Amazing Film

Rating: Null/10 (22 September 2004)

American History X, directed by Tony Kaye and starring Edward Norton, is a film that provides a look at racial hatred from white, neo-Nazi 'skinheads, towards Jews, blacks, and Mexican cultures. It also shows an 'oppressed African-Americans' viewpoint towards whites and the community.
The movie begins when Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), a neo-Nazism supporter, kills two black men trying to steal his vehicle. He is sent to prison for three years. On the day Derek is released, his younger brother Danny Vinyard (Beverly D' Angelo), who had become a strong neo-Nazism supporter while his brother was in prison, is told to write a paper on his brother Derek's life leading up to the night of the murders by his principle, DR. Bob Sweeney (Avery Brooks). As Danny writes the paper, the movie sets itself in flashbacks of Derek's life, including events leading him to join the 'skinheads' and many of his opinions of the different races in America as leader of a faction of the White Power movement. That night, Danny goes to a party where there are Hitler look-alikes, swastikas, and white power music. When the reformed Derek finds out that his brother is at the party, he goes to get him and to tell the leader of the neo- Nazis to stay away from his little brother. While there, a fight breaks out between Derek and his former friend. Danny confronts Derek and the movie is then again set in flashbacks of Derek's time in prison and how he was reformed. After telling Danny of his prison experiences, including befriending and African-American falsely accused of assault. Derek and Danny go home and take down Danny's Hitler Posters and neo- Nazi contraband. American History X briefly shows views of racial hatred from the standpoints of white 'skinheads' and black gang members. It also gives a glimpse into prison life and the different racial groups that form there. Aside from that, it touches on family unity and sibling friendship.
Much of the movies appeal comes from the flashbacks, which are entirely black and white. The flashbacks range everywhere from Derek Vinyard's High School years, to his time after prison. However, the present time frame, represented in color, is set in a one day period. Norton gives a great acting performance and his body tattoos, including a big swastika on his chest, are visually amazing. American History X is a must see.