what is the film trying to say??

Rating: 8/10 (9 May 2006)

I have just finished watching this film for the 3rd time and it still shocks me. Without doubt it is one of the most controversial films ever to be produced.
The first thing that strikes me as a viewer is the direction and cinematography which is apparent from the opening scenes. ALthough it is clichÃ© to say that black and white is 'powerful' i believe it is the lighting in these scenes that make it so. The shadowy look of the room Derek and Stacy are in highlights the darkness surrounding the period of time that the scene takes place. Throughout the film the cut scenes, flash backs and numerous slow-mo close ups are seamlessly directed and provide the intensity needed for a film based on such an important and rage-filled subject.
The subject is something that the viewer will be aware of before watching the film but when it is explored by Tony Kaye, this is where is enthrals me. This could so easily have been a mediocre film about race without the intelligence shown in the script. For instance the argument between Derek and Murray and more specifically Dereks speech at the dinner table brings to light the political awareness of David McKenna. This way of at least showing that some of the base views shrouded by racism are actually logical is something that makes the film engrossing.
Perhaps the most engrossing factor of the film is the plot and characterisation. The 'bad boy turned good' plot is initially not particularly original but the way Edward Norton and Edward Furlong portray this is fantastic. How Norton captures the emotions of a man in turmoil is exceptional and will always be one of the most memorable performances i have witnessed in film.
American History X has been widely critically acclaimed and so it should be. It is brilliantly directed and expertly written so much so that a person who watches this film will not only be shocked but absorbed into the political aspects of it.