A Powerful Message About Hate

Rating: 8/10 (16 February 2009)

Here is a film with a powerful message. In his first feature film, Tony Kaye has created a gripping drama that tackles the subject of hate and racism in America. Edward Norton is Derek Vinyard, a charismatic leader in a White Supremecist organization in Venice Beach who is imprisoned for murder. Upon his release, he intends to turn his life around but discovers that his younger brother has fallen in with the same Neo-Nazi organization. A fantastic cast and a strong message come together in this ever-relevant film.
Edward Norton deserved more awards for his performance in this movie. For those wondering why I easily consider Norton one of my favorite actors in modern film, Kaye's movie is a prime example. Norton is such a strong performer that one can actually start to understand the racist rhetoric he spouts in the film and for an example of the passion/animosity he summoned for the role, one only needs to see the look on his face when Vinyard is arrested. While Norton is definitely a powerhouse, the film boasts an equally impressive supporting cast including Edward Furlong, Avery Brooks, Beverly D'Angelo, Stacey Keach, and Elliot Gould.
The film portrays a powerful message of how hate and violence will only lead to further hate and violence. The main characters are led to discover how meaningless the cause they fight for actually is and the repercussions of their actions. The final few minutes caught me off guard, as I definitely wasn't expecting the ending. While some feel the end to be meaningless, or even counter-productive to the film's theme, I disagree (but I hesitate to go into greater detail at risk of spoilers). Your best bet would be to check out the film and form your own opinion, as the film is sure to inspire thought.
On one final note, did anyone else find it odd to see Ethan Suplee in the role of a hate-monger? To his credit though, he did a great job.