Artists

[@nugsovile4333]

I feel like a lot of actors now days are in it just for the money and the fame because their acting looks and sounds forced.

[@vokasimid5330]

He looks like he should be film scholar

[@nugsovile4333]

@Michael Valensi I don't hate everything modern, i appreciate a lot of modern stuff. That's just my opinion so I'm not wrong, you think something else and that is perfectly fine

[@glenndrexler1677]

THE HULK?!, A DEFINITE "MONEY JOB"

[@nateanara6126]

@@glenndrexler1677 I think he didn't care. He always went all out and was so (or too) involved in the re-writing, it pissed them off so the Hollywood, particularly Marvel, ditches him. IF he did it for what you think, believe me he wouldn't do it.

[@timbuckthe2nd642]

I’ve always noticed Norton’s ability to be incredibly articulate in his communication. Very intelligent individual

[@seansense]

Yale graduate.

[@gouthamakumar6591]

Edward Norton is definitely in the top 10 of the best actors of all time. I can't think of many other actors who have been in so many great movies who also almost always steals the show, not due to flashiness but due to raw acting skill. He is an actor who truly makes me forget the actor and see only the character.

[@catewright1575]

Edward norton is the embodiment of brilliant. His films often make you feel like you've been gut punched, trying to recover.

[@paulisthelegend]

Clearly an intellectual. It’s great to see an actor who thinks so deeply

[@scotchette]

He went to Yale in history.

[@pansepot1490]

I think that’s the problem with intellectuals. They think too highly of themselves. Quoting Shakespeare doesn’t make one a deep thinker, just an erudite person, which is not synonymous with intelligent. I saw the interview with Jake Gyllenhaal and he sounded way humbler, warmer and more intelligent than this.

[@Maaden84]

@@pansepot1490 thats not why he quote Shakespeare, dont blame him just cause you dont understand the message

[@kaltra9339]

​@@pansepot1490 Some ppl have more depth than others. I know plenty that just touch the surface of things i.e are pretty shallow. It has to do with ones personality and its something I believe that we are born with. If depth makes one an intellectual is a different story.

[@syze2537]

This dude and Adrien Brody are the most underrated actors of this era. They need to be in more movies.

[@Clowncentral101]

YES

[@nihilisticbarbie]

True, Tony kaye got great performances out of them both

[@badass3784]

Along with Tim Blake Nelson, Paul Giamatti & Gary Oldman.

[@LAlindquist]

I'll give you Ed Norton but Adrien Brody??? The dude had a great performance in The Pianist but he's had a crap-ton of bad ones (including laugh-out-loud ones like Predators, Air Strike, American Heist, etc etc). I compare him to Nic Cage: a couple truly standout performances but a lot of REALLY bad ones. I wouldn't exactly consider him "underrated."

[@whitespacemarines4308]

Ed Norton and Gary Oldman yes.

[@pixiewings21_9]

The first time I saw Primal Fear was the first time I saw Norton. I *could not* believe the kid's talent. Just phenomenal.

[@dr.aniasara7038]

Thank you Edward Norton. You're the actor's actor. You're into the craft, and you care about the character you're playing.

[@chriswilson1968]

I really wish Philip Seymour Hoffman was still alive to do one of these. Robin Williams to..

[@andrewsmith8534]

It's funny you say that, both phillip and Edward starred in red Dragon

[@Brainbox3000]

@@andrewsmith8534 Robin William's wasn't in Red Dragon. They were in Patch Adams together though.

[@andrewsmith8534]

@@Brainbox3000 I was talking about Edward Norton and Phillip Seymour Hoffman not robin William's you dingus

[@JasonXBeats]

Too

[@steve7189]

Robin never could do a normal interview. Everyone was of him joking and acting like he just drank 10 Red Bull’s. Not sure how he ever calmed himself for goodwill hunting lol

[@JoJohXD]

like...... its Edward F* Norton, you cant just pick 5 movies.....

[@TheNerdMan2]

Uh Birdman should have been here, sausage party, his wes anderson movies.

[@ryannieuwenhuis7543]

Ikr like they show us Fight Club but not 2003's The Hulk? Smh.

[@JoJohXD]

@@ryannieuwenhuis7543 hulk? Really? LoL 😂

[@joeblazey048]

Ryan Nieuwenhuis fight club is way better 😂

[@arcticangel1628]

What about his role as Bruce Banner? Why wasn’t that in this video?

[@skar8009]

I could listen this man for hours.

[@jkoperski9925]

I love his approach on acting in general and the respect he has for others players in the industry. He seems very knowledgeable and intelligent. Love him. Would love to see him in more movies to come!

[@thomaskopv2366]

I like to imagine a world where Norton still plays the hulk.

[@CaffeyAaron]

‘08 was crazy.. different times..

[@jessicah3450]

Or Smoochy, but maybe because I was watching that when I was coming out of anesthesia

[@JC-rl6ln]

He would be as famous as Robert Downey Jr and Chris Evans

[@sebastianmartinez8282]

I always like to imagine Norton in that three-way dialogue with Chris Evens & Robert Downey Jr in Avengers, instead of Ruffalo. Ruffalo was boring to watch as Bruce Banner. Norton actually makes the audience empathize with character Bruce Banner.

[@Edmund._.Dantes]

Similar to American History X he was clashing with the Director and/or screenwriter on the 2008 Hulk. I think the same thing would have happened with creative control

[@tikochicago]

THIS is how a character breakdown should be done! Humbly says his memory is evasive, gives a deep glimpse into characters essence. Enjoyed every second. What an ACTOR!

[@synkaan2167]

His career in the 90s started so brilliantly with American History X, Fight Club etc. I loved him, it's a shame he didn't get/pick as great roles in the last 15 years.

[@oliverh4791]

American History X was such a brave film to make even in the 90’s. I doubt it would get made today as it pushes far too many buttons. Even though it’s an extremely thoughtful movie, it’s also extremely powerful. Simply one of the best films of the 90’s that doesn’t quite get it’s due today. Whenever people are throwing favourite movies around in conversation I always bring up American History X and implore people to watch it.

[@lisar3944]

yeah it's well made, but it's one of those films that I'm glad I saw, but I NEVER want to watch it again. Hard (for me at least) to include that in my favorites. I don't think I know anyone who "likes" that film, in spite of how well done it is.

[@dave9825]

​@@lisar3944it's one of my favourite movies, it is so deep you barely can see the bottom. I have the dvd and I watch it once a year.

[@DanKMemes-tr7fk]

​@@lisar3944i really like it and its message ❤

[@yrmarosachiara8310]

Yo si la vería de nuevo.

[@AyadrixBF]

He speaks like a real artist, no bs just straight on point..

[@LUImusic856]

AyadriX j thought this said “ he speaks like a true racist”

[@danielstephens6193]

What is the distinction between a real artist and not a real artist?

[@LUImusic856]

daniel stephens an artist is one who can imitate something with originality.

[@whzpoor]

Lol

[@samik83]

While I was watching this I literally was thinking "ok, get to to the point already"

[@kabirrubaiyat]

Very articulate man. A huge fan of his acting.

[@lynnsandau1595]

i love him he can play many different characters and this makes him great my fav

[@stalwartzero7001]

I know right? I’m just bummed they didn’t bring up Death to Smoochie or Moonrise Kingdom

[@ShinobiDrip999]

He's an absolute acting genius.

[@General_reader]

You can hear the passion in his voice when talking about American history x.

[@justinhopper5941]

Ed Norton picks the beefy roles. He doesn’t come across as a pay cheque actor.

[@felipeyanez7786]

I can’t believe, this guy doesn’t have an Oscar.

[@targaryenforlife9685]

He's too much actor, not enough activist. Norton is classic.

[@mbolez]

25th Hour is a massively underrated movie

[@marcinmichalczak2632]

sadly mainly because of its majestic political incorrectness

[@yeahbee8237]

Great movie

[@taylorpayne6746]

I feel like he’s super slept on and doesn’t get enough credit that he deserves. Thanks for all the likes everyone!

[@anothergamingchannel2656]

Same. Every time I tell people hes my favorite actor they are surprised by it. I always explain watch all of the roles he had played. He plays such different roles. And nails every single one. Most actors get type cast in a certain style of roles, but hes has played completely different characters and everyone of them is so good that it actually makes me believe that is how he really is. I'm constantly having to remind myself hes just playing a role. That's how you know an actor is good at what they do, when they can make you believe it.

[@MrBarenRants]

I don’t agree.

[@arthurabel3775]

Ed norton is widely considered to be one of the best actors in our time whatchu talking about

[@SquidandCatAdventures]

I think that he likes a quiet life. If he was promoted differently, and if he wasn't out of the limelight for long periods of time in between projects, I think he would be talked about a lot more.

[@GregMuniz7]

Na he’s a legend. The score, American history x, and fight club are legendary. But he still has more to go. He’s up there with De Niro.

[@j0epark1]

Probably one of the most underrated actors of our time. All his films are enjoyable.

[@RePaperBag]

how is Edward Norton underrated? LOL

[@cathalbyrne5235]

g2gfaf like the way Jake Gyllenhall is underrated. The academy ignores them

[@omid25nn_]

@@RePaperBag still hasn't had an Oscar nomination. I think that makes him underrated imo

[@lead111]

Not underrated but one of the best

[@Jay_Berries13]

@@omid25nn_ He was nominated for Primal Fear and American History X.... Edit:also Birdman

[@nicolasgarcia1614]

This guy clearly did not understand the first and second rule of fight club...

[@G4MBIT]

Lmao

[@DrMan-nh3bg]

I mean he was the one that made those rules so he has power over them

[@elmaxo1591]

@@DrMan-nh3bg that’s what Tyler said he would do

[@matthewschwartz6607]

No, he did. GQ didn’t.

[@jessebrucepinkman9834]

Edward Norton is so good at rewriting script. He should definitely direct his own film

[@JoQeZzZ]

Motherless Brooklyn, he says it in the video

[@lizclegg7556]

I would be very annoyed if it were my script.

[@Yeepride987]

I wanted to hear Norton's thoughts on Incredible Hulk lol

[@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165]

I was good w/o it, but wanted "The Italian Job".

[@Nokaoi3]

Yeep he talks about it on joe rogans !

[@raphaellwsh]

He talks about it on his recent interview with Joe Rogan

[@Tosh1907]

Go watch his Joe Rogan interview

[@myowenopinion]

No Red Dragon,Moonrise Kingdom and Birdman either.

[@vinceg1094]

I love how he gives exactly nothing to himself, the breakdown of "his" characters is all about others. What a great person.

[@jasoneaton4520]

Libra..

[@bryancooper5495]

He's an actor. He's been kicked off a ton of sets

[@texyrexy]

@Alexander Supertramp wow, have you worked with him then?

[@Maaden84]

@@bryancooper5495 no

[@cockoffgewgle4993]

Celebrity worship is truly nauseating.

[@mayolifor262]

Fight club is one of the best films ever.a true and timeless masterpiece!

[@doehearted]

god he’s so babygirl

[@robingoose]

so true !! so much bbygirl energy

[@ballsosaurus_sex]

real and true and correct and factual

[@gracen3295]

He’s so me

[@abbeywasadiver]

@@yhorm3030 baby girl

[@rgfdg4y46]

@Yhorm English is mine and we've never heard it either.

[@Ljungcrantz]

stil unbelievable that Seth Rogen has a 39 min episode and this GOD has 15 min.

[@nihilisticbarbie]

Right like who cares about that neckbeard

[@gaussiano]

Yeah amigo, Seth is one of the worst actors/comedian

[@beardedbjorn5520]

Heh heh heh I smoke weed heh heh heh

[@dalinkwent202]

Norton can just do a lot more with a lot less.

[@GarrettAbbey]

@@beardedbjorn5520 huehuehue

[@kapoy4779]

this was too short. he still had many other great movies.

[@Clowncentral101]

Really wish they would have included red dragon

[@deesnutz4638]

They gave Arnold 33 minutes

[@Locadel2003]

The score, Incredible Hulk, birdman

[@YadviGalaxy]

The Illusionist, painted Veil are two of the best out there.

[@justincf828]

@@Locadel2003 hulk was trash

[@seancurran3944]

Every actor has a different approach and Norton’s is really authentic. One of the few actors these days that’s a different person in every movie. Salute!

[@cptlounatic138d3]

Primal Fear is a fantastic movie and edward norton killed it. His acting and that twist set the stage for so many other movies.

[@MikeBarbre]

This is one of the supreme "Iconic Characters" episodes. Norton is so excessively intelligent, it's just riveting to listen to him describe his career in such a direct, pointed way. One of the greatest actors of his generation speaking on some of the most defining movies of the last three decades. This is a can't lose, can't miss episode. And after hearing him talk about his casting process, I CANNOT WAIT to see Motherless Brooklyn.

[@Frenki94]

Doesn't mention Kingdom of Heaven. He killed it in that movie, and most people didn't know King Baldwin was him.

[@ShaferHart]

Such an underrated gem

[@TheAutoBoT1011]

I was hoping to find it here as well

[@usmanfarooq96]

KoH was outstanding

[@naomiazul.]

Or The Painted Veil, I loved him in that. Such a complex character x

[@noshua2326]

Probably because overall the movie was kind of mediocre

[@Marc-dj5fk]

I loved him in the score...and so funny when robert de niro says "ok, bye bye" at the end 😂

[@krisowy79]

Seing the level off sensibility, passion, and rational deconstruction of his craft in this interview, explains exaclty why he's such a phenomenal artist

[@voidlessform7796]

00:22 Primal Fear 02:37 Rounders 03:38 American History X 07:41 Fight Club 09:26 25th Hour 11:25 Motherless Brooklyn

[@okaminess]

Thanks.

[@michaelmignone5869]

Sausage party should be on there

[@austinbludau3632]

@Micheal Mignone true

[@NunoGabriel]

Thank you!

[@wvu05]

No Moonrise Kingdom? This is outrageous!

[@seancorrigan7448]

'American History X' was one of the greatest screen performances ever committed to film. He should have won the Oscar that year.

[@theinfamous2101]

He should have one it was amazing just the transition between the wrong side and the good side of Edward Nortons character

[@sydneyshaw607]

Sean Corrigan wow. Thank you. I’ve always thought that too.

[@beachstreet101]

Yeah the Oscar went to Roberto Begnini for Life is Beautiful. Good film, nice performance, but not as powerful as Edward Norton’s performance. It should’ve gone to Edward that year without a doubt. And in hindsight his performance is now considered iconic over all the other nominees.

[@Room-xi6nb]

Definitely great movie...except for that last scene. His crying was a little forced.

[@james10739]

Ya they would not even let that be made today

[@jcrisp90]

love ed norton. He's a proper film guy and an intellectual actor. Down to earth too.

[@danisraeli]

What an unbelievable talent. Just casually reeling off these amazing, layered, compelling performances.

[@honeytree6014]

This man's acting is absolutely iconic and I have loved every movie I've seen him in so far.

[@flighttherapybullisticfpv133]

This man is probably the most admirable and astoundingly brilliant man in Hollywood... a man with a true love of acting

[@blueyc4rter]

The fact they didn't mention any of his many many Wes Anderson movies just goes to show what a great acting catelogue he has.

[@ntbored7727]

He’s such a sophisticated man, I can listen to him for hours and not get bored. I’m in love with every single character he plays, and love him at the same time. Such an attractive man.

[@-.__Hazel__.-]

Even his less famous roles are still a masterpiece. 25th hour, The score , the painted veil, bird man,the illusionist,... . He is definitely among the top 10 actors of our time. And top 50 of all time. Fck Oscar.these days who cares about Oscar?!

[@katg9507]

I love him in The Painted Veil.

[@Veela666]

You're not supposed to talk about Fight Club!

[@Siktopath]

Shut up

[@yokingdom9936]

@@Siktopath i think you missed the point

[@Siktopath]

@@yokingdom9936 I didn't. Fight Club revolves around breaking rules implemented by a society that saught to control and manipulate. The rules are therefore obsolete as the story would have it.

[@ryugo7713]

Telling someone to not talk about something is talking about it so when someone says don’t talk about it after someone else says don’t talk about then continues to talk about it...

[@BCS1105]

Ryugo7 7 My head hurts after reading your comment...

[@carolinacontreras9218]

can i just marry him please, i want to cry every time i look at him

[@--.._]

me too T.T

[@samanthapateman8054]

I think that would worry him or anyone if you cried every time you looked at them

[@tojoinbobdylan]

man... Same. Like, he was one of my first actor crushes. Then It all went to the back of my mind for a long time, and now seeing the first few mins of this interview, I'm also like, God let me marry him pls, no one else lol

[@nikitadas9671]

lol i'm in the queue too :P

[@vanessa_official.212]

I'm deeply understanding you and feel you.

[@MarkMiremont777]

Thank you for this in-depth document on Edward’s remembrances of his amazing achievements 😮👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@kinderjoker]

He looks like he's working on his new movie: Night Club

[@diegocabello3852]

😂🤣😅

[@uTubeNoITube]

You just broke the first two rules of Night Club.

[@nikosalexopoulos6542]

If it's your first night at night club, you have to dance

[@TheGhostGirlBubgenne]

He's amazing. Can't explain it but he's the reason why I watched Primal Fear as much as I did.

[@carolinacontreras9218]

first movie i saw of him, got my heart

[@samanthab1923]

I had no idea who he was & saw Gear who I've loved since Giglio, on Charlie Rose. He said this kid Norton was going to be big.

[@Indomitable_Alykat]

SAMEE

[@kulsevdasi]

Hearing Edward Norton speak, always in some weird comforting way feels like Im dreaming the whole experience of him up myself.

[@Vega-hp1vp]

Love these videos, great idea GQ. So nice to see the actors talk naturally instead of those awful movie promotion interviews.

[@kush6846]

I’m surprised Birdman wasn’t mentioned. Not even The Illusionist?

[@dominiquepowell3158]

Ikr! Both excellent films

[@AQGOAT24]

birdman was also meta because Edward has a rep for being difficult to deal with and his character was like that.

[@moisesj.fuentes7420]

He basically played himself in Birdman lol

[@ValhallaIronworks]

Or "The Score"! Great film!

[@nachocuello9830]

The illusionist its like a bad copy of the prestige, also i don't think Edward did that much of an iconic character like in American History X for example.

[@PoochieVince]

I would love to see an Edward Norton Masterclass.

[@stayaz8789]

Most underrated actor in recent cinema history

[@TommyP47Real]

We sat next to each in the audition room for this movie. We had a small chat. I peeked at his resume and it was already impressive. Amazing actor.

[@cvill03]

Him, Ethan Hawke & Joaquin Phoenix are the Trinity of Gen X actors that long overdue for Oscar Wins

[@badcornflakes6374]

I totally agree.

[@jasoneaton4520]

More like him, Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, Ledger, Rockwell...

[@elichaitman3294]

@@jasoneaton4520 Ledger and Rockwell have both won.

[@jasoneaton4520]

Rockwell for what?

[@idalaursen8935]

Joaquin will take one this year. It’s almost certain!

[@thesingleequestrian413]

Primal Fear is one of my all time favorite movies, I love Edward Norton.

[@designedforlifecoaching4007]

Underated actor and needs more films. He is the kind of actor that has been missing for the last few years.

[@CFootprints]

American History X was the first movie I saw as a kid that had Edward Norton in it. Instantly became a fan, what an amazing actor.

[@eliminate8264]

He dressed like he wanted to talk about the Incredible Hulk. Green coat and purple pants.

[@AaronSmith-zb1qe]

Are you telling me they skipped the Incredible Hulk?? WTF

[@wildwilly4266]

Thx, I’m color blind, thought it was charcoal...

[@nikosalexopoulos6542]

After the interview was finished, and he understood that they didn't ask about The Hulk, he lost it and transformed

[@futureghost77]

Edward Norton is a Legend. He's such an underrated actor, but has been in some of the most interesting and beloved movies of all time. My personal Favorite: Death To Smoochy

[@helenwright6133]

The Painted Veil - a wonderful film- script ,actors , editing and cinematography superb - thankyou Mr Norton

[@bartekkaczmarek2865]

everybody loves fight club, but i was blown away by his character in primal fear more than anything else hes done

[@scottsacala]

I wonder if this “underrated” talk is because he’s not overexposed like a lot of actors these days who take project after project, but instead chooses his roles wisely. Edward Norton is an amazing actor who gets a lot of praise for the roles he’s done. Even the ones he never wanted to do (Italian Job), lol! I guess people (especially these days) think he’s underrated because the roles he’s in aren’t promoted like blockbusters. As much as I love Mark Ruffalo, I would’ve loved to have seen Edward Norton continue as Bruce Banner and see his chemistry with the other actors in the MCU.

[@silentandcliche]

Agreed with all of this. He's still my go to when someone asks, "who's your favorite actor?"

[@armandocastillo7974]

Scott Sacala HE DIDNT TALK ABOUT THE INCREDIBLE HULK

[@shaunwhelan17]

agree with you 100%

[@zackp5294]

Scott Sacala blahblahblahahblah

[@kapoy4779]

me too. i wanted him to continue acting as bruce banner.

[@dinsism]

One of the most underappreciated actors out there, every role he plays, he's amazing

[@NKA23]

Yeah, even in "Italian Job". He HATED to be in that movie and you can tell when watching it, but even in that movie he´s great.

[@KJ-je9pm]

@@NKA23 why did he hate being in that film?

[@StephenSonnenberg]

He didn't want to make the movie but they had him on contract and he kept passing up roles and basically told him he had to take it in order to move on to projects he wanted to do

[@alysiamerdavid-wasser9165]

@@StephenSonnenberg Oh, that's right. I block out the "bad" memories, bc he was was fire in that film!

[@gorgon352]

I wouldn’t really say under appreciated he’s one of the most well known actors in the world 🌎.

[@jonv1776]

One of the most underated actors around. His catalog is impressive.

[@m.terestinchcombe5813]

How is he underrated?

[@jonv1776]

@@m.terestinchcombe5813 My criteria for using that term is that when I hear people talk about the best actors around... I rarely if ever hear his name mentioned.

[@mladen040nk]

I love every movie with him! Amazing actor!

[@davydevilution3483]

"I am Jack's complete lack of surprise.."

[@SamSajadi]

I am Jack's smirking revenge

[@couchpotato3708]

I am Jack's wasted life.

[@Rondo2ooo]

Edward Norton is to me one of those few actors, who is a quality seal for a movie.

[@Zlist1994]

I wish they had a breakdown part about his character in "The illusionist" movie. Its my favorite movie he has made.

[@Lalaxbo]

Edward Norton is an amazing actor :) . He did an outstanding performance in American History X and it is one of my favorite movies ever . Too bad he didn’t won the Oscar for American History X ☹️. I also loved his performances in Fight Club , Larry Flynts lawyer Alan Isaacman in The People Vs Larry Flynt , Primal Fear , Bruce Banner / Hulk in The Incredible Hulk and many more 🙂.

[@jaybizzle1995]

25th Hour is sooo underrated, noone talks about that movie

[@Mr.Meme01]

I have no idea how that movie isn't well known

[@Mr.Meme01]

@John Holmes how so???

[@rachellem1248]

25th Hour is definitely one of my favorites.

[@jaybizzle1995]

John Holmes your loss

[@allsystemsgo8678]

No it isn't. It's a solid movie, wasn't great

[@YouFightLikeACow]

Man, listening to his career made me re-appreciate this guy's impressive career, especially in the late 90s to early 00s.

[@natalie651]

I could listen to this man speak for hours. My God. Can he just have his own show or something.

[@Hysetzz]

I really love how much love he has for writers. He deserves an oscar but I will say in my mind he has a few already