A power film on racial hatred and alienation, but marred by post-production editing

Rating: Null/10 (2 August 1999)

Edward Norton heads an extremely competent cast in this timeless portrayal of a young man's descent into racial hatred and violence, and it's affects on family and himself. A typically stunning performance by Norton is certainly the highlight of this fine film. Norton plays Derek, a young man's whose life is torn apart by the death of his father. Unable to cope with his senseless loss, he focuses his anger outward towards his community's racial minorities. Charismatic and compelling, his energy is used to bring others into his world of intolerance, not the least of which is his own brother. His strikes against the perceived injustices against the "white community" eventually culminate in one fatal moment, and Derek is jailed for his crime.
The film deals with Derek's release from prison, and his attempts to disassociate himself from belief in which he no longer has faith. But matters are compounded by his brother's near idolatry of his actions and young Danny (Edward Furlong in an uncommonly good performance) has his feet firmly planted on the road upon which Derek has already tread. Not only must Derek redeem himself, but also the mind of his sibling.
However fine this movie begins, it's effect is severely hampered by obvious post-production touches like Furlong's movie long narrative. The film moves along beautifully until the ending, whereupon it seems that certain plot elements were discarded in masse. Director Tony Kaye was so incensed by changes made by the studio that he unsuccessfully lobbied to have his name removed from the film. After viewing this movie again on video, I can understand why. A film that could very well have been this decade's most powerful statement on the politics of hate is reduced to a tepid whimper. A whimper that should have been a roar.