Edward Norton, Examining the Dark Side

Published May 21, 2006 at 4:45 PM EDT

Edward Norton, photographed at Cannes in 2005.

From a disingenuous altar boy in Primal Fear to a Neo-Nazi skinhead in American History X, actor Edward Norton has never been afraid to inhabit disturbing characters.

Now he's playing a demented and dangerous would-be cowboy in Down in the Valley, directed by David Jacobson (who also directed 2002's Dahmer, based on the real-life serial killer).

As Harlan Fairfax Carruthers, Norton's "aw shucks" manner wins the heart of a teen girl and her neglected younger brother. Then he's revealed to be a bit off his rocker.

Norton produced the movie in partnership with the indie studio Think Film.

Liane Hansen talks with Norton about choosing roles, independent filmmaking and the subtle art of character revelation.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

Protect Connecticut Public