Violently gripping

Rating: Null/10 (9 February 2004)

Violence in films is not always a bad thing. Tastefully done, it can add to the effect of a movie, whilst overdoing it can lead to a sense of tackiness. In fact, violence is probably the one word most commonly used to describe American History X and its content, yet there is so much more depth. For those of a nervous or perhaps conservative disposition, it's probably not the best movie to watch. Yet in American History X, the brutality of race-hate is paired up with a prominent feeling of hope and redemption.
The film focuses on the life of Derek Vinyard (played here by an inspired Edward Norton), a former Neo-Nazi recently released from prison after serving three years for a violent crime. We follow his actions in the following 24 hours after being released as he tries to save his younger brother from falling prey to the same cause as he did. We watch as Vinyard confronts his past and plans for a new future, all the while learning from his brother Danny how Derek became this way. This is achieved by including flashbacks (in black and white) of previous events.
Norton gives an electric performance, seemingly transformed from his oh-so-weakly stereotyped characters to a lean, brutal young man, full of force and hate. His character, Derek, changes before your eyes over the course of his film, allowing the viewer to be drawn into his world before captivating you with his vivid and shocking experiences. Avery Brooks seems to reprise his role as Benjamin Sisko from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine - an authority figure, complete with booming voice and didactic tendencies - if it ain't broke, don't fix it!
It's not all great though. Edward Furlong seems to be a one trick horse from what I have seen. Presented with a role just begging to be explored, he seems to pull the same face for each shot. I can't help but flash back to Terminator 2 for that reason! And yes, for some, the violence is too much to handle. It is by no means a constant theme, but it keeps rearing its ugly head to keep your feelings churning.
And as for the ending, well, you will have to find out for yourselves. Personally, I thought it was fantastic the first time that I watched it, although not everybody considers it a fitting ending. But I considered it particularly poignant and cathartic, and as the credits began to roll I reached for the remote and played it again. Not an all-time classic, but certainly a classic for the nineties, and a well deserved place in the top 250.
*** 9 out of 10 ***