Ed Norton Question

It was just the first role that popped into his mind during a timed game, so he went with it. One tends to analyze a lot less during something like that, and just go with the first thing that comes. As far as writing, the point of the joke is that almost everyone thinks of another actor that has portrayed The Incredible Hulk before they think of Norton. That's why all of the other characters start naming other actors. This results in most of the time running out, which does cause Bateman's character to then say "Primal Fear", another of Norton's films. And then that sets up the "Richard Gere never played the Hulk..." joke.

So, it's definitely not a goof, but the quality of the writing is subjective as always. For "comedies" at that time, I remember thinking it was average, with a few above average moments.

Because… it’s The Hulk! No more needs to be said.


But lol... that was the joke. As we saw, everyone guessed all the Hulk actors except Edward Norton. Norton never entered anyone’s mind because ‘course The Incredible Hulk isn’t a role+movie many people immediately think of when they think of Norton. (Certainly not those who think Incredible Hulk isn’t up to par with his roles in Fight Club, American History X, etc.) Hell, some even forget that The Incredible Hulk is a part of this beloved little franchise.

Anyway, why did Max immediately go to the Hulk? Because he would. Evidently not everyone’s wired the same. Perhaps he genuinely thought that this was considered one of Norton’s most well-known roles (again, it’s the Hulk after all), and while he actually wouldn’t be wrong, it’s safe to say many film fans familiar with Norton wouldn’t associate him with his role of Bruce Banner first. Even so, I’m sure there are a lot of people, not just youngsters, who are more familiar with him as Banner than they are with one of his 90’s characters. I would argue that more people in general know him as Banner/Hulk than they do Birdman.

Regardless, it’s a very funny joke.

Isn't the first clue always the most obscure? I don't remember the scene. Were they trying to help each other with good clues or was it a trivia contest? If the latter, then it's par for the course. Ever watch Match Game gameshow? The clues become more obvious as they are revealed.
If the former then it's kinda funny. Back in my teen years I can remember playing pictionary with friends vs some adults. We were so tuned into each other that we would guess correctly in seconds long before a picture took shape.

I agree that this movie was barely above average. Still, I loved it. My only gripe is that they did not represent any current good games. Board gaming is a huge industry and there are way better games than Monopoly out there now. They didn't do their research at all.