Often labeled one of the finest actors of his generation, Edward Norton has appeared in some of the greatest films of the last 20 years and is a fan favorite. He has a habit for picking fascinating, twisted and complex characters, and this allows him to demonstrate his phenomenal acting skills in every film he appears in. He has picked up three Academy Award nominations over his career and won dozens of other awards, and whether he is the lead, in a supporting role, or a minor character, he has a commanding onscreen presence and often steals the show.
10. The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996)
In one of his very first roles, Edward Norton put in an assured performance in Milos Forman’s 1996 biographical drama, The People vs. Larry Flynt. The film follows the rise of pornographic magazine publisher and Editor Larry Flynt, and this resulted in heavy clashes with the law and religious institutions. Woody Harrelson stars as Flynt, whilst Courtney Love plays Anthea Flynt, who was his wife and co-publisher. Norton plays in a supporting role as Alan Isaacman, who befriends Flynt and goes on to become his attorney. This sees him have to put up with Flynt’s wild courtroom antics which leave the young attorney red faced, and the relationship the two share is an intriguing and key one in the film. One notable highlight for a young Norton is his compelling courtroom monologue surrounding the virtues of free speech. All three actors and Forman were lauded by critics for the film.
http://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/the-people-vs-larry-flynt-1996 Source: Rogerebert.com