Edward Norton as the Incredible Hulk
From Primal Fear to Fight Club: Norton's Varied Film Roles
Looking back at Edward Norton’s previous roles, it becomes apparent that his earlier movies were very far from Hulk’s character. Norton belongs to a small group of actors who will not play dumb blockbuster roles just to guarantee financial success. Instead, Norton always seeks to challenge himself with new roles and offer a surprising performance.
Norton's First Big Role was Primal Fear
Norton became known with his acting in the thriller “Primal Fear” in 1996. In this movie, the young actor played the role of a smart and manipulative altar boy who not only fooled everyone by pretending to have split personality, but also amazed the viewers with his acting. Later in “History X” and in “Fight Club” Norton demonstrated again his talent for playing intelligent characters and choosing movies that gave viewers something to think about.
By his late twenties Norton already played with some of the best actors such as Richard Gere, Woody Harrelson, Robert De Niro and Marlon Brando. During the next phase of his career the Boston-native actor was able to concentrate on finding unique and demanding projects where he could further grow as an actor.
As Norton reached his thirties, the mature actor began to participate in movies such as the “Illusionist,” “Red Dragon” and “Painted Veil.” In these movies Norton’s took his acting to the next level by proving to be able to play a wide range of roles and always offer something new. Based on his history of successful and smart movies, it is safe to say that Norton is becoming one of the best contemporary actors.
Overall, it is a mystery what would make Norton accept roles in movies such as “The Italian Job” or “The Incredible Hulk,” since these projects simply do not fit into his past selections nor do they offer the intellectual level of his previous movies.
One of the most likely reasons for Norton’s unusual choice of roles is that his contract requires him to participate in certain projects that otherwise he would have not picked. Another reason is that his search for new challenges makes him accept projects which take him to new directions and do not always bring the best out of him.
Norton already proved his exceptional talent as an actor, so one can only wait with anxiety to see the actor he will become in his forties and fifties and forgive him for a few weaker performances.
