INTERVIEWS
TIFF Interview: Tim Blake Nelson & Edward Norton for 'Leaves of Grass'
by Alex Billington
September 22, 2009
The last interview I did up in Toronto was with two of my own favorite actors - Tim Blake Nelson and Edward Norton. By now you've probably heard about their new film Leaves of Grass (read my review), that Nelson directed and Norton stars in as two brothers, one a stoner the other a professor. I caught up with the two of them the morning after the premiere of their film, so both were in high spirits. We talked about developing the story in Leaves of Grass, figuring out the distinctions between the two brothers, shooting Norton twice in scenes, balancing the humor and action, and maybe even a little about the Hulk.
This interview was so long that it was split into two parts. There is an equal amount of discussion in each video, so I suggest watching both, or at least start with the first one and then see if you want to continue.
Watch my interview with director Tim Blake Nelson and actor Edward Norton - Part 1:
Watch my interview with director Tim Blake Nelson and actor Edward Norton - Part 2:
This interview was shot using my Flip Mino camera, so apologies for the rough audio. Other interviews I did up in Toronto include Steven Soderbergh and Jennifer's Body director Karyn Kusama with Jason Reitman.
It was a true delight to talk with Tim and Edward - thank you to Cynthia for arranging this. I interviewed Norton last year about Pride and Glory, but it was much more exciting to talk to him about Leaves of Grass this time, especially because he plays two different brothers in dual roles, making it tricky at times to shoot. As you can tell, co-interviews (with two people) always turn out much better, as I mentioned when I ran the Kusama/Reitman interview. Hearing both Nelson and Norton talk about improv together, especially in that second video, was just great to listen to. Leaves of Grass is still looking for a US distributor, so stay tuned!
13 Comments
1
What about a Hulk 2???
OCP on Sep 22, 2009
2
"Why are you always hitting people?" God, Incredible Hulk was awesome! Can't wait for the next one!
judasbarron on Sep 22, 2009
3
I love Edward. Hes one of my favorites.
Tim on Sep 22, 2009
4
Interview is too long.
Robbie on Sep 22, 2009
5
6
Awesome! Thanks for sharing all of this!
Marie on Sep 22, 2009
7
You should consider transcribing it, it's extremely hard to hear them talking for me. Thanks for the all of the coverage!
rudeguy on Sep 22, 2009
8
Thanks for the spoiler warning! Pretty good interview though.
Zach on Sep 22, 2009
9
30 minutes is a long time for an interview like this, especially when the audio is so distracting. I couldn't bring myself to listen to more than 3 minutes before the noise in the background annoyed me so much I gave up.... which is disappointing to me because I love Ed Norton! As #7 mentioned, how bout a transcription?
Jon on Sep 22, 2009
10
Great Interview, thanks 😀 love Ed Norton! can't wait to see him in leaves of grass.
Diana on Sep 22, 2009
11
12
Thanks Alex. I might try to listen later with headphones if I get a chance.
Jon on Sep 22, 2009
13
Many thanks for this interview! Btw, an interview with Edward Norton can never be too long and to all the people complaining about the sound, please give it a try with headphones.
Bliss on Mar 11, 2010
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