American History X / 10 (DVD)

Rating: 10/10 (18 April 2007)

Definitely one of a few movies that makes me cry: As the protagonists are fascist brothers, you will surely consider me either as a fascist too, either as a stupid man. The truth is that I care a lot for my twin brother, which is also, above all, the exact quality and strength of this movie.
If it lifts the veil behind the American Dream, it is by focusing about a "pissed off" family. The expression is maybe crude (but told) and it means that they face confusion and fragility.
If they live in Venice Beach, it isn't "Baywatch" anymore, but violence, guns, gangs. After a death in the family, the brother feels the duty to be in charge and realizes that if a better life comes with fights, the fight against colored people isn't the right one !
Watching (again) this movie now is a perfect timing because what the fascist told there are the same issues that arise in my country for the presidential election. That's frightening because in the movie, those speech are supported with swastikas, shaved heads, while in France, it is told by white collars in suit !!!!
But reducing this movie to racial hate would be an error because it offers great insight about the confusing aspect of "real life": The big brother is as much physically powerful than he is full of doubts. The more he gets into morals value, the more he gets problems. So, as for every one, the challenge would be: "What is the most important: a simple life or a moral life ?". The little brother, as every little brother (like me) belongs to the ghost universe and he only exists in the light of his big brother. "When people look at me, they see my brother". I couldn't have said better!
My final appreciation would be for the talented cast (all the family, prof Sweeney, the courageous Stacy "Mike Hammer" Keach) and the director Tony Kayes, who blends the intense material in a artistic & very moving way!
And all this to get only one Oscar nomination for best actor (Edward Norton), my motto would be appropriate: "I don't understand !!!!!!"