American History X
Many articles concerning Edward Norton call him one of the best actors of his generation. Guess what, ladies and germs? Those writers are absolutely É correct! NortonÕs bi-layered acting in Primal Fear and The Score is an incredible feat for a thespian of any age. Norton would do an excellent job in playing Hamlet using his ability to act on several levels. In Fight Club, The People vs. Larry Flynt and Keeping The Faith, Norton makes us forget that he is an actor playing a part; his characters are natural. In American History X, NortonÕs role as a reformed neo-Nazi remains one of his sharpest performances to this day.
NortonÕs aforementioned character, Derek Vinyard, is a former leader of a developing skinhead group. While imprisoned for killing two black youths who were stealing his truck, Derek realizes that his rhetoric has done nothing to improve his life. Derek then sheds his racist views almost too quickly for credibility.
During DerekÕs incarceration, Danny Vinyard follows in his older brotherÕs footsteps, accumulating the same hateful beliefs that Derek is dumping. The younger Vinyard is also gaining respect in the Neo-Nazi subculture that Derek plans to quit when released from prison. Once outside, Derek takes it on himself to prevent Danny from destroying his own life, as Derek had done a few years ago.
Director Tony Kaye presents the story in an original and effective way. The story is told in present time and through flashbacks. Danny is the central figure in the colorized, present-day parts of the film, which cover a 24-hour period of time. The black & white flashbacks display the development, articulation and dismissal of DerekÕs racist ideology, jumping around his young adulthood. Like The Godfather: Part II, American History X tells two parallel stories in one extraordinary movie.
Seemingly, the filmÕs purpose is to combat neo-Nazism; however, some of the racist arguments are logical (at least from a conservative point of view). DerekÕs thoughts on the Rodney King beating & black crime and Mr. VinyardÕs rant on Affirmative Action are thought-provoking. Where did screenwriter David McKenna come up with the arguments from both sides of the debates? Interestingly, the neo-Nazis are not the only vile characters. Most of the African-American characters fit contemporary stereotypes.
AHX is brutal, in terms of the language and violence. There is also a prison rape scene. Luckily, the director foreshadows that scene, giving you enough time to hide your eyes if necessary. YouÕve been warned.
This is one of the most honest and striking films that deals with racism and its consequences. Watch AHX once for its obvious message. See it again to catch the many uses of symbolism. No matter how many times you see American History X, you wonder about the strength of DerekÕs new convictions in the end.
Send any comments/ feedback to the author.
Watching Neo-Nazis drink beer will make you think twice about that can of Beast in your hand.
After watching this film, the last thing on your mind will be sex.
Buy this film from Amazon.com
Buy This Italian Poster At AllPosters.com
Related Articles:
1) Romper Stomper
2) Do The Right Thing
