Edward Norton Gave One of His Best Performances Without Ever Showing His Face

Ridley Scott’s 2005 medieval drama Kingdom Of Heaven is a somewhat overlooked entry in his back catalog, crowded out by other historical epics. The film still delivers a raft of strong performances: Orlando Bloom as Balian, Eva Green as Sibylla, and solid supporting turns from Liam Neeson, Alexander Siddig and a young Michael Sheen.

One supporting role rises above the rest — Edward Norton’s Baldwin, King of Jerusalem — and we never see his face. Norton came into the film after a run of grittier parts in American History X and Fight Club, and he opts for a restrained approach as Baldwin. The king is a leper here, shown wearing a silver mask that never existed historically, but Norton shapes him as a capable, intelligent leader who cares for his people.

Rather than broad physicality, Norton leans on voice and minimal movement, asking Balian about Jerusalem’s defences and reflecting on his condition with quiet authority. One of Kingdom of Heaven’s best scenes contains no fighting at all.