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:
* * * *
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!