An excellent film -- compelling and profound

Rating: 10/10 (5 November 1998)

I'd go so far as to say that it is one of the best films that I've ever seen in my life. The reason I'm not afraid to make this statement is because I'm not judging it based on the technical aspects, but on the impact that it makes on the audience.
In all of my movie-going life, I've never been in a theatre where not one person spoke throughout the entire film -- until now. Even when the film ended and the credits were slated to roll, the theatre remained completely silent as everyone simply stared at the screen in either awe or shock.
The range of emotions that this film hits is astounding. Some of the most brutal imagery you'll ever see on film is captured in "American History X", imagery that will make you cringe. But at the same time, the character of Lamont (played excellently by Guy Torrey) will have you cracking up in laughter. Edward Norton is fantastic as Derek Vinyard, illiciting from the audience feelings from hatred to sympathy, and even making the character likable in the end.
This film should win best picture, but it won't. The subject matter is too grim for the Academy to bestow that honour upon it, even though the film is as deeply affecting as it is. It simply steps on too many toes. But Edward Norton should and probably will win best actor, because out of this somewhat dismal year for film, he simply shines in this performance.