Side-by-Side: Edward Norton

Last month, American History X finally made it to the top of my Netflix queue. The film was incredible, equal parts disturbing and mesmerizing, and Edward Norton absolutely blew me away. His performance seemed like the perfect reason for my second side-by-side post.

In American History X, Norton is practically playing two different roles, so there's no need to seek another film for comparison. He embodies Derek Vinyard as the reformed, penitent ex-con, and the enraged, xenophobic skinhead we see in flashbacks. Somehow, he made me believe that his character really could change that much and end up being so good and sympathetic.

First, the frightening (watch out, NSFW and potentially offensive):




Next, the pitiful, as we see Derek struggle to hold his family together after what he's put them through (same warnings apply to this clip):




This was just a great role for Edward Norton, and will probably remain one of his strongest throughout his career. The final scene of the film (which I didn't choose since it would spoil things for anyone who wants to see the whole movie) was just heartbreaking in his capable hands.