Edward Norton, known for his intense and layered performances, recently identified his top three gangster films, highlighting the ongoing appeal of the genre. In a conversation with writer Tim Ferriss, Norton praised certain movies for their mastery in portraying crime, power struggles, and loyalty, emphasizing their significance in cinematic history.
Edward Norton’s Recognition of Gangster Cinema Excellence
While Edward Norton is not primarily known for gangster films, he has demonstrated remarkable skill in crime-driven roles, appearing in titles like Spike Lee’s 25th Hour, Primal Fear alongside Richard Gere, and Marlon Brando’s final film, The Score. Over the past three decades, Norton has solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s leading actors. His most acclaimed work remains the 1998 thriller American History X, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Actor and exposed the realities of neo-Nazi groups in America.
In that film, Norton’s performance opposite Edward Furlong was particularly powerful, and the movie has since found use as an educational resource in several countries, underlining its cultural and social importance.
Highlighting A Prophet as a Modern Masterpiece
During his discussion with Ferriss, Norton expressed admiration for director Jacques Audiard and singled out Audiard’s 2009 film A Prophet as a personal favorite:
“I’m a huge fan of this French filmmaker, (A Prophet director) Jacques Audiard.”
Norton went on to say,
“I personally put A Prophet as one of the three best gangster films ever made. For me, The Godfather, Goodfellas, and A Prophet are, at this point, my three. If I had to pick three gangster films, I think they are the best ones.”
A Prophet is highly regarded as a potent entry in the prison film genre, chronicling the journey of an Algerian immigrant who transforms from a petty theft offender to a major player within the Corsican mafia through cunning and criminal ascent. The film won numerous international accolades, boosting Audiard’s profile and leading to his work in English-language cinema, including the musical Emilia Perez, featuring Zoë Saldaña and securing 13 Oscar nominations with two wins.
The Enduring Legacy of The Godfather and Goodfellas
Edward Norton’s other two picks need little introduction. The Godfather, directed by Francis Ford Coppola in 1972, quickly became the benchmark for gangster films globally. Based on Mario Puzo’s novel, it drew critical acclaim, amassed nearly $300 million at the box office from a modest $7 million budget, and received 11 Oscar nominations, winning three, including Best Actor for Marlon Brando.
Following Coppola’s pioneering work and after earlier projects like 1973’s Mean Streets, Martin Scorsese created his own iconic mafia tale with Goodfellas, starring Robert De Niro, Joe Pesci, and Ray Liotta. Although it was not an instant blockbuster, the film’s reputation has grown over its 35-year history, now frequently cited as one of cinema’s greatest. It earned six Oscar nominations, with Pesci winning Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal.
The Impact of Norton’s Selections on Gangster Film Appreciation
Edward Norton’s choices reflect a deep respect for storytelling in gangster cinema, blending classic works with contemporary brilliance. By including A Prophet alongside legendary titles like The Godfather and Goodfellas, Norton broadens appreciation for international contributions to the genre, highlighting its evolving nature and cultural resonance. His endorsements may encourage new viewers and longtime fans alike to revisit these films, ensuring their continued relevance in discussions about crime, loyalty, and power on screen.
