Edward Norton, widely regarded as one of the finest contemporary actors, recently shared his preferred documentary choice during an interview on the Tim Ferriss Podcast. He praised the film The Cruise, directed by Bennett Miller, describing it as a unique and compelling portrayal of an eccentric New York City tour guide. Norton’s endorsement brings attention to this lesser-known documentary, underlining its artistic and narrative value in the world of nonfiction cinema.
The Story Behind The Cruise
Released in 1998, The Cruise is a black-and-white documentary focusing on Timothy ‘Speed’ Levitch, an unconventional tour guide on a double-decker bus in New York City. Known for his poetic and comedic style, Levitch becomes the heart of the film, which was shot using one of the earliest hand-held digital cameras. Bennett Miller, who later gained acclaim for directing films like Moneyball and Capote, crafted this project as an intimate and influential portrayal that would inspire filmmakers at the turn of the millennium.
Other Documentaries Norton Recommends
Besides The Cruise, Norton expressed admiration for the work of British documentarian Adam Curtis. He praised Curtis’s dense yet revealing films, specifically mentioning the four-part series The Century of the Self and the three-part The Power of Nightmares. These works explore complex themes relating to psychology, politics, and social control. Curtis’s 2016 film, HyperNormalisation, also typifies his style, presenting the idea that global financial and political systems prioritize corporate interests and maintain social order by controlling populations.
Context of Popular Documentaries and Their Impact
Documentaries can suddenly rise to global popularity, often through word of mouth and streaming platforms like Netflix. Titles such as Tiger King, Making a Murderer, and Don’t Fuck With Cats have captured widespread attention in recent years. However, some documentaries have also enjoyed significant success in cinemas. Among the highest-grossing are Michael Jackson’s This Is It (2009), an exploration of the late pop star’s final preparations, a 1984 film about the Grand Canyon, and Michael Moore’s politically charged Fahrenheit 9/11. Each of these surpassed $200 million in box office revenue, demonstrating the strong audience appetite for documentary storytelling.
Recent notable releases include Netflix’s Cover Up, which follows investigative journalist Seymour Hersh, and the Oscar-nominated The Perfect Neighbour, a powerful film depicting a mother’s shooting through police bodycam footage. These documentaries illustrate the ongoing potential of nonfiction films to provoke discussion and highlight important issues.
Edward Norton’s Current Projects and Future Prospects
Aside from sharing his passion for documentaries, Edward Norton is anticipated to have another successful film this year with The Invite, directed by Olivia Wilde. This comedy, co-starring Seth Rogen, revolves around two couples whose dinner party quickly descends into chaos. The movie generated considerable interest early on, sparking a competitive bidding war among studios before A24 secured distribution rights. Given Norton’s established reputation and the film’s promising premise, The Invite is poised to be a significant addition to his body of work.
Why Norton’s Documentary Choice Matters
Edward Norton’s spotlight on The Cruise and other documentaries helps draw attention to films that may otherwise be overlooked, even as several documentaries achieve massive mainstream success. His reflections emphasize the power of the documentary format to uncover fascinating stories and inspire viewers, reinforcing the value of nonfiction films within the cultural landscape. As documentaries continue to evolve and reach broader audiences, Norton’s recommendations offer insightful guidance for those seeking meaningful viewing experiences beyond traditional feature films.
