Amazing Movie

Rating: 10/10 (6 February 2011)

American History X is an enlightening film about race, violence, and learning acceptance. Edward Norton gives a phenomenal performance as Derek Vineyard, an influential white supremacist. This is not a role I would imagine for Norton, but he makes the character completely believable. Edward Furlong plays the perfect struggling teen, Danny Vineyard, who is trying to find himself and fit-in at the same time. Derek is sent to prison for murder, while Danny is left behind to follow in Derek's footsteps. Derek learns a great deal about people and stereotypes during his three year incarceration. He eventually wishes a different life for Danny. With the help of one of his former teachers, he realizes that nothing he has done as the leader of his skinhead crew has made his life better. Instead of finding solutions to problems, he had been perpetuating a cycle of violence.
This movie gives viewers a detailed look at racism and prejudice in our country. There is great use of flashbacks, shown in black and white, to provide a glimpse of how things came to be the way they are. The opening flashback scene was very powerful, giving an understanding of Derek's pride and his importance to Danny. Narration by Danny is also instrumental in letting the audience have an inside look at the Vineyard family. He looks up to his older brother and has seen some truth in Derek's views.
This movie shares some common characteristics with the film Gran Torino. Both movies are led by racists white men who seem to make no exceptions when it comes to their hatred of minority races. It takes the development of a personal relationship with someone of color to make the men reconsider their preconceived notions. Derek comes to befriend his black coworker in prison. He realizes that it is not race that makes a person good or bad, and he learns that injustices do exist for minorities in our society.
The end of the film is ironic but depressing. After Derek shares his epiphany with his younger brother, the violent cycle continues. Danny is shot and killed by a young black boy who used to be a target of Danny's hatred. Just when Danny may have been able to see the boy with different eyes, his chance is taken away. Derek blames himself for being such a strong influence in Danny's life. He can take his life in a new direction, but he can't change what has already been done.