I went to see 25th Hour at SIFF on June 5, 2010. I have seen it before, but good movies are always worth seeing more than once, and especially on the big screen. It definitely makes the film more powerful. But the real reason I went is that Edward Norton was there (!!!) introducing the film. He told some great stories about his first inspirational experience seeing a Spike Lee movie, Do The Right Thing, and about what it is like to work with such an original man. I loved it, he said what is refreshing about Spike Lee is that he doesn't try to hide what movies he sees that inspire him. Apparently Spike Lee screens movies almost every night, explaining what he wants them to take from the film and apply to the creative process of making 25th Hour. Edward said he was very clear about what movies he was "stealing from" :)
Edward's speaking voice is as powerful and charming as it sounds in movies. It even did that low crack once that it does sometimes in films. He was so amazing, I couldn't have been more ecstatic to see him! I hope our paths someday cross and I will actually get to meet him, like shake his hand. Date, get married, whatever. The point is, he is one of the greatest actors out there today. I fully believe that. Just look at his range in American History X alone, where you see the evolution of a broken son trying to deal with the unjust death of his father, to a terrifyingly powerful White Supremacist gang leader, to a reflective and remorseful man who sees the error of his ways, hoping to rescue his little brother from crossing the line he passed many years before. He is so versatile, offering something subtly unique to every role he fills.Basically what I am saying is, this was so amazing. Way better than the time I saw Matthew Lillard introduce Bickford Schmeckler's Cool Ideas (sorry Matt!). And even though I didn't get to actually talk to him in person like I did with Rainn Wilson, Russell Brand and Jonah Hill, this troned all of that.
