In 1998, ‘Saving Private Ryan’ and ‘The Thin Red Line’ were released five months apart. Only one actor turned them both down
In 1998, Steven Spielberg’s *Saving Private Ryan* and Terrence Malick’s *The Thin Red Line* competed for audiences and major awards as two prominent Second World War dramas. Edward Norton was the only actor described as having turned down roles in both films, making different choices for each.
Norton declined Spielberg’s offer to play the title character, choosing *American History X*, which earned him a second Oscar nomination; Matt Damon took the role. He later accepted a part in Malick’s film but withdrew before filming in Australia after his mother died, saying he needed to stay with his family. Jim Caviezel replaced him. *Saving Private Ryan* earned more than $480 million and won five Oscars, while *The Thin Red Line* received no awards despite several shared nominations.
In short
- Edward Norton turned down roles in both 1998 war films.
- He chose *American History X* over *Saving Private Ryan*.
- He left *The Thin Red Line* after his mother’s death.
Explained simply
The Second World War was fought from 1939 to 1945, with Allied forces including the United States fighting Germany and Japan. Hollywood has often portrayed the conflict in films, sometimes focusing on individual soldiers and the experience of combat.
Steven Spielberg and Terrence Malick are American film-makers known for very different styles. Edward Norton, Matt Damon and Jim Caviezel are actors; Norton’s career included a leading role in the drama American History X, while Damon and Caviezel appeared in the two war films. The films’ contrasting fortunes at the box office and awards show how audiences and voters responded to major releases in the same year.
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