Gavin Weir and The Infinite Sadness

I usually hate Edward Norton. 

I'm not sure what it is, maybe it's the films he chooses (The Illusionist? Errgh.), maybe it's his characters, or maybe it's that I read he's a little bit of a whiny bitch. But In Fight Club, I love him.

Or..more so, I love his averageness.

I used to believe my tolerance of him as because I loved the film, but then I realised exactly why I love the film. Norton's character is a perfect example of Scott McClouds 'Amplification through Simplification' theory- basically the idea that the more abstract we make an object, the easier it is for us to 'project' ourselves onto it, essentially 'becoming' that character. (OK, so McCloud was talking about simplification in comics, but the theory still works when applied to films)

Norton's character is so utterly empty, so...devoid of personality that it is easy for anyone to slip under his skin. Any mid-twenties male can see themselves within him. He's basically an avatar for us to become for 2 Hours and19 minutes. The fact that he never gives a name makes this easier too. With a name, we would be able to build a character around him. 

This is why I think I can't see Norton in any other role. He nails the 'empty shell' so well that when he plays another character, I just can't accept it. 

So here's to you Ed, well done for being so perfectly average.