I just go done watching American History X. Edward Norton's character is great in this movie!
He has a surprisingly good range, but mostly it's used for character climaxes seeing is he has a usually even keeled demeanor most of the time. 
That's true. He has been in countless movies. American History X and Fight Club are two of my favorites. 
He displayed this archetype perfectly in Fight club and even when he was the Hulk (which I loved him in) he's a character actor all in all.
I agree with that assessment. I do enjoy watching him in action however. I hope he has some upcoming movies.