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Thread: American History X

  1. #1
    Kleos's Avatar Virtute et Armis
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    Default American History X

    American History X – A Review









    Firstly; the films almost 10 years old, I know. But this is my first review and I wanted to do something I was familiar with. Despite it being an old film, I feel that this review still holds some purpose. It’s a good film and there will be some who would not have seen or even perhaps have heard of it before. Plus it’s a powerful film, and most who have watched it will have some strong opinion on the film which could be discussed.


    * * * *
    Year: 1998

    Director: Tony Kaye

    Written By: David McKenna

    Leading Cast:
    Edward Norton – Derek Vinyard (Leading character)
    Edward Furlong – Danny Vinyard (Younger brother of Derek, idolises his brother)
    Avery Brooks – Dr.Bob Sweeney (Teaches Danny at high school, taught Derek)
    Stacy Keach – Cameron (leader of the Neo-Nazi gang, the Disciples of Christ)
    Guy Torry – Lamont (Black Inmate)

    * * * *

    A powerful and moving film, American History X tells the story of Derek Vinyard, first attracted to Neo-Nazism after the murder of his father, a fireman, at the hands of a Black male while he was tackling a fire in a black neighbourhood.

    The film begins with Derek’s release from prison, after being sent to jail for killing two black men who were attempting to steal his truck. After three years in prison he comes home to find that his younger brother, Danny, has followed in his steps – also becoming a member of the racist gang “D.O.C” (Disciples of Christ).



    Derek’s time in jail transformed him – he no longer believes in the racist “Bullsh!t”, and a series of flash backs tells us both his background story prior to prison and his actual time within prison. While in prison he comes to doubt his beliefs, the fascist gang he has fallen in with is not as ideological as Derek – freely dealing drugs with other racial gangs, to the disillusionment of Derek. At the same time he befriends a Black inmate, Lamont, and finally his former ‘friends’ turn against him in the most brutal fashion, sexually assaulting him.

    After telling his experiences to his younger brother and confronting Cameron (leader of the D.O.C); both brothers attempt to leave their past behind, realising the stupidity of their former beliefs.

    Spoiler Alert, click show to read: 

    But their past catches up; and Danny Vinyard is gunned down in his school by a Black youth who he had earlier insulted (shown in image above).



    * * * *

    Do not rely on my simple overview above to make judgement on American History X, to really understand the power and emotion of the film you have to watch it. The acting is superb, and Edward Norton plays his character shockingly well; and combined with a great script and camerawork the film comes together superbly.

    What greatly adds to the film is that these racist skinheads are not portrayed as two-dimensional idiotic thugs - we are given reasons for why these white youths are driven to extremism, and though the audience cannot support what they do; they can surely understand why they are driven to do such things and why such gangs as the D.O.C exist in modern America. Perhaps the best way to get across to the effect of this is to say that at certain periods –before your rationality and common sense comes in to play– one actually finds that you’re supporting Derek, even in his full fascist mode; from the Basketball game to the stirring speech relayed before a raid on a foreign run store. However, the film carefully contrasts these moments with horrific acts of violence to make you realise how evil this belief is – from the curb-stomping to the evil treatment of a women worker in the store.

    To give some idea of what I am talking about here is the above mentioned speech & store raid scene:
    (Warning: Remember, American History X is rated 18 - following clip contains swearing, racist language and violence.)





    There are many other things that lend itself to the film, from the perfect use of flashbacks that tells most of the story; to the amusing and believable way Derek and Lamont’s friendship unfold (a snippet of which can be seen below), and that fat, ugly, and dull racist friend of Derek who contradicts any notion of racial superiority.





    However, in the interest of a fair and balanced review I cannot only focus on the positives. In terms of plot the film is quite predictable, there is little surprise; and in hindsight I find the Black Vs. White Basketball scene to be a bit too tacky considering the tone of the rest of the film. The younger brother’s (Danny Vinyard) character could also have been better written, it appears as if his only purpose is to idolise his brother and to give something other than Derek for the film to focus on.

    In conclusion these are very minor grievances; and I am a very picky person as well! I’d highly recommend this to anyone – my review doesn’t do it justice at all. Though many will have seen it, there are bound to be those who haven’t, if that’s you –go get it on DVD now!

    Last edited by Kleos; June 16, 2007 at 01:01 PM.
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  2. #2
    VOP2288's Avatar Smokey the Bear
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    Default Re: American History X

    You're totally right - American History X is one of the best films I've ever seen in a long time. I was thinking of writing a review for it a little while ago but it's nice to see someone else likes it that much too.

    Norton is just amazing in this film - his acting should've won him something! I think he may have gotten a nomination for an Academy Award, but he didn't get it.

    This is a great film, hands down one of the best modern movies covering the subject of racial hatred and its ever downward spiraling path for humanity
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    Default Re: American History X

    My eyes have seen the glory
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    excellent movie

  4. #4
    NaptownKnight's Avatar Praeses
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    Default Re: American History X

    I enjoyed this movie alot. Wish I still had it...

  5. #5
    hunter260859's Avatar Senator
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    Default Re: American History X

    i enjoyed the movie alot its was good 4/5

  6. #6
    awisler's Avatar Senator
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    Default Re: American History X

    After hearing a few friends talk about the famous curbstomp scene, I thought this was just a regular gang type of movie with nazis. But then it was on TV one night and I had nothing to do so I watched it, and wow. I really just didnt know what to think and still dont, its just such a powerful movie that can really teach you. It is hard to explain it but I think it is something everyone needs to watch.

  7. #7
    .Socrates's Avatar I Love You
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    Default Re: American History X

    I'll echo everyone's comments by saying it was a fantastic movie. I really can't describe it in words; it was a great piece of art.
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  8. #8
    Feliks's Avatar Ω
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    Default Re: American History X

    Good review, I loved this movie.

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  9. #9
    Last Roman's Avatar ron :wub:in swanson
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    Default Re: American History X

    one of my all time favorite movies. I almost came to tears at the end.
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  10. #10

    Default Re: American History X

    Quote Originally Posted by awisler View Post
    After hearing a few friends talk about the famous curbstomp scene, I thought this was just a regular gang type of movie with nazis. But then it was on TV one night and I had nothing to do so I watched it, and wow. I really just didnt know what to think and still dont, its just such a powerful movie that can really teach you. It is hard to explain it but I think it is something everyone needs to watch.
    And do you know why its such a powerful movie?


    Because Edward Norton is the greatest actor in the world, thats why. He was even fantastic in Death to Smoochy.

  11. #11
    tco's Avatar Ducenarius
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    Default Re: American History X

    I agree it is a great movie. I also think that Edward Norton is the actor that makes this movie great.

  12. #12
    The Mongol's Avatar Primicerius
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    Default Re: American History X

    It really is an amazing movie.

    Edward Norton rocks balls.

  13. #13
    Halie Satanus's Avatar Emperor of ice cream
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    Default Re: American History X

    Great film, i remember first watching this finding it hard to believe Derek was played by Ed Norton!!...The infamous "kick to the curb" scene and the "Not welcome" scene show the depth of the extremes in this film, both powerful for different reasons...

    Can't believe it's almost ten years old either!!

  14. #14

    Default Re: American History X

    Edward Norton ... It's this movie that, I think, for the first time, shows him as a "strong man".
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  15. #15
    Rob_the_Celt's Avatar Rebel
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    Default Re: American History X

    Ah ye, the curb bit was extreme alright, never heard of that before that film., The look of achievement on Nortons face after he did it really drove that scene home, great film. The younger brother was a bit too easily led though, the second Derek changes his mind the brother just goes along with it. Still class though.
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  16. #16
    Halie Satanus's Avatar Emperor of ice cream
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    Default Re: American History X

    Quote Originally Posted by Sextus Loverlord View Post
    Edward Norton ... It's this movie that, I think, for the first time, shows him as a "strong man".
    I think Primal rage (was that the name) where he plays a kid with split personality disorder accused of murder, his evil alter ego was outstanding, actually it was a great film as well..In fact i can't think of a dud film Norton has stared in...

  17. #17
    Ramashan's Avatar Artifex
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    Default Re: American History X

    Man was that 10 years ago. I worked on parts of that movie and was thinking to myself, WTF. Eddie Furlong as a skin head and people doing all these violent things to one another. Seeing it out of context and really coming to dislike the director put a bad taste in my mouth and I never saw it until some friends highly encouraged me to do so. Honestly it was difficult to watch the first time through, but I loved it.

    Its a great movie with a great message and I think its one whose theme will resonate for decades to come.

    Great review Kleos
    Last edited by Ramashan; November 07, 2007 at 04:43 PM.
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  18. #18

    Default Re: American History X

    Yeah American history x is a wicked film

  19. #19
    different_13's Avatar Civitate
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    Default Re: American History X

    Great film.
    Great actor too - there's a reason Norton outshines Bloom in Kingdom of Heaven even when he's behind a mask..

    The curbstomp scene was eerie. I still occasionally have scary memories about that.
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  20. #20

    Default Re: American History X

    This movie is great, you gotta love the curb headstomp!

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