American History X

Rating:
Summary: Stunning, superb, words fail me
Review: I have to admit that given the story I really didn't want to see this movie. Recommended it by a friend I eventually sat down to watch it. When I did I was completely mesmerised. It takes an incredibly difficult premise and manages to make it credible, evocative and tragic. It's basically about a member of a white supremacy group, Edward Norton, who goes to prison for three years after killing three car theifs in a race attack. Told through the eyes of his younger brother, played by Edward Furlong, as he begins to follow in the footsteps of his brother. The movie takes a look at Norton's time in prison, his return and his effect on those around him.

'American History X' certainly doesn't shy away from some of its key moments and is highly graphic, so be warned. Never before have I watched such horrible sights of brutality and been moved to such an extent, some scenes are just so horrible that you will find yourself crying out. This makes it even more hard-hitting, and its message is a lot more complicated than 'racism is bad'. It talks about the effect of society on a disillusioned youth population, racial friction and the family unit.

Thanks to Edward Norton's brave, compelling performance, the audience is really dragged into his emotional turmoil. His performance is unflinching, refusing to cop out and go for the sympathetic vote. He's backed up by strong performances from Edward Furlong (the kid from 'Terminator 2') and Fairuza Balk (a much underrated actress whose formidable acting ability is yet again proved here) as his girlfriend.

This is a movie that has several levels to it. It's touching, horrific and serves up some troubling issues about the society that we live in. 'American History X' is a movie that everyone should see, and is one of only two movies (the other being 'Heavenly Creatures') that affected me to great depth.

Rating:
Summary: Dark and emotional, with nothing to the imagination.
Review: A very brutal and terrifyingly emotional piece, "American History X" takes many cult and gang issues and packs it all into a gorgeous film. Edward Norton stars as Derek Vinyard, a man who has been in jail for three years for murdering two black men. Upon his return to his family's new apartment, the viewers learn of Derek's past involvement with the largely-populated white supremacist gang in California. It is also made clear that he wishes to escape his past life, to break free from the gang that considers him to be "a god." As he begins meeting his old friends again, he discovers that his younger brother has become involved in the gang, and throughout the movie, black-and-white flashbacks are used as Derek's thoughts and stories used in order to convince his brother to leave the gang before he gets himself in too deep. The film is totally violent and utterly graphic, leaving none of the brutal aspects of the gang's nature to the imagination. Norton and Edward Furlong, who plays the brother, give excellent performances that add nothing but integrity and believability to the film. While being graphic in nature, the film is a breathtaking view of what life is like in gangs and cults, and the life-long consequences that accompany them.

Rating:
Summary: "Has anything you've done made your life better?"
Review: American History X, Starring Edward Norton (as Derek Vinyard) and Edward Furlong (as Daniel "Danny" Vinyard), is one of the greatest silver screen efforts to bring to the fore a discussion regarding the construct of race and one of its many manifestations: hate both of others and yourself. The movie delicately balances the topic in terms of thematic coloring, i.e. black and white for reflection and color for the present. Not only is this technique, effective in reflection, it also serves as a symbol to encompass and discuss the antagonistic positions held between "Blacks and Whites" in the film as well. However, more important than style, this movie has the potential to become a classic among all types of viewers, for it is a catalyst for discussions of change for all parties involved.

American History X portrays the rise of a white supremacist organization and its impact on one Venice Beach family. Told from the perspective of Danny, younger brother of Derek, who is a protégé of Cameron Alexander, played by Stacy Keach, founder of the D.O.C., it also delves into the genesis of hate as it relates to the Vineyard family. Given that it is told from a perspective not widely portrayed in American media: from that of a member of a professed "hate group," it captures the attention and imagination of the viewer with its charged storyline and reflective camera work.

After meeting with Danny's History teacher regarding the inflammatory nature of an assignment, Sweeney, brilliantly played by Avery Brooks, says to Danny, "so, here's the drill. I'm your history teacher from now on. We will discuss current events. We will call this class American History X. We meet once a day. Your first assignment is to prepare for me a new paper, due tomorrow. I want you to analyze and interpret all the events surrounding Derek's incarceration. How these events helped shape your present perspective concerning life in contemporary America." Danny reluctantly agrees and sets out on a journey that will be both painful and enlightening.

There are several poignant moments in the film; the first being when Derek takes one of the car thieves, and in killing him provides a tongue-across-the-teeth moment not soon forgotten. Also, when Sweeney says, "I am not disputing the fact that the child is confused. And he harbors some sick ideas. But I'm not ready to give up on him yet." He goes on to say, "this racist propaganda, this Mein Kampf psychobabble; he learned this nonsense Murray, and he can unlearn it too. I will not give up on this child yet." Such a moment illustrates that as humans and social beings, our behavior is learned and acted out and the level of belief.

Shot in past and present-time, American history X provides the viewer with many profound moments for consideration. In one such instance, upon Derek's incarceration, one of his initial teachable moments comes in the form of fellow inmate Lamont, masterfully played by Guy Torry. In an attempted dialogue, Lamont, after Derek is reluctant to talk, reminds him that his position, while incarcerated, is not one of privilege. This appeared to be a sobering moment as to not only the reality of his situation, but of the rhetoric voiced by his mentor Cameron Alexander.

As Derek begins to come to the realization of what white supremacy really is, via the action/inaction of his compatriots, his fellow inmates turn on him. Having been dehumanized, Derek receives a visit from Sweeney. During this visit, Sweeney asks him perhaps the most important question of his life; "has anything you've done made your life better?" With that question raging in his head, Derek begins a journey of self-discovery that eventually leads him away from the ideological rhetoric of his mentor, Cameron Alexander and the D.O.C., to the asking of weightier questions about what he has done not only to himself, but his family.

With Sweeney's assistance, Derek begins to understand the construct of race and how he fell into the trap laid by Alexander. Upon his release, Derek decides to confront Alexander and lay to rest the demons that haunted him during the three years of his incarceration.

After the confrontation with Alexander and in a conversation with Danny, Derek begins to explain what he encountered in prison. He discusses how angry he felt at the world and states "nothing I ever did took that feeling away." Also, he explains how the rhetoric of white supremacy never helped him or the family, but only caused immense amounts of pain. With this newfound understanding, he chose to leave it all behind.

Another emotional moment occurs when Derek and Danny began removing the paraphernalia from Danny's room (note the voiceover of Danny's paper for Sweeney). Such a moment not only brought them closer together, it also serves, symbolically, as another turning point in not only their respective lives, but the life of their family as well.

American History X is a wonderful movie replete with thought-provoking subject matter. As I viewed the movie, the constant question in my mind was "how did this movie bypass the larger movie going public?" Perhaps this observation/oversight is cause for an iteration on what the movie going public really wants to see; maybe next time.

Note: the above is part of a work presented in a course on Deviant Behavior and Social Control.

Rating:
Summary: History X - Unfounded Hate
Review: Released in 1998 by New Line Cinema, American History X is a serious drama that reveals racism and hate prevalent throughout the world today. Set in Southern California, where a real life white supremacy "Skinhead" movement has flourished off and on for more than a decade, American History X portrays the story of Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton). Vinyard, second in command of the local hate group, serves three years in the penitentiary for the brutal killing of two black men. However, in prison he finds the truth concerning his racist cohorts and is befriended by a black inmate. Upon his release from prison, Vinyard finds himself a changed man that must save his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) from the movement he helped establish.

Norton's intense portrayal of both sides of the elder Vinyard, first as the angry, hate filled racist, and then as the loving, older brother determined to save his younger sibling from following the same path, earned him an Academy Award nomination. This five star drama is emotional and powerful, and is filled with a recognizable cast including Beverly D'Angelo, Fairuza Balk, Elliott Gould and Stacy Keach. Not for the weak and weary, American History X delivers the brutality associated with all racist groups, white and black, through to its climactic ending.

Rating:
Summary: EXPLOSIVE AND POWERFUL
Review: Edward Norton gives an extraordinarily brilliant (and Oscar nominated) performance as Derek Vinyard, a neo-nazi skinhead in this explosive and powerful drama about two brothers caught up in a cycle of racial hatred and violence. Told through the eyes of Derek's younger brother Danny, superbly portrayed by Edward Furlong, this is the story of a family torn apart after the loss of their firefighter father, killed whilst working in a black neighbourhood. As a result, the highly intelligent Derek (Norton), already influenced by his late father's bigotry and manipulated by cowardly fascist Cameron Alexander (Stacy Keach) becomes the charismatic leader of a local gang of skinheads. This inevitably leads to friction within Derek's family and his imprisonment for the murder of two black youths. Whilst in prison hero-worshipping Danny (Furlong) seeks to emulate his older brother and becomes more and more involved with the white power movement and influenced by Cameron (Keach) and his mindless morons. However, with a hero's welcome being planned for Derek's release from prison, he returns to his neighbourhood a changed man and sets out to repair the damage he's done to his family and to persuade his brother not to travel the same road.

Brilliantly written by David Mc.Kenna and with top-notch performances from both its male leads (ably supported by Avery Brooks and Stacy Keach) American History X is an intelligent and powerful examination of the causes and existence of racial bigotry and hatred. It does not seek to sensationalise rascism or violence but neither does it duck the issues. Controversial because of its frank portrayal of rascists as human beings, the scariest part of watching American History X is how credible and believable Edward Norton's rascists arguments (as the charismatic leader Derek Vinyard) can be and how easy it must be for impressionable youth to be drawn into a world of hatred and violence. This is as much education as entertainment and essential viewing for fans of intelligent drama. Described by the critics as "magnificent", "extraordinary" and "outstanding" American History X genuinely is a must see movie and a must own DVD.

Rating:
Summary: What was all the hype about?
Review: Everyone kept telling me to see this movie. They said it would be like nothing I have ever encountered before.

Well, I saw it. Was I moved? Hardly. Instead I found myself to be incredibly bored and even slightly annoyed.

The movie attempts to lecture white kids kids about racism. It does a terrible job. I am white, and grew up around white racist kids, and let me tell you....they were horrible animals. And you couldn't change them. They were sadistic cowards. The makers of this movie are so naive. They actually think they can change the views of racist kids by exposing them to one of the sappiest, overly sentimental movies of the past decade?

They really believe that ridiculously melodramatic scenes will get through to these idiots?

We all know that racism exists and how bad it is. And the stereotypes in this movie are so politically correct, that they very well may further racism rather than stop it.

This movie also seemed to alienate white kids. It makes it as though you can only be racist if you are white, and that the social problems of other minority communities excuse their prejudices and racist attitudes towards white people.

At least thats the feeling I got from the film. I could be wrong. But it feels strangely familiar.

American History X drags on and on. The story is poor. The dialogue is poor. I actually pity the actors. Its not really their fault. I mean, they were given such terrible lines, they really had nothing to work with.

One of the biggest failures of the movie was the transition of Norton's character from a violent racist to an open minded, loving, saint. The change was brought about so poorly in the movie that it was embarrasing to watch because it looked so artificial.

I applaud movies that attack the evils of racism, but this one is an utter failure. It relies far to much on shock value rather than plot and character development. There is nothing here. Its as though high school students wrote the script.

Rating:
Summary: Powerful But No Classic
Review: A solid, worthwile movie on its own, "American History X" falls a bit short of being a masterpiece. Tony Kaye`s directional debut is a strong piece of filmmaking, a poignant urban drama about racism and the way youth deals with it.

The plot focuses the relationship of Derek Vinyard (an excellent Edward Norton) and his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong, also well cast), who live in a Californian neighborhood. Derek and his friends have strong neo-nazi convictions, an ideology that they have chosen (or were just manipulated) while were dealing with the difficult task of growing up and its common alienating process.
After Derek spends some time in prison, his views of society change and he becomes a more tolerant, reasonable person and struggles to get his brother away from some racist influences. Kaye knows how to deliver a gritty and realistic atmosphere, with an intriguing visual style and some tense and suspenseful moments.

There are a couple of brutal, strong scenes here to enhance the violence and latent danger of extreme racist actions. However, the tone of the movie is uneven, switching between a dry, dark and credible approach or a more emotional and somewhat predictable perspective. This situation is better noticed in the not too surprising ending, that almost seems like an afterschool special.
Despite some stereotyped moments, "American History X" is still a consistent effort, one that is both captivating and meaningful, way above most of the mind-numbing "movies" out there.

Director Tony Kaye also deserves recognition for presenting two young racists that are not stupid, dumb, one-dimensional characters, just confused and reluctant individuals who still don`t know how to deal with their world.
A good, though-provoking movie.

Rating:
Summary: AN IN YOUR FACE WAKEUP CALL!
Review: THE PERFORMANCES ARE BRUTALLY HONEST. THE STORY AND CHARACTERS ARE REAL.THIS MOVIE IS AS REAL AS YOU CAN GET,AS FAR AS GETTING INSIDE THE MINDS OF THESE INDIVIDUALS.THE VIOLENCE AND PROFANITY ADD TO THE REALITY OF THESE GROUPS THAT ARE OUT THERE.THIS MOVIE SHOULD BE PART OF SOCIOLOGY CLASSES IN ALL SCHOOLS.THE FLASHBACKS OF HOW AND WHY HE TURNED DOWN THE PATH OF HATRED ADD TO THE CREDIBILITY OF THIS FILM.I OFTEN WONDER WHO RESEARCHED THE MATERIAL FOR THIS FILM,BECAUSE THE MOVIE IS SO REAL,THAT YOU CAN'T HELP BUT WONDER IF IT WAS BASED ON SOMEONES OWN REAL-LIFE EXPERIANCE.IN ANY CASE THIS IS A MOVIE THAT SHOULD BE WATCHED BY THE WHOLE FAMILY AND DISCUSSED AFTERWARD.SOMETIMES BRUTAL IN YOUR FACE HONESTY IS THE ONLY WAY ONE CAN UNDERSTAND AND REALIZE THAT ALL HATE GROUPS WILL EXIST ONLY IF WE LET THEM.

Rating:
Summary: Show it? No. Recommend it? Highly!
Review: I'm a teacher whose high school students kept recommending this movie to me. I resisted because they also recommend such idiocy as "Scream" and "Dumb and Dumber"! However, a small video selection and a long Friday evening looming convinced me to give it a shot. What a lucky move for me! I do wish I could show it to all my small-town students, but with the violence and profanity, it will never be approved for public school viewing, despite the intensely powerful and important message it sends. Therefore, I will have to be content with passing on my own highest recommendation to my own students, encouraging them to watch and respond to it. I usually try to accomplish double duty while watching a movie--writing a letter, surfing the Web, etc. Not possible with this one! After its stunning conclusion, I found myself--shockingly!--wishing the weekend were over already so I could talk about it with my students! Violent, profane, disturbing, yes. But also powerful, profound, and dramatic. Highest recommendation for all thoughtful viewers!

Rating:
Summary: Excellent!
Review: This isn't your average anti-racism movie. Sure, it's possibly the best one ever, but it's not average by any means.

Our story is told from a racist family, which is the first twist. There are many different ways that they told the story, all of which are refreshingly original. The movie has a very powerful message, and even I found myself on the verge of tears at the end.

So go down and buy this movie, some popcorn, and maybe a tissue box. You'll have a great time.