I'm fascinated by the ways in which people express themselves, because their responses are often counter to what they're actually feeling. Like when they're frightened, they tend to freeze. When they're angry, it doesn't always come out as volume. There are wonderful contradictions in the way that people express their emotions.

In 1998 he took on the role of Derek Vinyard a reformed neo-Nazi in the film American History X. Fight Club premiered at the 1999 Venice International Film Festival. He also put time and money toward social activist causes including improving the quality of living in low-income communities.

In addition to this he performed uncredited work on the scripts for The Score Frida and The Incredible Hulk the last of which he also starred in. He made his directorial debut with the film Keeping the Faith (2000). He ran in the 2009 New York City Marathon to raise money for the Trust.