Edward Norton
{{Short description|American actor (born 1969)}}
{{Other people}}
{{Good article}}
{{Use American English|date=August 2019}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=August 2024}}
{{Infobox person
| name = Edward Norton
| image = Ed Norton Shankbone Metropolitan Opera 2009.jpg
| caption = Norton in 2009
| alt = A portrait of Edward Norton, a blonde Caucasian man in a white plaid shirt. He is smiling towards the camera.
| birth_name = Edward Harrison Norton
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1969|8|18}}
| birth_place = Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
| alma_mater = Yale University (BA)
| occupation = Actor
| years_active = 1993–present
| spouse = {{Marriage|Shauna Robertson|2012}}
| relatives = James Rouse (grandfather)
| works = Full list
| awards = Full list
}}
Edward Harrison Norton (born August 18, 1969) is an American actor, producer, director, and screenwriter. After graduating from Yale College in 1991 with a degree in history, he worked for a few months in Japan before moving to Manhattan to pursue an acting career. He gained recognition and critical acclaim for his debut in Primal Fear (1996), which earned him a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor and an Academy Award nomination in the same category. His role as a redeemed neo-Nazi in American History X (1998) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. He also starred in the film Fight Club (1999), which garnered a cult following.
Norton established the production company Class 5 Films in 2003, and was director or producer of the films Keeping the Faith (2000), Down in the Valley (2005), and The Painted Veil (2006). He continued to receive praise for his acting roles in films such as The Score (2001), 25th Hour (2002), The Italian Job (2003), The Illusionist (2006), Moonrise Kingdom (2012), and The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014). His biggest commercial successes have been Red Dragon (2002), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), The Incredible Hulk (2008), and The Bourne Legacy (2012). For his roles as a haughty actor in Birdman (2014) and Pete Seeger in A Complete Unknown (2024), Norton earned further Academy Award nominations for Best Supporting Actor. He has also directed and acted in the crime film Motherless Brooklyn (2019) and starred in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022).
Norton is an environmental activist and social entrepreneur. He is a trustee of Enterprise Community Partners, a non-profit organization that advocates for affordable housing, and serves as president of the American branch of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. He is also the UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity.
Early life
Edward Harrison Norton was born in Boston, Massachusetts, on August 18, 1969. He was raised in Columbia, Maryland.{{Cite web | url=http://www.biography.com/people/edward-norton-9542130 | title = Edward Norton | publisher = Biography.com| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921053900/http://www.biography.com/people/edward-norton-9542130| archive-date=September 21, 2013|access-date=March 7, 2019}}{{Cite web |url=http://radioalice.radio.com/2010/10/01/podcast-sarah-vinnie-october-1st/ |title=Podcast: Sarah & Vinnie |publisher=Radio Alice |date=October 1, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110715145031/http://radioalice.radio.com/2010/10/01/podcast-sarah-vinnie-october-1st/ |archive-date=July 15, 2011 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217144258/http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/film/ed-takes-a-leap-of-faith-6304474.html|url=http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/film/ed-takes-a-leap-of-faith-6304474.html|title=Ed takes a leap of faith|work=Evening Standard|date=September 13, 2000|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 17, 2013|first=James|last=Mottram}} His father, Edward Mower Norton Jr., served in Vietnam as a Marine lieutenant before becoming an environmental lawyer and conservation advocate working in Asia and a federal prosecutor in the Carter administration.{{Sfn|Mitchell|Stebenne|2007|p=96}} His mother, Lydia Robinson "Robin" (née Rouse), was an English teacher who died following surgery to remove a brain tumor in 1997.{{Cite web |date=2019-08-29 |title=Edward Norton |url=https://www.biography.com/actors/edward-norton |access-date=2025-03-14 |website=Biography |language=en-US}} Norton's maternal grandfather, James Rouse, was the founder of The Rouse Company and co-founder of the real estate corporation Enterprise Community Partners.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140820050402/https://www.eonline.com/photos/13293/rich-before-they-were-famous/405358|url=https://www.eonline.com/photos/13293/rich-before-they-were-famous/405358|title=Rich Before They Were Famous|publisher=E!|archive-date=August 20, 2014|url-status=dead}} He has two younger siblings, Molly and James.
At age five, Norton and his parents saw a musical related to Cinderella at the Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts (CCTA), starring his babysitter, which ignited his interest in the theater.{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/19/movies/he-s-hot-but-cool-to-lure-of-fame.html|title=He's Hot But Cool To Lure Of Fame|last=Hoban|first=Phoebe|date=January 19, 1997|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 11, 2017|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131007041525/https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/19/movies/he-s-hot-but-cool-to-lure-of-fame.html|archive-date=October 7, 2013}}{{Cite news|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-exho-columbia-center-for-theatrical-arts-marks-40-years-of-inspiring-young-talent-20120404-story.html|title=Columbia Center for Theatrical Arts marks 40 years of inspiring young talent|last=Nitkin|first=Karen|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=April 4, 2012|access-date=October 11, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171011232659/http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-exho-columbia-center-for-theatrical-arts-marks-40-years-of-inspiring-young-talent-20120404-story.html|archive-date=October 11, 2017|url-status=live}} He enjoyed watching films with his father as a pre-teen, but later reflected that he was fascinated with the cinematography rather than the acting. Norton recalled that it was theater and not films that inspired him to act. He made his professional debut at the age of eight in the musical Annie Get Your Gun at his hometown's Toby's Dinner Theatre.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208191157/http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800018634/bio|url=http://movies.yahoo.com/movie/contributor/1800018634/bio|title=Edward Norton Biography|publisher=Yahoo!|archive-date=December 8, 2008|url-status=dead}} At the CCTA, he acted in several theatrical productions directed by Toby Orenstein.
In 1984, Norton won the acting cup at Pasquaney, an annual summer camp for boys in Hebron, New Hampshire, where he later returned as a theater director.{{Cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/la-et-twohulks-2008-pg-photogallery.html|title=Lou vs. Edward: A tale of two Hulks|work=Chicago Tribune|first=Alberto E.|last=Rodriguez|date=September 16, 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190308092146/https://www.chicagotribune.com/la-et-twohulks-2008-pg-photogallery.html|archive-date=March 8, 2019}} He subsequently immersed himself in films, naming Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro as two of his early inspirations because "the ones [he] liked were also the ones who made [him] think [he] could do it because they weren't the most handsome guys". He graduated from Wilde Lake High School in 1987.{{Cite news|last=Kolker|first=Robert|title=The Vulture Transcript: Stone's Edward Norton on Acting, Whether in Fight Club or The Incredible Hulk|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203061916/http://www.vulture.com/2010/10/vulture_transcript_an_intimate.html|url=https://www.vulture.com/2010/10/vulture_transcript_an_intimate.html|work=New York Magazine|date=October 6, 2010|archive-date=December 3, 2013}} He attended Yale College, graduating in 1991 with Bachelor of Arts in history. While at Yale, he also studied Japanese, acted in university productions, and was a competitive rower.{{Cite news| url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/09/10/ed.norton.marathon/index.html | publisher=CNN| title=Edward Norton plays marathon man to fund African conservation | date=September 10, 2009| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100407230646/http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/09/10/ed.norton.marathon/index.html| archive-date=April 7, 2010| url-status=dead| first=Doug |last=Gross}} After graduating from Yale, conversant in Japanese, Norton worked not-for-profit as a representative for his grandfather's company, Enterprise Community Partners, in Osaka, Japan.{{Cite news|title=Wanted: Edward Norton|work=Vogue|issue=January 1997|first=David|last=Handelman}}
Career
=1991–1994: Career beginnings=
After five months in Japan, Norton moved to New York City, where he supported himself working odd jobs. He took six months researching different acting techniques, focusing on method acting. He later took lessons from acting coach Terry Schreiber after discovering he was looking for a Japanese translator to help direct a play in Tokyo.{{Sfn|Schreiber|Barber|2005|p=viii}} Norton described him as a great teacher who encouraged students to become "multilingual actors" with different techniques for versatile roles.{{Sfn|Schreiber|Barber|2005|p=ix}}
Norton also wrote scripts for plays at the Signature Theatre Company and starred in off-Broadway theater. His performance in Brian Friel's Lovers brought him to the attention of playwright Edward Albee, whose one-act plays Norton enjoyed.{{Cite news|url=http://www.carbondaletimes.com/news/20161208/edward-norton-really-really-likes-to-talk-about-acting|title=Edward Norton really, really likes to talk about acting|first=Ed|last=Symkus|work=Carbondale Times|date=August 12, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190401203426/http://www.carbondaletimes.com/news/20161208/edward-norton-really-really-likes-to-talk-about-acting|url-status=live|archive-date=April 1, 2019}} In 1994, Norton auditioned for Albee's Finding the Sun but did not get the part. Albee found a new role for him instead and had Norton read for Fragments.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150527064033/http://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/19/movies/he-s-hot-but-cool-to-lure-of-fame.html?pagewanted=2|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/01/19/movies/he-s-hot-but-cool-to-lure-of-fame.html?pagewanted=2|title=He's Hot But Cool To Lure Of Fame (Page 2)|work=The New York Times|date=January 19, 1997|archive-date=May 27, 2015|first=Phoebe|last=Hoban}} The playwright was impressed with Norton's rehearsal performance and cast him for its world premiere. Albee remarked that Norton was a rare actor "who really knocked me out". Norton recalled that he was inspired by Al Pacino, who also began his career in theater while struggling to establish himself in New York.
=1995–1999: Breakthrough=
In 1995, casting agent Shirley Rich discovered Norton. He then rented a studio space near The Public Theater and presented his auditions of Shakespearean works to her. Impressed by his acting, she introduced Norton to the executives of the noir drama Primal Fear, an adaptation of William Diehl's 1993 novel. He was selected for the part over two thousand other prospects. Released in 1996, Primal Fear features Norton in the role of Aaron Stampler, an altar boy who is charged with the murder of a Roman Catholic archbishop and is defended by Martin Vail (Richard Gere).{{Cite news|url=http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review.html?res=940DEED81239F930A35757C0A960958260|title=Film Review; A Murdered Archbishop, Lawyers in Armani|last=Maslin|first=Janet|authorlink=Janet Maslin|date=April 3, 1996|work=The New York Times|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921235717/http://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review.html?res=940DEED81239F930A35757C0A960958260|archive-date=September 21, 2013}} His performance was lauded by critics;{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1070992_primal_fear|title=Primal Fear (1996)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=April 3, 1996|quote=... crackerjack performance by Edward Norton.|access-date=March 8, 2019|archive-date=November 27, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171127041435/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1070992_primal_fear|url-status=live}} Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times praised Norton's character as "completely convincing",{{Cite web|url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/primal-fear-1996|title=Primal Fear Movie Review|first=Roger|last=Ebert|authorlink=Roger Ebert|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130602063401/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/primal-fear-1996|newspaper=Chicago Sun-Times|date=April 5, 1996|archive-date=June 2, 2013|access-date=March 8, 2019}} while Peter Stack of the San Francisco Chronicle dubbed the actor "the one to watch" after his debut.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050516062656/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F1996%2F10%2F18%2FDD14680.DTL|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/1996/10/18/DD14680.DTL|title=Favorable Verdict for 'Primal Fear'|work=San Francisco Chronicle|archive-date=May 16, 2005|date=October 18, 1996|first=Peter|last=Stack|access-date=August 4, 2019|url-status=live}} Norton won a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor{{Cite web|url=http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/member/28790|title=Edward Norton – Golden Globes|agency=Hollywood Foreign Press Association|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090104233943/http://www.goldenglobes.org/browse/member/28790|archive-date=January 4, 2009}} and was nominated for an Academy Award in the same category for his role in the film.{{Cite web|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-columbias-edward-norton-grabs-oscar-nod-20150115-story.html|title=Columbia's Edward Norton grabs Oscar nod for 'Birdman'|first=Chris|last=Kaltenbach|work=The Baltimore Sun|date=January 15, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150804154035/https://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/bal-columbias-edward-norton-grabs-oscar-nod-20150115-story.html|archive-date=August 4, 2015}} Norton starred in two other films released in 1996; he played Larry Flynt's lawyer Alan Isaacman in Milos Forman's biographical drama The People vs. Larry Flynt and Holden Spence in Woody Allen's musical film Everyone Says I Love You.
In 1998, Norton starred alongside Matt Damon in Rounders, which follows two friends who urgently need cash and play poker to pay off a huge debt.{{Cite news|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=980CE2DD1F3EF932A2575AC0A96E958260|title=Film Review; Knowing When to Hold 'em and Fold 'em but Just Not When to Run|last=Maslin|first=Janet|date=September 11, 1998|work=The New York Times |url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120215203225/https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=980CE2DD1F3EF932A2575AC0A96E958260|archive-date=February 15, 2012}} The film and Norton's performance received a lukewarm response; Entertainment Weekly wrote that his acting "never really goes anywhere",{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618133314/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,284869,00.html|url=https://ew.com/ew/article/0,,284869,00.html|title=Rounders|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=June 18, 2007|url-status=dead|date=September 18, 1998|first=Owen|last=Gleiberman|authorlink=Owen Gleiberman}} while the Chicago Reader observed that his character was not good enough to make the film interesting.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170502015608/http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/rounders/Film?oid=1063620|url=http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/rounders/Film?oid=1063620|title=Rounders|work=Chicago Reader|first=Jonathan|last=Rosenbaum|date = July 26, 2007|archive-date=May 2, 2017}} His role in the crime drama American History X, released later that year, earned him widespread acclaim.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/american_history_x/|title=American History X (1998)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=October 30, 1998|quote=A compelling and provocative story led by an excellent performance by Edward Norton.|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=February 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200211052948/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/american_history_x/|url-status=live}} In it, Norton portrays Derek Vinyard, a reformed neo-Nazi, who abandons his preconceived ideology after three years in prison.{{Cite news|url=https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9c07e4de103cf93ba15753c1a96e958260|title=Film Review; The Darkest Chambers of a Nation's Soul|last=Maslin|first=Janet|authorlink=Janet Maslin|date=October 28, 1998|work=The New York Times|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120210014312/https://movies.nytimes.com/movie/review?res=9c07e4de103cf93ba15753c1a96e958260|archive-date=February 10, 2012}} During production, Norton was allegedly dissatisfied with director Tony Kaye's first screening. Consequently, he took over the editing (uncredited) and finished the final cut, which was 40 minutes longer than Kaye's version.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130824192834/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/oct/25/artsfeatures.advertising|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2002/oct/25/artsfeatures.advertising|title=Losing It|date=October 25, 2002|work=The Guardian|first=Tony|last=Kaye|archive-date=August 24, 2013|url-status=dead}} The New Yorker wrote that he gave Derek an "ambiguous erotic allure" which made the film memorable,{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/american_history_x_kaye|title=The Film File – American History X|last=Denby|first=David|authorlink=David Denby|date=November 9, 1998|magazine=The New Yorker|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071110022553/http://www.newyorker.com/arts/reviews/film/american_history_x_kaye|archive-date=November 10, 2007}} while the Chicago Tribune deemed his performance an immediate contender for an Oscar.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140813234457/http://articles.chicagotribune.com/1998-10-30/entertainment/9810300279_1_john-carpenter-s-vampires-thomas-ian-griffith-star|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/1998/10/30/a-shocking-film-about-racial-hate/|title=A Shocking Film About Racial Hate|first=Gene|last=Siskel|work=Chicago Tribune|date=October 30, 1998|url-status=live|archive-date=August 13, 2014}} Norton received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor,{{Cite news|title=Reel Player|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=kyYEAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA87|work=Vibe|page=87|first=Shanel|last=Odum|date=March 2008|issue=March 2008|issn=1070-4701}} and won a Golden Satellite Award in the same category.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010211163917/http://www.pressacademy.com/awards_1999.html|url=http://www.pressacademy.com/awards_1999.html|title=1999 Awards|publisher=International Press Academy|archive-date=February 11, 2001|url-status=dead}}
In the 1999 David Fincher-directed film Fight Club, Norton played an unnamed unreliable narrator who feels trapped in his white-collar job. The film is based on Chuck Palahniuk's 1996 novel.{{Cite news|url=http://www.cnn.com/books/news/9910/19/fight.club.salon/index1.html|title='Fight Club': It 'Just sort of clicked'|last=Sragow|first=Michael|date=October 19, 1999|publisher=CNN|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100523020214/http://www.cnn.com/books/news/9910/19/fight.club.salon/index1.html|archive-date=May 23, 2010}} To prepare for the role, Norton took lessons in boxing, taekwondo and grappling.{{Cite news |first=Stephen |last=Garrett |title=Freeze Frame |journal=Details |issue=July 1999}} Fight Club premiered at the 1999 Venice International Film Festival.{{Cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/fight-club-takes-beating-hyper-violence-1999-article-1.847125 |title='Fight Club' Steps into the Ring new Film's taking a beating for its Hyper-Violent content |last=Dominguez |first=Robert |date=October 15, 1999 |work=New York Daily News| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016125713/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/movies/fight-club-takes-beating-hyper-violence-1999-article-1.847125| archive-date=October 16, 2015}} During promotion for the film, Norton explained that Fight Club examines the value conflicts of Generation X as the first generation raised on television, by probing "the despair and paralysis that people feel in the face of having inherited this value system out of advertising".{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206061834/http://www.cnn.com/books/news/9910/19/fight.club.salon/index1.html|url=http://www.cnn.com/books/news/9910/19/fight.club.salon/index1.html|title=Fight Club, P. 2|date=October 19, 1999|publisher=CNN|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 6, 2016|first=Michael|last=Sragow}}{{Cite news | first=Stephen | last=Schaefer | url=http://mrshowbiz.go.com/celebrities/interviews/509_1.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010417125217/http://mrshowbiz.go.com/celebrities/interviews/509_1.html | archive-date=April 17, 2001 | title=Brad Pitt & Edward Norton | publisher=MrShowbiz.com |date=October 1999}} While the film divided contemporary critics,{{Cite news|first=David|last=Gritten|date=September 14, 1999|title=Premiere of Fight Club leaves critics slugging it out in Venice|newspaper=The Ottawa Citizen}}{{Cite news|first=James|last=Christopher|date=September 13, 2001|title=How was it for you?|work=The Times|location=London}} Norton's role was widely applauded. Time magazine labeled him "excellent",{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080122002302/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C992235%2C00.html|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0%2C9171%2C992235%2C00.html|title=Conditional Knockout|first=Richard|last=Schickel|magazine=Time|url-status=dead|date=October 11, 1999|archive-date=January 22, 2008}} and Variety magazine was impressed by his embracing a range of techniques needed for his character.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081208200156/http://www.variety.com/review/VE1117752116.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0|url=https://variety.com/review/VE1117752116.html?categoryid=31&cs=1&p=0|title=Fight Club Review|work=Variety|first=David|last=Rooney|date=September 13, 1999|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2008}} For his performance, Norton was nominated for Best Actor by the Online Film Critics Society.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070305035048/http://ofcs.rottentomatoes.com/pages/awards/99nominees|url=http://ofcs.rottentomatoes.com/pages/awards/99nominees|title=1999 Year-End Nominees|publisher=Online Film Critics Society|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2007}} Despite under-performing at the box office, Fight Club became a cult classic after its DVD release in 2000.{{Cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/23/cult.films/|title=The personality of cult|last=Nunziata |first=Nick|date=March 23, 2004|publisher=CNN|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100416074855/http://edition.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Movies/03/23/cult.films/|archive-date=April 16, 2010}}{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120514045039/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/movies/homevideo/08lim.html|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/movies/homevideo/08lim.html|title='Fight Club' Goes On|date=November 9, 2009|first=Dennis|last=Lim|work=The New York Times|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 14, 2012}}
=2000–2008: Mainstream success and directorial debut=
In 2000, Norton made his directorial debut with the romantic comedy Keeping the Faith, starring as a priest named Brian Finn.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081229092310/http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ff20001111a1.html|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/ff20001111a1.html|title=Norton has faith in directorial skills|first=Kaori|last=Shoji|work=The Japan Times|date=November 11, 2000|archive-date=December 29, 2008|url-status=dead}} The film received mixed critical reviews.{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/keeping-the-faith|title=Keeping the Faith Reviews|website=Metacritic|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121026035218/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/keeping-the-faith|archive-date=October 26, 2012|url-status=live|access-date=March 9, 2019}} The Dallas Morning News praised his acting and labeled the film "a smart directorial debut".{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020224110444/http://dfw.citysearch.com/E/M/DALTX/0000/17/66/cs1.html|url=http://dfw.citysearch.com/E/M/DALTX/0000/17/66/cs1.html|title=GuideLive: Keeping the Faith|work=The Dallas Morning News|first=Jay|last=Webb|archive-date=February 24, 2002|date=April 14, 2000|url-status=dead}} Entertainment Weekly remarked that Norton's emergence as a director was decent, but criticized the plot because it "proposes heavy theological aims, then disavows any such thing".{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081230024158/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,275960,00.html|url=https://ew.com/ew/article/0,,275960,00.html|title=Keeping the Faith (2000)|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|date=April 21, 2000|first=Lisa|last=Schwarzbaum|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 30, 2008}} In 2001's heist film The Score, Norton plays Jack Teller, an ambitious young thief caught in an unlikely alliance with career criminal Nick Wells (Robert De Niro) arranged by his fence, Max (Marlon Brando). The Score and Norton's performance was well received.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1108799_score|title=The Score (2001)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=July 13, 2001|access-date=March 9, 2019|quote=Though the movie treads familiar ground in the heist/caper genre, Robert DeNiro, Edward Norton, and Marlon Brando make the movie worth watching.|archive-date=January 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190110151106/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/1108799_score|url-status=live}} The San Francisco Chronicle stated that despite starring with screen legends De Niro and Brando, Norton's acting "outdoes even that of Brando".{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031116090303/http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2001%2F07%2F13%2FDD168924.DTL|url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2001/07/13/DD168924.DTL|title=Three-way tie / Terrific stars, solid plot keep 'The Score' entertaining|work=San Francisco Chronicle|first=Bob|last=Graham|date=July 13, 2001|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 16, 2003|access-date=August 4, 2019}} The Los Angeles Times also lauded him as an "enormously gifted young actor" who pulled off the character successfully.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070620185217/http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-movie000057313jul13,0,5262373.story|url=http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-movie000057313jul13,0,5262373.story|title='The Score' – Movie Review|work=Los Angeles Times|date=July 13, 2001|first=Kenneth|last=Turan|authorlink=Kenneth Turan|archive-date=June 20, 2007|url-status=dead}}
File:Nelson Rockefeller at Critical Choices meeting 1133 17 February 28 1975-1-.JPG (pictured) in the 2002 biopic Frida, for which his version of the screenplay received positive reviews.]]
Norton appeared in four films released in 2002. He played kids show host Sheldon Mopes, who quickly rises to fame for his character "Smoochy the Rhino", in the black comedy Death to Smoochy. It received negative critical feedback for its plot.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/death_to_smoochy|title=Death to Smoochy (2002)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=March 29, 2002|quote=The talent involved can't save a script that has nowhere to go with its promising premise.|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=November 5, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221105145243/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/death_to_smoochy|url-status=live}} He also portrayed Nelson Rockefeller in the biopic film Frida, which depicts the life of Mexican artist Frida Kahlo (Salma Hayek). Norton rewrote the script several times without credit, focusing on the historical context and adding some humor while retaining Kahlo's real-life personality.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2001/aug/30/artsfeatures|title=That Frida feeling|first=Jo|last=Tuckman|work=The Guardian|date=August 30, 2001|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509202138/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2001/aug/30/artsfeatures|archive-date=May 9, 2014|access-date=March 9, 2019}} The final screenplay, with Norton's contribution, received positive reviews from critics as well as admiration from the film's co-stars including Hayek and Alfred Molina, who portrayed Kahlo's husband and fellow artist Diego Rivera.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/frida|title=Frida (2002)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=October 25, 2002|quote=Frida is a passionate, visually striking biopic about the larger-than-life artist.|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=March 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230317055022/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/frida|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/12/13/opinion/contributors/salma-hayek-harvey-weinstein.html |title=Harvey Weinstein Is My Monster Too |date=December 13, 2017 |work=The New York Times| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180606110216/https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2017/12/13/opinion/contributors/salma-hayek-harvey-weinstein.html| archive-date=June 6, 2018| url-status=live| access-date=December 14, 2017|first=Salma|last=Hayek|authorlink=Salma Hayek}} In the horror film Red Dragon, Norton starred as retired FBI profiler Will Graham, who consults with cannibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter (Anthony Hopkins) to catch Francis Dolarhyde (Ralph Fiennes), a serial killer who murders entire families. During production, Norton and director Brett Ratner argued frequently over the script. "He likes to challenge the director. It's all about intellectual debate," Ratner told The Times in 2003. "... Edward's instinct is going to be, 'I have to take over this film.' He's going to try to rescue the film. That's both a blessing and a curse."{{Cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-13-et-norton13-story.html|title=A history of flexing his muscles|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Chris|last=Lee|date=June 13, 2008|url-status=live|access-date=December 4, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130804134346/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/13/entertainment/et-norton13|archive-date=August 4, 2013}} Despite mixed reviews, Red Dragon was Norton's most profitable venture in 2002, grossing over $200 million.{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/red-dragon|title=Red Dragons Reviews|website=Metacritic|access-date=March 9, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110129002904/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/red-dragon|archive-date=January 29, 2011}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.boxofficemojo.com/people/chart/?id=edwardnorton.htm|title=Edward Norton Movie Box Office|website=Box Office Mojo|access-date=March 9, 2019}} Norton also co-produced and starred in 25th Hour, a film about a drug dealer in post-9/11 New York City.{{Cite web|first=Jeff |last=Stark |url=http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/movies/review/2002/12/20/25th_hour/index.html |title=25th Hour |date=December 20, 2002 |work=Salon |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616153542/http://dir.salon.com/story/ent/movies/review/2002/12/20/25th_hour/index.html |archive-date=June 16, 2008}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.metacritic.com/movie/25th-hour/details|title=25th Hour Details and Credits|website=Metacritic|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=November 13, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221113233539/https://www.metacritic.com/movie/25th-hour/details|url-status=live}}
Paramount Pictures forced Norton to star in the heist film The Italian Job (2003), threatening to sue him for violating a three-film contract he had signed; the studio had previously distributed 1996's Primal Fear and 2001's The Score.{{Sfn|Waxman|2005|pages=175–184}} Norton, accordingly, refused to promote the film's release.{{Cite news|last=Hubert|first=Andrea|title=The incredible sulk|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2008/jun/14/film.features|newspaper=The Guardian|date=June 14, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103165840/https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2008/jun/14/film.features|archive-date=November 3, 2013}} His performance was well received by critics, with The New Yorker calling him "intelligent and incisive ... one of those rare actors who hold the audience's attention with everything they say".{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408010717/http://www.newyorker.com/archive/2003/06/16/030616crci_cinema|url=https://www.newyorker.com/archive/2003/06/16/030616crci_cinema|title=Traffic Jams|magazine=The New Yorker|first=David|last=Denby|authorlink=David Denby|date=June 16, 2003|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 8, 2008}} Rolling Stone praised his character as "perversely magnetic" despite giving the film a negative review.{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140428101227/https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-italian-job-20030530|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/movies/reviews/the-italian-job-20030530|title=The Italian Job|magazine=Rolling Stone|first=Peter|last=Travers|authorlink=Peter Travers|date=May 30, 2003|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 28, 2014}} During this time, Norton co-founded a production company, Class 5 Films, with Yale classmate Stuart Blumberg and film producer Bill Migliore. Norton was cast as Baldwin IV, the leper king of Jerusalem, in Ridley Scott's 2005 historical film Kingdom of Heaven.{{Cite web|first=Jack |last=Moore |title=Kingdom of Heaven: Director's Cut DVD Review |url=http://www.themovieinsider.com/reviews/rid/615/Kingdom_of_Heaven |website=Movie Insider |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080622181549/http://www.themovieinsider.com/reviews/rid/615/Kingdom_of_Heaven |archive-date=June 22, 2008}} Reviewers criticized the film's lack of depth, while praising the cinematography.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kingdom_of_heaven|title=Kingdom of Heaven (2005)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=May 6, 2005 |quote=Although it's an objective and handsomely presented take on the Crusades, Kingdom of Heaven lacks depth.|access-date=March 9, 2019}} Jack Moore described Norton's performance in Kingdom of Heaven as "phenomenal", and "so far removed from anything that he has ever done that we see the true complexities of his talent". It grossed over $211 million worldwide. Norton's next lead role was in the neo-western film Down in the Valley (2005), playing a delusional man who claims to be a cowboy. While the film was criticized for its narrative, Norton was praised for his performance.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070106183701/http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2006%2F05%2F19%2FDDGVQITKKO1.DTL|url=http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/05/19/DDGVQITKKO1.DTL|title=Opening today|work=San Francisco Chronicle|url-status=dead|date=May 19, 2006|first1=Mick|last1=LaSalle|authorlink1=Mick LaSalle|first2=G. Allen|last2=Johnson|archive-date=January 6, 2007|access-date=August 4, 2019}}{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614035243/http://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2006/05/12/down_in_the_valley_is_lovesick_about_the_west/|url=https://www.boston.com/ae/movies/articles/2006/05/12/down_in_the_valley_is_lovesick_about_the_west/|title='Down in the Valley' is lovesick about the West|first=Ty|last=Burr|authorlink=Ty Burr|date=May 12, 2006|work=The Boston Globe|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 14, 2006}}
Norton had two major film roles in 2006, starring as Eisenheim the magician in The Illusionist and bacteriologist Walter Fane in The Painted Veil. Set in 19th-century Austria-Hungary, The Illusionist was loosely based on novelist Steven Millhauser's short story "Eisenheim the Illusionist" and received generally positive critical reviews.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/illusionist|title=The Illusionist (2006)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=September 2006|quote=The Illusionist is an engrossing, well-crafted story of mystery, magic and intrigue that is certain to enchant, if not hypnotize, audiences.|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=December 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213063325/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/illusionist/|url-status=live}} The San Francisco Chronicle dubbed the film "rich and elegant" and wrote of Norton's character: "he doesn't just seduce the on-screen audience but the audience watching in the movie theater".{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081011060647/http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2006%2F08%2F18%2FDDG3EKKDCI1.DTL&type=movies|url=http://sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/08/18/DDG3EKKDCI1.DTL&type=movies|title=Tricky, very tricky – and a lot of fun, too|first=Mick|last=LaSalle|work=San Francisco Chronicle|date=August 18, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 11, 2008|access-date=August 4, 2019}} The Houston Chronicle similarly lauded the film for its vibrant plot and described Norton's performance as "mysterious and understated".{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713124743/http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/movies/reviews/4086596.html|url=https://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ent/movies/reviews/4086596.html|title=It's easy to revel in this film's true magic|first=Bruce|last=Westbrook|work=Houston Chronicle|date=August 18, 2006|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 13, 2010}} Norton co-produced The Painted Veil, in which he starred with Naomi Watts, who portrayed his character's unfaithful wife. Like his previous venture, The Painted Veil garnered positive feedback from reviewers.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/painted_veil|title=The Painted Veil (2006)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=December 20, 2006|quote=Visually, The Painted Veil has all the trappings of a stuffy period drama, but Norton's and Watts's deft portrayals of imperfect, complicated characters give the film a modern-day spark.|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320043907/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/painted_veil/|url-status=live}} The Guardian applauded the film as "faultless" and "powerful" as well as Norton's "genuinely affecting" performance.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070503174611/http://film.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/Critic_Review/Guardian_review/0,,2066143,00.html|url=http://film.guardian.co.uk/News_Story/Critic_Review/Guardian_review/0,,2066143,00.html|title=The Painted Veil|date=April 27, 2007|first=Andrew|last=Pulver|work=The Guardian|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 3, 2007}} Entertainment Weekly appreciated that Norton's production effort did not affect his acting.{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070617014451/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007970,00.html|url=https://ew.com/ew/article/0,,20007970,00.html|title=Movie Review: The Painted Veil|date=January 10, 2007|first=Lisa|last=Schwarzbaum|authorlink=Lisa Schwarzbaum|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 17, 2007}}
Norton appeared in two documentaries in 2007: Brando, which chronicles the life and career of screen legend Marlon Brando, with whom Norton co-starred in 2001's The Score,{{cn|date=March 2024}} and Man from Plains, which depicts the post-presidency endeavors of former U.S. president Jimmy Carter.{{Cite web|url=https://nowtoronto.com/movies/reviews/plains-spoken/|title=Plains spoken|work=Now|first=Barrett|last=Hopper|date=November 8, 2007|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=July 9, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220709095734/https://nowtoronto.com/movies/reviews/plains-spoken/|url-status=live}} He starred in the crime drama Pride and Glory (2008) as Ray Tierney, an honest detective assigned to investigate the precinct run by his older brother. Reviewers criticized the film for its cliched plot.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pride_and_glory|title=Pride and Glory (2008)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=October 24, 2008|quote=Formulaic in its plotting and cliched in its dialogue, Pride and Glory does little to distinguish itself from other police procedurals.|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=November 28, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171128030804/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/pride_and_glory/|url-status=live}}
== 2006–2008: ''The Incredible Hulk'' ==
File:Edward Norton 2009 Film Festival.jpg|alt=A side view of Norton in suits giving autographs]]
His next lead film role was Marvel Cinematic Universe's Bruce Banner, and the accompanying alter ego Hulk in the big-budget superhero film The Incredible Hulk, released in 2008.{{Cite news |first=Josh |last=Friedman |title=New 'Incredible Hulk' may be bigger than old one |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2008-jun-13-fi-projector13-story.html |date=June 13, 2008|work=Los Angeles Times| url-status=live| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120715012851/http://articles.latimes.com/2008/jun/13/business/fi-projector13| archive-date=July 15, 2012}} Norton initially turned down the part as he felt the 2003 version Hulk "strayed far afield from a story that was familiar to people, ... which is a fugitive story".{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130628130740/http://www.totalfilm.com/features/edward-norton-talks-incredible-hulk|url=http://www.totalfilm.com/features/edward-norton-talks-incredible-hulk|title=Norton talks 'Incredible Hulk'|work=Total Film|date=March 7, 2008|url-status=live|archive-date= June 28, 2013}} He joined the project during pre-production in 2006 and constantly provided rewrites of the script.{{Cite news| date=March 27, 2008 |first=Jake |last=Rossen |title=Q&A: Tim Roth |work=Wizard |url=http://www.wizarduniverse.com/032708rothqanda.html | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080401124143/http://www.wizarduniverse.com/032708rothqanda.html |archive-date=April 1, 2008 |url-status=dead}} Director Louis Leterrier welcomed his contributions, saying that, "Edward's script has given Bruce's story real gravitas".{{Cite news|title=News Etc|work=Empire|issue=April 2008|pages=15–16}} However, screenwriter Zak Penn was displeased with Norton's changes.{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130221172700/http://popwatch.ew.com/2008/07/26/comic-con-adapt/|url=http://popwatch.ew.com/2008/07/26/comic-con-adapt/|last=Juarez|first=Vanessa|date=July 26, 2008|title=Comic-Con: 'Incredible Hulk' screenwriter Zak Penn discusses strife with Edward Norton|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|archive-date=February 21, 2013|url-status=dead}} The Writers Guild of America credited Penn as the sole writer, arguing that Norton had not contributed significantly to the screenplay.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140415044538/http://www.mania.com/zak-penn-to-receive-sole-writing-credit-for-incredible-hulk_article_109697.html|url=http://www.mania.com/zak-penn-to-receive-sole-writing-credit-for-incredible-hulk_article_109697.html|last=Harvey|first=Jim |date=June 5, 2008|title=Zak Penn to receive sole writing credit for 'Incredible Hulk'|publisher= Mania.com|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 15, 2014}} Norton did not participate in promoting the film and went to Africa for humanitarian activities instead, leading to rumors that Norton was sparking conflicts with the film's producers.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181118163728/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/movies/10hulk.html?_r=0|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/04/10/movies/10hulk.html?_r=0|title=What's Big and Green, and Desperate to Be a Hit All Over?|last=Barnes|first=Brooks|date=April 10, 2008|work=The New York Times|archive-date=November 18, 2018}} He dismissed the accusations and said that the media had misrepresented the "healthy" collaborations for headlines.{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090426003603/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,20191802,00.html|url=https://ew.com/ew/article/0,,20191802,00.html|last=Kirschling|first=Gregory|date=April 17, 2008|title='The Incredible Hulk': Behind-the-Scenes Drama|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 26, 2009}}
The Incredible Hulk received generally favorable reviews upon release.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_incredible_hulk|title=The Incredible Hulk (2008)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=June 13, 2008|access-date=March 10, 2019|archive-date=June 21, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190621155436/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_incredible_hulk|url-status=live}} The Wall Street Journal felt that Norton's presence improved the film to "a thunderously efficient enterprise" from the 2003 version.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150705044709/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121331008196869571|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB121331008196869571|title=Efficient 'Hulk' Hits Limits Of Marvel Source|first=Joe|last=Morgenstern|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=June 13, 2008|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 5, 2015}} Conversely, the Los Angeles Times, while recognizing Norton's decent performance, opined that the film lacked a solid script.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080702064627/http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-hulk13-2008jun13,0,2950261.story|url=http://www.calendarlive.com/movies/reviews/cl-et-hulk13-2008jun13,0,2950261.story|date=June 13, 2008|first=Kenneth|last=Turan|work=Los Angeles Times|url-status=dead|title=Movie Review: 'The Incredible Hulk'|archive-date=July 2, 2008}} It was a box office success, grossing over $263 million. Norton was expected to reprise his role in future Marvel Cinematic Universe ventures, including the 2012 blockbuster The Avengers.{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/edward-norton-ditched-from-the-avengers-film-as-producers-criticise-actors-talent/story-e6freuyi-1225890756651 |title=Edward Norton ditched from The Avengers film |work=The Daily Telegraph |date=July 12, 2010 | url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121114201549/http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/breaking-news/edward-norton-ditched-from-the-avengers-film-as-producers-criticise-actors-talent/story-e6freuyi-1225890756651| archive-date=November 14, 2012}} However, he was replaced by Mark Ruffalo, allegedly due to Norton's "disputes" with Marvel.{{Cite web |url=http://www.soulculture.co.uk/blogs/scnews/mark-ruffalo-confirmed-as-the-hulk-in-the-avengers-movie-full-cast-appears-at-sdcc/ |title=Mark Ruffalo Confirmed as The Hulk in The Avengers Movie |publisher=SoulCulture |date=July 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100820093050/http://www.soulculture.co.uk/blogs/scnews/mark-ruffalo-confirmed-as-the-hulk-in-the-avengers-movie-full-cast-appears-at-sdcc/ |archive-date=August 20, 2010 |url-status=dead }} Norton later claimed that he chose not to play Hulk again because he "wanted more diversity" and opted against associating himself with one character throughout his career.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141027235808/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/edward-norton-talks-avengers-he-743265|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/edward-norton-talks-avengers-he-743265|last=Gajewski|first= Ryan |date=October 23, 2014|title=Edward Norton Offers New Explanation for Not Playing Hulk in 'Avengers' Films|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=October 27, 2014|url-status=dead}}
=2009-2014: Critical resurgence=
In 2009, Norton produced the documentary By the People: The Election of Barack Obama, which follows former U.S. president Barack Obama's campaigns leading to his 2008 election victory. Norton planned for this project in 2006, when Obama was a senator from Illinois, elaborating that Obama was "an interesting prism through which to examine politics".{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170831180451/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/01/arts/television/01stel.html|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/01/arts/television/01stel.html|title=Reflections in a Candid Candidate's Eye|first=Brian|last=Stelter|work=The New York Times|date=November 11, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 31, 2017}} He had two lead film roles in 2010. He portrayed Brown University Professor Bill and his identical twin Brady Kincaid in the comedy Leaves of Grass, and convicted arsonist Gerald "Stone" Creeson in the crime film Stone. Both received weak reviews; Leaves of Grass was praised for Norton's performance but criticized for its conflicting tonal shifts,{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10010334_leaves_of_grass|title=Leaves of Grass (2010)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=September 17, 2010|quote=Edward Norton delivers one of his finest performances in Leaves of Grass, but he's overpowered by the movie's many jarring tonal shifts.|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=December 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201205231852/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/10010334_leaves_of_grass|url-status=live}} while Stone was panned because of a clumsy plot with excessive twists.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/stone|title=Stone (2010)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=October 8, 2010|quote=Stone boasts a cast ... but it's ultimately undone by its heavy-handed symbolism and overabundant plot twists.|access-date=March 9, 2019|archive-date=September 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220922090423/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/stone|url-status=live}}
Norton had two lead film roles in 2012. He starred as scoutmaster Randy Ward in charge of finding his missing camper in the coming-of-age film Moonrise Kingdom, directed by Wes Anderson.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180512112820/https://www.npr.org/2013/02/15/172006736/wes-anderson-creating-a-singluar-kingdom|url=https://www.npr.org/2013/02/15/172006736/wes-anderson-creating-a-singluar-kingdom|title=Wes Anderson, Creating A Singular 'Kingdom'|date=February 15, 2013|archive-date=May 12, 2018|publisher=NPR|url-status=live|access-date=March 11, 2019}} The film was acclaimed by critics{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/moonrise_kingdom|title=Moonrise Kingdom (2012)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=June 29, 2012|quote=... the immaculately framed and beautifully acted Moonrise Kingdom presents writer/director Wes Anderson at his idiosyncratic best.|access-date=March 11, 2019|archive-date=January 8, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180108003208/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/moonrise_kingdom/|url-status=live}} and grossed over $68 million. His other lead role was in the action thriller The Bourne Legacy, the fourth installment in the Bourne series. In the film, Norton portrayed retired Air Force colonel Eric Byer, who decides to terminate an illegal operation after it is exposed to the FBI and kill everyone involved. The Bourne Legacy received lukewarm reviews{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_bourne_legacy|title=The Bourne Legacy (2012)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=August 10, 2012|quote=It isn't quite as compelling as the earlier trilogy|access-date=March 11, 2019|archive-date=September 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220928145929/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_bourne_legacy|url-status=live}} but has been Norton's highest-grossing venture so far, earning over $276 million worldwide. Norton also produced the comedy-drama Thanks for Sharing (2012) under his company Class 5 Films.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131111041121/http://variety.com/2012/film/reviews/thanks-for-sharing-1117948263/|url=https://variety.com/2012/film/reviews/thanks-for-sharing-1117948263/|title=Film Review: Thanks for Sharing|work=Variety|archive-date=November 11, 2013|url-status=dead|date=September 9, 2012|first=Peter|last=Debruge}} This production venture received a mixed response.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/thanks_for_sharing|title=Thanks for Sharing (2012)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=September 20, 2013 |access-date=March 11, 2019}} The Guardian panned the film as "smug and humourless,"{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109165531/http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/oct/03/thanks-for-sharing-review|url=http://www.theguardian.com/film/2013/oct/03/thanks-for-sharing-review|title=Thanks for Sharing – review|first=Peter|last=Bradshaw|date=October 3, 2013|archive-date=November 9, 2013|url-status=dead|work=The Guardian}} while The Washington Post called it "surprisingly wise, funny and affecting".{{Cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130921221144/http://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/thanks-for-sharing-movie-review/2013/09/18/99b514f6-1bd7-11e3-a628-7e6dde8f889d_story.html|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/goingoutguide/movies/thanks-for-sharing-movie-review/2013/09/18/99b514f6-1bd7-11e3-a628-7e6dde8f889d_story.html|title='Thanks for Sharing' Movie Review|first=Michael|last=O'Sullivan|date=September 18, 2013|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 21, 2013|newspaper=The Washington Post}}
File:Wes Anderson at the 2018 Berlin Film Festival.jpg, who featured Norton in five of his films|alt=A bob-haired man sitting at a movie conference]]
In 2014, Norton played in two Academy Award-winning films, The Grand Budapest Hotel and Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance). He collaborated again with director Wes Anderson for The Grand Budapest Hotel, which featured an ensemble cast and won four Academy Awards.{{Cite web|url=https://entertainment.ie/cinema/movie-news/edward-norton-talks-all-things-wes-anderson-and-the-grand-budapest-hotel-241217/|title=Edward Norton talks all things Wes Anderson and The Grand Budapest Hotel|date=March 3, 2014|publisher=Entertainment.ie|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311041453/https://entertainment.ie/cinema/movie-news/edward-norton-talks-all-things-wes-anderson-and-the-grand-budapest-hotel-241217/|archive-date=March 11, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 11, 2019}}{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160327172244/https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-30835975|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-30835975|title=Oscars 2015: Winners list|date=February 23, 2015|publisher=BBC|url-status=live|archive-date=March 27, 2016|access-date=March 11, 2019}} In the black comedy Birdman, Norton played Broadway method actor Mike Shiner, who is talented but hard to work with. The film, as well as Norton's performance, was well received by critics.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/birdman_2014|title=Birdman (2014)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=January 16, 2015|quote=Birdman is ... powered by a layered story and outstanding performances from Michael Keaton and Edward Norton.|access-date=March 11, 2019|archive-date=September 5, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230905224101/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/birdman_2014|url-status=live}} The Los Angeles Times lauded him for successfully portraying the volatility of the character,{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230024728/http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-birdman-review-20141017-column.html|url=https://latimes.com/entertainment/movies/la-et-mn-birdman-review-20141017-column.html|title='Birdman' soars feathered and unfettered|date=October 16, 2014|first=Betsy|last=Sharky|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 30, 2014|work=Los Angeles Times}} and Newsday complimented his "truly moving" poetic delivery.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141018212658/http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/birdman-review-unique-self-reflexive-exploration-of-acting-1.9507936|url=http://www.newsday.com/entertainment/movies/birdman-review-unique-self-reflexive-exploration-of-acting-1.9507936|title='Birdman' review: Unique, self-reflexive exploration of acting|first=Rafer|last=Guzman|work=Newsday|date=October 16, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 18, 2014}} The film won the Academy Award for Best Picture and earned Norton his third Academy nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
=2015-2021: Limited roles and voice acting=
Norton had voice-acting roles in the animated features Sausage Party (2016){{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161103134943/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/09/01/sausage-party-is-nothing-like-as-clever-as-it-thinks-it-is--revi/|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/films/2016/09/01/sausage-party-is-nothing-like-as-clever-as-it-thinks-it-is--revi/|title=Sausage Party is nothing like as clever as it thinks it is|first=Rupert|last=Hawksley|work=The Daily Telegraph|date=September 1, 2016|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 3, 2016}} and The Guardian Brothers—the English-dubbed version of the Chinese animated film Little Door Gods (2017).{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170919200737/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/edward-norton-bella-thorne-jim-gaffigan-join-animated-guardian-brothers-964913|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/edward-norton-bella-thorne-jim-gaffigan-join-animated-guardian-brothers-964913|title=Edward Norton, Bella Thorne, Jim Gaffigan Join Animated 'Guardian Brothers'|first=Ashley|last=Lee|date=January 17, 2017|work=The Hollywood Reporter|archive-date=September 19, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=March 12, 2019}} He played Whit Yardsham, an estranged friend and business partner of Howard Inlet (Will Smith) in the 2016 drama Collateral Beauty. The film was panned by critics for its incoherent screenplay.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/collateral_beauty|title=Collateral Beauty (2016)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=December 16, 2016|quote=Collateral Beauty aims for uplift but collapses in unintentional hilarity.|access-date=March 12, 2019|archive-date=May 2, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180502002030/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/collateral_beauty|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170510164805/http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Collateral-Beauty-is-lousy-and-likable-10798974.php|url=http://www.sfgate.com/movies/article/Collateral-Beauty-is-lousy-and-likable-10798974.php|title='Collateral Beauty' is lousy and likable|date=December 15, 2016|work=San Francisco Chronicle|first=Mick|last=LaSale|archive-date=May 10, 2017|url-status=dead}}{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170625214019/https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2016/12/14/collateral-beauty-doesn-measure-its-cast/bLffi3RTQqrTOX5B3Czl1H/story.html|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/arts/movies/2016/12/14/collateral-beauty-doesn-measure-its-cast/bLffi3RTQqrTOX5B3Czl1H/story.html|title='Collateral Beauty' doesn't measure up to its cast|first=Tom|last=Russo|date=December 14, 2016|work=The Boston Globe|archive-date=June 25, 2017|url-status=dead}} Norton worked again with director Anderson for the 2018 stop motion film Isle of Dogs, in which he voiced Rex, a member of a pack of five dogs.{{Cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180325011158/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/03/22/in-isle-of-dogs-noted-pet-nemesis-wes-anderson-finally-recognizes-that-dogs-deserve-to-live/|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/arts-and-entertainment/wp/2018/03/22/in-isle-of-dogs-noted-pet-nemesis-wes-anderson-finally-recognizes-that-dogs-deserve-to-live/?utm_term=.da826b7c6d28|title=Bad things happen to pets in Wes Anderson movies|first=Sonia|last=Rao|date=March 22, 2018|newspaper=The Washington Post|archive-date=March 25, 2018|url-status=live|access-date=March 12, 2019}} Norton had announced in February 2014 that he would direct Motherless Brooklyn, a crime drama based on the acclaimed 1999 novel by Jonathan Lethem.{{Cite web|last=Fleming|first=Mike Jr.|title=Edward Norton Will Helm Passion Project 'Motherless Brooklyn' With RatPac Funding|url=https://deadline.com/2014/02/edward-norton-will-helm-passion-project-motherless-brooklyn-with-ratpac-funding/|work=Deadline Hollywood|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141010000530/http://deadline.com/2014/02/edward-norton-will-helm-passion-project-motherless-brooklyn-with-ratpac-funding-686666/|archive-date=October 10, 2014|date=February 20, 2014}} Norton had wanted to work on the project since 1999 but did not begin until Brett Ratner, director of 2002's Red Dragon, joined in to help production.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190311044030/https://www.indiewire.com/2014/02/edward-nortons-motherless-brooklyn-finally-happening-thanks-to-brett-ratner-88819/|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2014/02/edward-nortons-motherless-brooklyn-finally-happening-thanks-to-brett-ratner-88819/|title=Edward Norton's 'Motherless Brooklyn' Finally Happening Thanks To Brett Ratner|first=Kevin|last=Jagernauth|work=Indiewire|date=February 20, 2014|archive-date=March 11, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 11, 2019}} Released in 2019, the film received mixed reviews.{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/motherless_brooklyn|title=Motherless Brooklyn (2019)|website=Rotten Tomatoes|date=November 2019|publisher=Fandango|access-date=December 25, 2019|archive-date=December 25, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191225141858/https://rottentomatoes.com/m/motherless_brooklyn|url-status=live}} Toronto Star
=2022-present: Return to mainstream =
In 2022, Norton portrayed an obnoxious New York tech billionaire Miles Bron in Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery, the second installment in Knives Out franchise. The ensemble mystery film was released on Netflix to positive reviews and recorded strong viewership.{{cite web | url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/glass-onion-a-knives-out-mystery-2022 | title=Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery movie review (2022) | Roger Ebert | access-date=November 26, 2022 | archive-date=December 31, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221231051039/https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/glass-onion-a-knives-out-mystery-2022/ | url-status=live }}
Norton featured in the Apple TV+ anthology mini series Extrapolations (2023), created by Scott Z. Burns.{{Cite web |title=Apple’s star-studded limited series “Extrapolations,” from visionary writer, director and producer Scott Z. Burns, sets global premiere for March 17, 2023 |url=https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/news/2023/01/apples-star-studded-limited-series-extrapolations-from-visionary-writer-director-and-producer-scott-z-burns-sets-global-premiere-for-march-17-2023/ |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=Apple TV+ Press |language=en-US}} He once again reunited with Wes Anderson to play a supporting role in the comedy drama set in retrofuturistic 1950s, Asteroid City, premiering at the 76th Cannes Film Festival on May 23, 2023.{{Cite web |last=Ntim |first=Andreas Wiseman,Zac |date=2023-03-28 |title=Wes Anderson’s Star-Studded Comedy ‘Asteroid City’ Is On Its Way To The Cannes Film Festival |url=https://deadline.com/2023/03/wes-anderson-asteroid-city-cannes-film-festival-focus-features-1235311687/ |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}} It received generally positive reviews while also becoming a moderate success commercially.{{Cite web |title=Asteroid City (2023) - Financial Information |url=https://www.the-numbers.com/movie/Asteroid-City-(2023) |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=The Numbers}} He reprised his voice role from the animated adult comedy film Sausage Party (2016) in the sequel series Sausage Party: Foodtopia (2024), which released on Amazon Prime Video.{{Cite web |last=Zahed |first=Ramin |date=2024-07-11 |title=Ariel Shaffir and Kyle Hunter Offer a Taste of Their New Prime Video Show, 'Sausage Party: Foodtopia' |url=https://www.animationmagazine.net/2024/07/ariel-shaffir-and-kyle-hunter-offer-a-taste-of-their-new-show-sausage-party-foodtopia/ |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=Animation Magazine |language=en-US}}
Norton next portrayed Pete Seeger opposite Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown (2024), a biopic of Bob Dylan, directed by James Mangold.{{Cite web |last=Kroll |first=Justin |date=January 25, 2024 |title=Edward Norton To Play Pete Seeger In James Mangold's Bob Dylan Pic 'A Complete Unknown' As Benedict Cumberbatch Departs Due To Scheduling |url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/edward-norton-pete-seeger-bob-dylan-a-complete-unknown-1235804813/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20240125184456/https://deadline.com/2024/01/edward-norton-pete-seeger-bob-dylan-a-complete-unknown-1235804813/|archive-date=January 25, 2024 |access-date=January 25, 2024 |website=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation}} He learned to play banjo in Seeger's distinctive style for his role.{{Cite web |last=Blackwelder |first=Carson |title=Edward Norton, Monica Barbaro talk playing music icons in 'A Complete Unknown' |url=https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/edward-norton-monica-barbaro-pete-seeger-joan-baez-a-complete-unknown/story?id=116722943#:~:text=Norton,%20who%20said%20he%20had,the%20right%20hand's%20really%20hard.%22 |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=ABC News |language=en}} His performance received praise, and he was nominated for a Golden Globe award and an Academy Award.{{cite web |url=https://goldenglobes.com/person/edward-norton/ |title=Edward Norton |publisher=Golden Globes |access-date=January 13, 2025}} Brian Tallerico of RogerEbert.com described him as "wonderfully understated,"{{Cite web |title=A Complete Unknown movie review (2024) {{!}} Roger Ebert |url=https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/a-complete-unknown-movie-review-2024 |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=www.rogerebert.com |language=en-US}} while James T. Keane of America Magazine praised Norton as the film's standout performer, lauding his ability to subtly convey a wide range of emotions: "preternaturally good-hearted, but also part booster, part handler, part jealous rival, part stubborn doctrinaire."{{Cite web |date=2024-12-29 |title=A Bob Dylan nerd reviews ‘A Complete Unknown’ |url=https://www.americamagazine.org/arts-culture/2024/12/29/review-dylan-complete-unknown-249599 |access-date=2025-01-25 |website=America Magazine |language=en}}
Personal life
= Relationships =
Since coming to fame in the mid-1990s, Norton has opted not to discuss his personal life in public, saying that he "believes that excessive media coverage can distract him from fulfilling his role as an actor". Following the release of The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), tabloids spread rumors that Norton and his onscreen co-star Courtney Love were dating. Norton insisted that he was not romantically involved with Love, and the two were only friends and colleagues.{{Cite news|title=The New Edwardianism|first=Graham|last=Fuller|work=Interview Magazine|issue=February 1997}} Nevertheless, appearing on an episode of The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson, Love stated they had dated for four years. It was in addition to her references in a 2006 interview to their past relationship.{{Cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070313215619/http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/article630036.ece|url=http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/article630036.ece|title=Love, actually|date=November 6, 2006|work=The Times|location=London|first=Caitlin|last=Moran|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 13, 2007}} She said that Norton had been a "mediator" and "communicator" between her and her daughter Frances Bean Cobain, calling him a "force of good".{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131105013925/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/courtney-love-edward-norton-mediator-daughter-frances-bean-article-1.167270|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/gossip/courtney-love-edward-norton-mediator-daughter-frances-bean-article-1.167270|title=Courtney Love says Edward Norton is mediator between her and daughter Frances Bean|date=March 13, 2010|work=New York Daily News|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2013}}
After Norton had ended his relationship with Love in 1999, he started dating Salma Hayek, with whom he later appeared in the 2002 biopic Frida.{{Cite magazine|title=Norton Exposure|date=April 17, 2000|magazine=Time|first=Richard|last=Corliss}} Norton absented himself from the premiere of The Italian Job, in which he starred, to attend the premiere of The Maldonado Miracle, Hayek's directorial debut.{{Cite news|title=International Man: Edward Norton|work=GQ|first=Bill|last=Prince|issue=October 2003}} The two broke up in 2003. Hayek still remains friends with Norton.
Hayek recalled in a 2017 piece for The New York Times that Norton "beautifully rewrote the script [of Frida] several times and appallingly never got credit" after she had rejected Harvey Weinstein's sexual demands and Weinstein, in retaliation, had given her "a list of [four] impossible tasks with a tight deadline," including "a rewrite of the script, with no additional payment, or writer's credit" before he would make the film.
In 2011, Norton proposed to Canadian film producer Shauna Robertson after dating for six years. The pair married in 2012. The couple have two children, a son Atlas, and daughter Lydia.{{Cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/edward-norton-gets-engaged-in-india/769679/|title=Edward Norton Gets Engaged in India|work=The Indian Express|date=March 11, 2011|access-date=March 13, 2019}}{{Cite news | title=Edward Norton and Shauna Robertson Secretly Wed Before Son's Birth | date = April 18, 2013 | url=http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/edward-norton-and-shauna-robertson-secretly-wed-before-sons-birth-2013184|url-status=dead| work = Us Weekly|first=Joyce|last=Chen| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130727063021/http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-moms/news/edward-norton-and-shauna-robertson-secretly-wed-before-sons-birth-2013184| archive-date=July 27, 2013}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/la-xpm-2013-apr-18-la-et-mg-edward-norton-baby-shauna-robertson-20130418-story.html|title=Report: Edward Norton welcomes baby with fiancee Shauna Robertson | work=Los Angeles Times | first=Nardine|last=Saad|date=April 18, 2013|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151128170920/http://articles.latimes.com/2013/apr/18/entertainment/la-et-mg-edward-norton-baby-shauna-robertson-20130418| archive-date=November 28, 2015}}
= Ancestry =
Norton appeared on the PBS genealogy series Finding Your Roots in January 2023, where it was confirmed that Pocahontas was his 12th great-grandmother. Norton, whose family had known of possible relation to Pocahontas and her husband John Rolfe for years, replied to the findings: "It makes you realize what a small piece of the human story you are".{{Cite news |url= https://www.sportskeeda.com/pop-culture/how-edward-norton-related-pocahontas-ancestral-family-tree-explored-amid-finding-your-roots-revelations |title= How is Edward Norton related to Pocahontas? Ancestral family tree explored amid Finding Your Roots revelations |first= Barsha |last= Roy |newspaper= Sports Keeda |date= January 3, 2023 |access-date= January 3, 2023 |archive-date= January 3, 2023 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20230103170400/https://www.sportskeeda.com/amp/pop-culture/how-edward-norton-related-pocahontas-ancestral-family-tree-explored-amid-finding-your-roots-revelations |url-status= live }}
Norton expressed discomfort upon learning his ancestors owned a family of slaves: "The short answer is these things are uncomfortable, and you should be uncomfortable with them. Everybody should be uncomfortable with it. It's not a judgement on you and your own life, but it's a judgement on the history of this country. It needs to be acknowledged first and foremost, and then it needs to be contended with. When you go away from census counts and you personalise things, you're talking about, possibly, a husband and wife with five girls – and these girls are slaves. Born into slavery. ... When you read 'slave aged eight,' you just want to die."{{cite web |last1=Edwards |first1=Chris |title=Edward Norton 'uncomfortable' after discovering ancestors owned slaves |url=https://www.nme.com/news/tv/edward-norton-uncomfortable-after-discovering-ancestors-owned-slaves-3373703 |website=NME |date=January 3, 2023 |publisher=NME Networks |access-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106023839/https://www.nme.com/news/tv/edward-norton-uncomfortable-after-discovering-ancestors-owned-slaves-3373703 |url-status=live }}
Norton also learned he is a distant cousin of fellow actors Eric and Julia Roberts.{{cite web |last1=Wittmer |first1=Carrie |title=Julia Roberts Just Discovered She's Related to This 'Glass Onion' Star |url=https://www.glamour.com/story/julia-roberts-just-discovered-shes-related-to-this-glass-onion-star |website=Glamour |date=January 4, 2023 |publisher=Condé Nast |access-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-date=January 6, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230106022336/https://www.glamour.com/story/julia-roberts-just-discovered-shes-related-to-this-glass-onion-star |url-status=live }}
= Activism =
File:Edward Norton in Kenya (2010).jpg Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity on a trip to Kenya, 2010]]
Norton's father is an environmental lawyer and conservationist; Norton is an environmentalist.{{Cite news|title=Environmentalism runs in his family|first=Susan|last=King|work=Los Angeles Times|date=April 18, 2005}} He narrated the four-part National Geographic documentary Strange Days on Planet Earth (2005), which examines earth system science. He is an advocate for renewable energy, specifically solar energy{{Cite news|title=Electricity Doesn't Grow on Trees – It Falls from the Sky|work=Enterprise Quarterly|publisher=Enterprise Community Partners|first=Sandi|last=Abadinsky|issue=Fall 2003}} and is currently an Advisory Council Member for GoodLeap.{{Cite web |last=Boudreau |first=Catherine |title=These Hollywood celebs and an NFL Hall of Famer want you to electrify your home to help solve the climate crisis |url=https://www.businessinsider.com/tony-gonzalez-shailene-woodley-goodleap-advisory-council-hayes-barnard-2022-12 |access-date=2024-09-06 |website=Business Insider |language=en-US |archive-date=December 18, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241218120520/https://www.businessinsider.com/tony-gonzalez-shailene-woodley-goodleap-advisory-council-hayes-barnard-2022-12 |url-status=live }} After rising to stardom, Norton bought a solar energy-powered home in Los Angeles and switched to a hybrid car. In 2003, he collaborated with oil company BP to develop the Solar Neighbors program, which aimed to install photovoltaic panels on rooftops of households in Los Angeles.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120624002053/http://grist.org/article/little-norton/|url=http://grist.org/article/little-norton/|title=An interview with actor and solar advocate Edward Norton|first=Amanda|last=Little|work=Grist|date=April 28, 2005|archive-date=June 24, 2012|url-status=dead}} The initiative was welcomed by many of Norton's fellow celebrities, notably Salma Hayek, Brad Pitt, Danny DeVito, Alicia Silverstone and Robin Williams.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061111082535/https://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2006/01/01/8368105/index.htm|url=https://money.cnn.com/magazines/business2/business2_archive/2006/01/01/8368105/index.htm|title=Hollywood stars heat up solar power|publisher=CNN|archive-date=November 11, 2006|date=February 15, 2006|url-status=dead|first=Monica|last=Heger}}
Norton is a supporter of the African Wildlife Foundation and its "Say No" campaign which raises awareness and fights against illegal poaching of elephants and rhinoceroses for ivory and horn.{{Cite web|url=http://www.awf.org/projects/say-no-campaign|title=Say No Campaign |access-date=October 6, 2014 |publisher=African Wildlife Foundation|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104075306/http://www.awf.org/projects/say-no-campaign|archive-date=November 4, 2015|url-status=live}} He is the president of the American branch of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust. The organization aims to preserve the ecosystems and biodiversity of East Africa through conservation which directly benefits the local Maasai communities.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113015216/http://maasaiwilderness.org/aboutus/|url=http://maasaiwilderness.org/aboutus/|title=About Us|publisher=Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust|url-status=live|archive-date=January 13, 2018|access-date=March 13, 2019}} To raise money for the trust, Norton fielded a team of thirty runners for the New York City Marathon on November 1, 2009; the team included himself, three Maasai tribesmen, and fellow celebrity musician Alanis Morissette.{{Cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/09/10/ed.norton.marathon/index.html |title= Edward Norton plays marathon man to fund African conservation |publisher=CNN |date=September 10, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111024308/http://www.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/09/10/ed.norton.marathon/index.html| archive-date=January 11, 2010|first=Doug|last=Gross}}{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924042010/http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/10/23/ed-norton-teams-with-maasai-warriors-to-run-marathon/|url=http://blogs.wsj.com/speakeasy/2009/10/23/ed-norton-teams-with-maasai-warriors-to-run-marathon/|title=Ed Norton Teams with Maasai Warriors To Run Marathon|first=Michelle|last=Kung|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=October 23, 2009|archive-date=September 24, 2015|url-status=dead}} He raised over $1.2 million for the Trust after completing his run.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150516002838/https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703880304575236432780628948|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703880304575236432780628948|title=Norton's Toughest Role|first=Shelly|last=Banjo|date=May 11, 2010|work=The Wall Street Journal|archive-date=May 16, 2015|url-status=dead}}
After the successful fundraising for the Maasai Conservation, Norton launched an online fundraising platform called Crowdrise in May 2010.{{Cite magazine|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141130085026/http://time.com/72444/ed-nortons-charity-company-doesnt-sound-so-charitable/|url=https://time.com/72444/ed-nortons-charity-company-doesnt-sound-so-charitable/|title=Ed Norton's Charity Company Doesn't Sound So Charitable|first=Jack|last=Dickey|magazine=Time|date=April 22, 2014|archive-date=November 30, 2014|url-status=live}} The website uses a social-networking framework to help raise funds for charity. In July 2010, the then-Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) named Norton the Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity and a spokesperson for the Convention on Biological Diversity.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100729063329/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/07/08/un.norton.goodwill.ambassador/index.html|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/americas/07/08/un.norton.goodwill.ambassador/index.html|title=Actor Edward Norton named UN goodwill ambassador|first1=Brooke|last1=Elliott|first2=Evan|last2=Buxbaum|publisher=CNN|date=July 8, 2010|archive-date=July 29, 2010|url-status=dead}} At his designation ceremony, Norton said that biodiversity is an issue that "transcends national boundaries", with people "having lost sight" of the need for environmental protection.{{Cite web | url=https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35270&Cr=biodiversity&Cr1= | title=UN names actor Edward Norton as celebrity advocate for preserving biodiversity | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220002808/https://www.un.org/apps/news/story.asp?NewsID=35270&Cr=biodiversity&Cr1=| archive-date=December 20, 2011| date=July 8, 2010| publisher=United Nations}} As part of his job as a UN Ambassador, Norton has embarked on trips to Africa and participated in programs organized by UN bodies including the Development and Environment Programmes.{{Cite web|url=https://news.un.org/en/story/2012/06/413892|title=Rio+20: Interview with Ed Norton, UN Goodwill Ambassador for Biodiversity|date=June 21, 2012|publisher=United Nations|first=F. Soto|last=Nino|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313125432/https://news.un.org/en/story/2012/06/413892|archive-date=March 13, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 13, 2019}}{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131204123712/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/mar/26/edward-norton-stone-leaves-grass|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2011/mar/26/edward-norton-stone-leaves-grass|title=Edward Norton – not appearing in a cinema near you|date=March 26, 2011|work=The Guardian|archive-date=December 4, 2013|url-status=dead|first=Dev|last=Pierce}}{{Cite web|url=https://wedocs.unep.org/bitstream/handle/20.500.11822/25385/Biodiversity%20and%20Human%20Security%20Nexus%20Dialogue%20note%20%284%20Apr%202018%29.pdf?sequence=2&isAllowed=y|title=Proposal for the first 2018 UN Environment Management Group Nexus Dialogue|publisher=United Nations Environment Management Group|format=PDF|location=Geneva|date=May 2–3, 2018|access-date=March 13, 2019}} He also played soccer (football) for Soccer Aid in May 2012; the event raised over £4.9 million for UNICEF to assist children worldwide.{{Cite web|url=http://www.unicef.org.uk/soccer-aid/soccer-aid-2012-teams/ |title=Soccer Aid 2014 – The Teams |publisher=UNICEF UK |access-date=June 5, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130416074250/https://www.unicef.org.uk/soccer-aid/soccer-aid-2012-teams/ |archive-date=April 16, 2013 }}
Norton is a general aviation pilot who flies people in need of access to healthcare in his Cessna 206 aircraft through the organization Angel Flight West.{{cite web|url=https://www.aopa.org/news-and-media/all-news/2023/november/02/angel-flight-west-celebrates-milestone-with-star-power|title=ANGEL FLIGHT WEST CELEBRATES MILESTONE WITH STAR POWER|work=AOPA|date=November 2, 2023|accessdate= June 23, 2024}}
= Political views =
Norton has served since 1998 as a member of the board of trustees of Enterprise Community Partners, a non-profit developer of affordable housing founded by his grandparents.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002172614/https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/about/our-people/edward-norton|url=https://www.enterprisecommunity.org/about/our-people/edward-norton|title=Edward Norton|publisher=Enterprise Community Partners|archive-date=October 2, 2017|url-status=live|access-date=March 13, 2019}} The company has invested $9 billion in equity capital, pre-development lending, mortgage financing, and house building for low-income Americans.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120818061432/http://www.fastcompany.com/1093656/edward-nortons-9000000000-housing-project-thats-9-billion|url=http://www.fastcompany.com/1093656/edward-nortons-9000000000-housing-project-thats-9-billion|title=Edward Norton's $9,000,000,000 Housing Project (that's $9 Billion)|first=Ellen|last=McGirt|work=Fast Company|archive-date=August 18, 2012|url-status=dead|date=October 1, 2008}} In 2008, Norton initiated the company's plan to embark on green affordable housing. This originated with his concerns over environmental issues and sustainable development in addition to housing problems. He attributed his involvement in community building to his upbringing in Columbia, Maryland, which is a planned city built in the 1960s and home to a diverse population.{{Cite news|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20000311092300/http://horizonmag.com/1/norton.htm|url=http://horizonmag.com/1/norton.htm|title=Edward Norton on communities, planned and perverse, and why New York is better than LA|work=Horizon Magazine|first=Catherine|last=Hyde|issue=November 1997|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 11, 2000}}
Norton believes celebrities should "participate quietly" in discussions on politics and social issues as, "Having a public forum tends to make people offer too casual a commentary".{{Cite web|url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/edward-norton-on-fame-activism-and-his-new-film-collateral-beauty/article33337053/|title=Edward Norton on fame, activism and his new film Collateral Beauty|first=Brad|last=Wheeler|work=The Globe and Mail|date=December 15, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112073511/https://www.theglobeandmail.com/arts/film/edward-norton-on-fame-activism-and-his-new-film-collateral-beauty/article33337053/|archive-date=January 12, 2017|url-status=dead}} During the 2004 presidential election, Norton urged college students to vote against the Republican nominee George W. Bush, further criticizing his plans to cut college financing and his support of tax breaks for the rich.{{Cite news|title=Actor urges audience to vote Bush out|work=The Plain Dealer|first=Sarah|last=Crump|date=October 21, 2004}} He also made speeches to encourage voters to support Democratic nominee John Kerry.{{Cite news|title=Celebrities campaign in Reno|work=Reno Gazette-Journal|date=October 30, 2004|first=Beryl|last=Chong}}{{Cite news|title=Campaigns work through weekend|first=Kirsten |last=Searer|work=Las Vegas Sun|date=November 1, 2004}} Norton was a supporter of Democrat Eliot Spitzer, former New York governor.{{Cite news|first=Danny|last=Hakim|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/16/nyregion/16campaign.html|title=As Spitzer's Popularity Fell, Donors Rallied to His Side |date=January 16, 2008 |work=The New York Times| url-status=dead| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131220093348/https://www.nytimes.com/2008/01/16/nyregion/16campaign.html| archive-date=December 20, 2013}}
During the 2008 and 2012 presidential elections, Norton supported but did not actively campaign for the Democratic nominee Barack Obama, saying that "it's much more interesting to encourage people to engage than to suggest that people should model themselves on me and my views".{{Cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2012/11/02/edward-norton-makes-obama-campaign-documentary/?noredirect=on|title=Edward Norton makes Obama campaign video|first=Rachel|last=Weiner|newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 2, 2012|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-date=August 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200809003809/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-politics/wp/2012/11/02/edward-norton-makes-obama-campaign-documentary/?noredirect=on|url-status=live}} He produced the 2009 documentary By the People: The Election of Barack Obama, which chronicles Obama's political activities from 2006 to his 2008 election victory.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-obama/hbo-acquires-rights-to-obama-documentary-idUSTRE4A60X920081107|title=HBO acquires rights to Obama documentary|first=Gregg|last=Goldstein|date=November 7, 2008|access-date=March 13, 2019|work=Reuters|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402161514/https://www.reuters.com/article/us-obama/hbo-acquires-rights-to-obama-documentary-idUSTRE4A60X920081107|url-status=live}} Norton spoke highly of Obama, citing him as "a perfect framework" to explore contemporary U.S. politics. He produced a campaign video for Obama's 2012 presidential race with Bennett Miller; the video featured voters from diverse economic and racial backgrounds.{{Cite news|url=https://torontosun.com/2012/11/04/edward-norton-shoots-doc-in-support-of-barack-obama/wcm/00db83c9-8165-448d-a90f-34da0dc5ab1c|title=Edward Norton shoots doc in support of Barack Obama|newspaper=Toronto Sun|date=November 4, 2012|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402150718/https://torontosun.com/2012/11/04/edward-norton-shoots-doc-in-support-of-barack-obama/wcm/00db83c9-8165-448d-a90f-34da0dc5ab1c|url-status=live}} He also expressed "grave concerns" over the Trump administration's position regarding climate change. In 2020 Norton donated $8,400 to the Joe Biden 2020 presidential campaign.{{Cite web |last=Schultz |first=Marisa |date=November 1, 2020 |title=Hollywood rallies behind Biden, but Trump matches celebrity cash thanks to one showbiz leader |url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/hollywood-rallies-behind-biden-but-trump-matches-celebrity-cash-thanks-to-one-showbiz-leader |access-date=July 24, 2022 |website=Fox News |language=en-US |archive-date=November 3, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103015717/https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/hollywood-rallies-behind-biden-but-trump-matches-celebrity-cash-thanks-to-one-showbiz-leader |url-status=live }}
In November 2020, Norton criticized then-US President Donald Trump for his unfounded claims of election fraud at the 2020 United States presidential election, as a "contemptible, treasonous, seditious assault on the stability of the country and its institutions."{{cite news | url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-11-20/edward-norton-donald-trump-poker | title='Call his bluff': Edward Norton lays out poker-style Trump analysis we never expected | first=Nardine | last=Saad | newspaper=Los Angeles Times | date=November 20, 2020 | archive-date=January 2, 2023 | access-date=January 2, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230102100010/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-11-20/edward-norton-donald-trump-poker | url-status=live }}
Public image
File:Edward Norton By Bridget Laudien.jpg
Norton has been regarded as one of the most talented actors of his generation.{{Cite web|url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/benedict-cumberbatch-and-edward-norton-on-dealing-with-the-attention-of-fame-1201368291/|title=Benedict Cumberbatch and Edward Norton on Dealing With the 'Insanity' of Fame|date=December 2, 2014|work=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150622132631/https://variety.com/2014/film/news/benedict-cumberbatch-and-edward-norton-on-dealing-with-the-attention-of-fame-1201368291/|archive-date=June 22, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=March 14, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2015/02/need-edward-norton-revival|title=Why We Need an Edward Norton Revival|first=Wil|last=Jones|work=Complex|date=February 23, 2015|access-date=March 14, 2019|archive-date=April 4, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230404021247/https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2015/02/need-edward-norton-revival|url-status=live}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/2006/5/1/columbia-native-edward-norton-follows-his-own-muse|title=Edward Norton Goes Electric|first=Max|last=Weiss|issue=May 2006|work=Baltimore|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171002024033/https://www.baltimoremagazine.com/2006/5/1/columbia-native-edward-norton-follows-his-own-muse|archive-date=October 2, 2017}}{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190313052922/https://film.avclub.com/edward-norton-1798219579|url=https://www.avclub.com/edward-norton-1798219579|title=Interview: Edward Norton|work=The A.V. Club|first=Sean|last=O'Neal|date=October 31, 2010|archive-date=March 13, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 13, 2019}} The Daily Telegraph observed that "the tag 'finest actor of his generation' clings to him wherever he goes".{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3664304/Critical-moment.html|title=Critical moment|work=The Daily Telegraph|first=Mick|last=Brown|date=April 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314044331/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/3664304/Critical-moment.html|archive-date=March 14, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 14, 2019}} In The Observer, Peter Preston noted that his image was unlike that of conventional screen "stars" because his most memorable characters are unlikeable, specifically a neo-Nazi in American History X. Preston likened his characters to those played by Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro, whom Norton admires.{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2001/sep/09/features|title=The heist men cometh|date=September 9, 2001|work=The Observer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140509221846/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2001/sep/09/features|archive-date=May 9, 2014|url-status=dead}} Interview magazine commented that Norton has successfully portrayed a wide range of roles and found it impossible to simply characterize him as a leading man, a villain, or a character actor.{{Cite web|last=Miller|first=Bennett|date=November 3, 2014|title=Edward Norton|url=https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/edward-norton|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150519004816/https://www.interviewmagazine.com/film/edward-norton|archive-date=May 19, 2015|access-date=May 19, 2015|work=Interview Magazine}}
Despite critical plaudits, Norton is scornful of being seen as a Hollywood A-lister.{{Cite web|url=https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12133522.face-of-the-day-edward-norton-a-methodical-ascent-to-fame/|title=Edward Norton; A Methodical ascent to fame|date=November 28, 2001|work=The Herald|location=Glasgow|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190307062122/https://www.heraldscotland.com/default_content/12133522.face-of-the-day-edward-norton-a-methodical-ascent-to-fame/|archive-date=March 7, 2019|url-status=live|access-date=March 7, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/11/03/182377/enigmatic-edward-norton|title=The Enigmatic Edward Norton|date=November 3, 2002|work=The Philippine Star|first=Ricky|last=Lo|access-date=March 7, 2019|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402152409/https://www.philstar.com/entertainment/2002/11/03/182377/enigmatic-edward-norton|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/dannyboice/2014/07/03/edward-norton-we-would-all-rather-be-working-for-ourselves/#6ba50bdf5830|title=Edward Norton: We Would All Rather Be Working For Ourselves|first=Danny|last=Boice|work=Forbes|date=July 3, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151003174952/https://www.forbes.com/sites/dannyboice/2014/07/03/edward-norton-we-would-all-rather-be-working-for-ourselves/|archive-date=October 3, 2015|url-status=live|access-date=March 9, 2019}} He feels it necessary to keep his off-screen life to himself and opts for a "normal life." As soon as his career took off in the late 1990s, Norton asserted that, "If I ever have to stop taking the subway, I'm gonna have a heart attack." AllMovie remarked that Norton attained "almost instant stardom" following his 1996 film debut in Primal Fear and could have risen to even greater fame.{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmovie.com/artist/p215904|title=Edward Norton|publisher=AllMovie|first=Sandra|last=Brennan|access-date=March 14, 2019|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190314060905/https://www.allmovie.com/artist/p215904|archive-date=March 14, 2019}} The Daily Telegraph attributed Norton's lack of interest in celebrity status to his family of "distinguished political and social activists." Sharing the same sentiment, Forbes complimented Norton as "a far cry" from celebrities who do charity works "with a keen eye to furthering their personal brand," citing his involvements in community planning and social entrepreneurship even before his film career.
Norton has a strict work ethic and a high desire for professionalism. He is selective in choosing his roles, explaining that, "You don't want to do anything just ... to work with somebody. There are many actors I would like to work with but it has to be the right role." Drew Barrymore, his co-star in the 1996 musical Everyone Says I Love You, recalled that he was "on the set every day" and "never compromised for a second."{{Cite news|title=Edward Norton|first=Drew|last=Barrymore|work=Interview Magazine|issue=April 1996}} He also expects different approaches to projects with different collaborators and wishes for "happy" working situations as long as "the boundaries of the collaboration are well-established in the beginning."{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071220202028/http://www.avclub.com/content/node/57162/1|url=https://avclub.com/content/node/57162/1|title=Edward Norton|first=Scott|last=Tobias|date=January 3, 2007|work=The A.V. Club|archive-date=December 20, 2007|url-status=dead}}
Due to this, Norton has garnered a reputation for being difficult to work with.{{Cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140910231633/https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/apr/12/features.weekend|url=https://www.theguardian.com/film/2003/apr/12/features.weekend|title=He who calls the shots|first=Sally|last=Vincent|work=The Guardian|date=April 12, 2003|archive-date=September 10, 2014|url-status=dead}} Incidents include Norton's editing the final cut of American History X (1998), which is 40 minutes longer than director Tony Kaye's version; conflicts with director Brett Ratner on the set of Red Dragon (2002); refusing to promote The Italian Job (2003); and uncredited rewriting of the screenplay for The Incredible Hulk (2008), which angered screenwriter Zak Penn. The Los Angeles Times opined that these incidents led to Norton's image as a "prickly perfectionist", which diminishes his reputation. Nevertheless, a few collaborators with whom Norton had disputes have expressed their respect for him: Kaye wanted to feature Norton in some of his other ventures, and Ratner offered to help with production of Norton's film Motherless Brooklyn and got along well with Norton. Some publications interpreted Norton's performance in Birdman (2014), in which he portrays a talented but volatile actor, as a self-referential nod to his image.{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/edward-norton-interview-fight-club-actor-talks-bruce-springsteen-relationship-advice-american-10455660.html|title=Edward Norton interview: Fight Club actor talks Bruce Springsteen relationship advice, American History X, socialism and President Obama|work=The Independent|first=Kaleem|last=Aftab|date=August 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160820022717/https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/edward-norton-interview-fight-club-actor-talks-bruce-springsteen-relationship-advice-american-10455660.html|archive-date=August 20, 2016|url-status=live|access-date=March 8, 2019}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/2014/10/deconstructing-birdman|title=Will the Real 'Birdman' Please Stand Up?|work=Complex|first=Nathan|last=Reese|date=October 29, 2014|access-date=March 8, 2019}}
Acting credits and accolades
{{main|Edward Norton filmography|List of awards and nominations received by Edward Norton}}
According to the review aggregator site Rotten Tomatoes, Norton's most critically acclaimed films (all of which were certified "fresh", achieving 70% approval or higher) are Everyone Says I Love You, The People vs. Larry Flynt, and Primal Fear (all 1996); American History X (1998); Fight Club (1999); The Score (2001); 25th Hour and Frida (both 2002); The Italian Job (2003); The Illusionist and The Painted Veil (both 2006); Moonrise Kingdom (2012); Birdman or (The Unexpected Virtue of Ignorance) and The Grand Budapest Hotel (both 2014); Sausage Party (2016); Isle of Dogs (2018); The French Dispatch (2021); Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022); Asteroid City (2023); and A Complete Unknown (2024).{{Cite web|url=https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/edward_norton|title=Edward Norton Films|website=Rotten Tomatoes|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-date=March 20, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190320070129/https://www.rottentomatoes.com/celebrity/edward_norton/|url-status=live}} His biggest commercial successes are Red Dragon (2002), Kingdom of Heaven (2005), The Incredible Hulk (2008), and The Bourne Legacy (2012), all of which grossed over $200 million worldwide. He has directed two films to date: Keeping the Faith (2000) and Motherless Brooklyn (2019)—the latter of which was in development hell for nearly two decades.
Norton has been nominated for four Academy Awards: Best Supporting Actor for Primal Fear, Birdman, and A Complete Unknown; and Best Actor for American History X.{{cite web |title=Oscars: Full List of Nominees |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/2025-oscars-nominees-list-1236115626/ |website=The Hollywood Reporter |access-date=23 January 2025 |date=23 January 2025}} He also has three Golden Globe nominations for Best Supporting Actor for Primal Fear, Birdman, and A Complete Unknown, winning for the first.{{Cite web|url=https://www.goldenglobes.com/edward-norton|title=Edward Norton (Birdman)|publisher=Hollywood Foreign Press Association|first=Mario|last=Amaya|date=December 31, 2014|access-date=March 13, 2019|archive-date=April 2, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190402175148/https://www.goldenglobes.com/edward-norton|url-status=live}}
References
=Citations=
{{Reflist}}
=Bibliography=
{{Refbegin}}
- {{Cite book|title=New City Upon a Hill|first1=Joseph Rocco|last1=Mitchell|first2=David L.|last2=Stebenne|year=2007|publisher=The History Press|isbn=978-1596290679}}
- {{Cite book|title=Acting: Advanced Techniques for the Actor, Director, and Teacher|first1=Terry|last1=Schreiber|first2=Mary Beth|last2=Barber|year=2005|publisher=Skyhorse Publishing|isbn=978-1581154184}}
- {{Cite book|first=Sharon|last=Waxman|year=2005|title=Rebels on the Backlot: Six Maverick Directors and How They Conquered the Hollywood Studio System|publisher=HarperEntertainment|isbn=978-0-06-054017-3|url-access=registration|url=https://archive.org/details/rebelsonbacklots00waxm}}
{{Refend}}
External links
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
- {{IMDb name|0001570|name=Edward Norton}}
- {{Rotten-tomatoes-person|edward_norton|name=Edward Norton}}
- {{IOBDB name|7063|name=Edward Norton}}
{{Edward Norton}}
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{{Boston Society of Film Critics Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
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{{Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{Online Film Critics Society Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
{{San Francisco Bay Area Film Critics Circle Award for Best Supporting Actor}}
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