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American History X
Directed by: Tony Kaye
Starring: Edward Norton
Genre:
Drama
Run Time: 119
min.
Release Date:
October 1998
On The Web:
Official
Site
Teaser:
Movie Trailer
Reviewed by
Byron Merritt |
AMERICAN HISTORY X is so powerful,
so engrossing, so well-acted, that I sat in silence for some time after
the last credit rolled past. The message of hate and how it affects
generations is something so true and ingrained in our culture that it
often defies logic. And so goes this film...
Based on the true-life story of a white supremacist, Derek Vinyard
(Edward Norton, THE
PAINTED VEIL), the story leads us down a path many would
probably not rather see, but must see in order to understand what
hateful ignorance lay in wait in America (and beyond).
After killing some black men trying to break into his car, Derek is sent
to prison for several years, leaving his family to fend for themselves.
Most notable is impressionistic brother Danny (Edward Furlong) who
practically worships brother Derek. In high school, Danny taunts
students of color and creates a few enemies that will ultimately be his
undoing.
Trying to save both Derek and Danny is high school principal Bob Sweeney
(Avery Brooks), a black man on a mission to salvage the men from hatred
(a great role for Brooks, too, second only to Norton’s amazing
performance).
In prison, Derek learns a humbling lesson: those that are supposed to be
your friends can be your worst enemies, and true friends can be
color-blind. Derek becomes friends with an unlikely laundry buddy ...who
happens to be black. The two form a bond based on trust and
understanding, and a love for sports talk. Derek is surprised when he
actually survives his prison term, only to learn that his survival was
helped along by his friend of color. Derek has awakened to his loss of
hatred of colored people (and Jews), and realizes that he has to try and
save brother Danny from a similar fate.
But can he...
Edging his way back into the family, Derek distances himself from his
disturbing past, but will it be in time to save his beloved skinhead
brother?
Without a doubt, the film’s ending can be viewed as fatalistic. We don’t
know what Derek is going to do but we are left with an inkling of hope
that he’ll stay true on his new path. Whether he would or not is left up
to the audience to decide.
Which is why I remained sitting, staring at a black screen after the
credits finished rolling. I wanted to see my hopeful thoughts come true;
to see Derek rise up and defeat his demons. I didn’t want to see what
‘might’ happen.
I hope...
An incredibly powerful performance by Norton and an even more powerful
message of (possible) redemption ...with a terrible cost.
(back to top) |
Image from American
History X
DVD cost: $20.55
Purchase:
Tower.com (Blu-Ray)
Film Review Stew
Favorite? Yes.
Stew Poo-Poo? No.
Newsworthy:
Seth wears a shirt during the basketball game featuring the number 88.
This is a naziskin code for HH, or "Heil Hitler," H being the 8th letter
of the alphabet. It also refers to a set of 88 precepts written by the
neo-nazi leader David Lane. The 88 precepts are rules and concepts that
all White Supremacists lived by.
Movie Quote: "Has
anything you've done made your life better?"
Other Actors/Actresses
from American History X
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