Social Realism of the late 90's.

Rating: Null/10 (18 July 2000)

Before I actually watched American History X I had the impression that the film was about white-supremacist groups in America, and the moral vileness of inequity. (Needless to say, it was a while before I got around to watching it.)
I was wrong.
Aside from the brilliant casting, the subtle, but evocative cinematography (no showing off, no intellectual snobbery), the plot of the film was simply stunning. Instead of dealing with racism, and gang politics in the overdone manner of every other film out of the US that even mentions gangs, this took you right inside the heads of Derek and Daniel Vinyard. I have not seen a film made since A Clockwork Orange which has so successfully subverted what you think you know, to make you see something in a different light, and sympathize with a character you were initially repulsed by. (I'm not saying there haven't been films like this, it's just I haven't seen them).
There are very few films that I feel deal with any subject fairly, and I think this one managed. To top it off American History X was superbly acted, with all the actors becoming their roles, rather than simply playing them. It's hard to picture Fairuza Balk as anyone other than Derek's violent girlfriend, or even Eddie Furlong as anything other than Daniel Vinyard. Ethan Suplee did an amazing transition from the kind of film one usually catches him in (Mallrats - as Willim, and other comedies), to being a truly frightening character (Seth). And Edward Norton. How can I not rave on and on about this guy? All I can say is that I was totally blown away by his portrayal of Derek Vinyard. Compare this to the Narrator in Fight Club, and you'll see what I mean. You'd never even know it was the same man.
As a rather un-intellectual end note...If you're not an Edward Norton fan yet, I suggest you don't rest until you've seen some of the strikingly different characters that he is able to portray in such a manner that it is very difficult to recognize him as the same person.