On TCM, they've been playing a program called "Under the Influence" where people in films interview with Elvis Mitchell. I saw the Edward Norton episode last night. He was talking about his influences, and, knowing his body of work, I found them really interesting :
Marlon Brando [in Streetcar Named Desire]
Annie Hall
Dog Day Afternoon/Taxi Driver/King of Comedy
Mommie Dearest.
He said that he felt that the "leading man" was changing in film; that the leading man didn't really mean all masculine goings-on anymore, that people like Marlon Brando made the character actor into the leading actor.
I thought that he was really insightful, and not at all arrogant or stuck-up.
He truly is great.
But like people said earlier, we are yet to see his best.
No doubt fight club and American history X were great though.
I think he needs a "brave heart"
As in, something he'll direct, produce and basically own for his true talent to shine.
That or he finds a director who can do that for him.