With high profile roles in everything from “Fight Club” to “The Incredible Hulk,” and a pair of Oscar nominations, it seems audiences and Hollywood alike can’t get enough of actor Edward Norton. Perhaps this was why filmmaker Tim Blake Nelson cast Norton to fill the roles of both male leads in his film, “Leaves of Grass.”The film made its American premiere Friday at South by Southwest, and drew a sold-out crowd to the Alamo Drafthouse on South Lamar Boulvevard. Both Norton and Nelson were on hand to introduce the movie and to participate in a Q&A with legendary movie fan and local Austinite, Harry Knowles (Ain’t it Cool News) after the screening. “Leaves of Grass” tells the story of two Oklahoman twins, Bill and Brady Kincaid (Norton), who have taken very different paths in life. Bill makes a name for himself in academia, teaching classic philosophy in the Ivy League system. Brady, despite his high IQ, has stayed in little Dixie and lived as a local marijuana dealer. The story jumps off when Brady tricks Bill into returning to Oklahoma, and despite Bill’s intentions, he gets himself caught up in a Brady’s feud with a Tulsa drug lord (Richard Dreyfuss). Norton delivers superb performances in both roles. He pays credence to the well-spoken, educated Bill, while simultaneously mastering the role of the backwoods Brady with often hilarious results. Nelson employs the use of “twin shots” so often, that most audience members will legitimately believe they are watching two different actors on screen, especially when Norton dons a Tom Petty inspired mullet while playing Brady.This technique certainly complements the film, as the audience is able to focus on the engaging plot line and hysterical dialogue, rather than focusing on “how’d he do that?” camera tricks.

According to Nelson, “Leaves of Grass” will be opening in limited release with showings in New York, Dallas and Austin, but positive reception could help to push the film into wider release.