The most powerful film concerning racism ever made!

Rating: 10/10 (21 February 2005)

American History X: Starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Avery Brooks and Beverly D'Angelo Written by David McKenna, Directed by Tony Kaye (New Line Cinema, 1998)
****/ out of 4.
From its brutal and powerful opening scene till the bitter end, American History X is a rare film that crosses the line between cinema and art. Through its bold and fearless acting (especially Edward Norton, absolutely brilliant) clever writing and masterful direction, American History X challenges the viewer to face the truth about hate in today's society.
From the beginning of his career, Edward Norton has continually progressed as an actor constantly challenging himself artistically with projects that push the envelope of mainstream film-making and American History X is the prime example of his dedication. Norton plays Derek Vineyard, a former neo-Nazi skin head who just served three years in prison for killing a black gang member in self defense. Seeing the error in his ways, he returns from prison reformed vowing to stop his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) from going down a similar path. From the beginning, Norton is nothing short of brilliant in his Oscar nominated role. His dedication was both emotional and physical; Norton gained 30 pounds of muscle for the role and is covered in tattoos, including a swastika. His presence and intensity command the screen so convincingly that the viewer needs to be reminded they're watching a film, not a documentary. In one of the film's most powerful scenes, Derek is talking to his brother about what happened to him in prison and what changed him. Norton uses body language and eye movement to create the most memorable monologue in recent film history. He looks at Danny with such conviction and says "Looking back I can't believe I bought into all this s#$@, all this hate, this anger. It's just because I was p------ off, and I'm tired of being p------ off, Danny, it's not worth it." Aside from Norton, the supporting cast even the most trivial roles are top notch. Edward Furlong is perfect as Derek's brother Danny who's confused about his views and searching for truth in the ugly world of racism consumed by propaganda and contradiction. The rest of the cast including Guy Torry, Beverly D'Angelo and Avery Brooks as Derek's black High School English teacher who ends up mentoring him and steering him down the right path.
The central point of the entire film is that hate and anger is nothing but baggage. The script carried this out with it's pace, intense dialogue and construction but the film needed a director with a strong visual sense to show the viewer what hate does to a society, a family and a man. Tony Kaye not only directed the film but also operated the camera for the film and was the lead cinematographer. Visually, the film is a flat out masterpiece from start to finish. By using color changes, time sequencing, and flashbacks, the film uses visuals to tell the story and metaphorically shed light on racism.When we see Derek out of prison, the film is shown in color to show how he sees everything clearly. While Derek is in prison and while he still had racist views, the film is shown in black and white to symbolize how he and other racists did not see minorities as people, just statistics. In the film's most beautiful scene, Derek returns home from prison and has reformed in his ways. He spends time with Danny and one by one, they take down all the posters and banners promoting racism and hate hanging in their room. Derek quietly out of the room to take a shower. The lush cinematography captures every single water drop as it falls off his body. The scene is crosscut with a flashback of Derek and Danny together on the beach as young children. The scene suggests all he has to live for and his love for his brother. At the end of scene, Derek steps out of the shower refreshed, as if he's just washed away his sins and has forgiven himself for his past. He looks in the mirror and slowly places his right hand over his heart, covering his swastika tattoo. Though very little is spoken, this scene is at the heart of the film's purpose and passion.
The reason the film is so brilliant and why it works is the way the script is handled and translated to screen. The film proves its point about hate and anger through pacing, clever dialogue and offers an intelligent point of view on controversial issues impacting today's society. Issues such as gang violence, the job market and the Rodney King trials are topics concerning Americans today. The white supremacists are viewed as highly educated people with intelligent opinions concerning the issues of minorities in our society. The film looks at these points objectively and suggests that while these points are good, they are biased, unfair and illogical considering the basis for these arguments are hate and anger.
American History X is quite simply the best film concerning racism ever made. It's more than just a great piece of cinema; it's a work of art. Through the powerful performances, masterful direction and thought provoking script, American History X is a testament to the truth about hate in our society and our world.