Thought Provoking, Daring Film

Rating: 9/10 (5 February 2010)

Tony Kaye directed his first feature in "American History X." This film explores deep analysis into the cause of race hatred in the United States. He shows the viewers that different races can look at the same evidence, but draw entirely different answers. In a very shocking, violent, opening scene, teen Danny Vinyard, played wonderfully by Edward Furlong, runs to tell his neo-Nazi brother one evening that a gang of thugs are breaking into his car in front of the house. Derek gets his gun and with no caution shoots the young men in their tracks. Tried and found guilty, Derek is sent away for three (3) years in prison, where he gets a completely different outlook as he compares white-power prisoners with a black prisoner named Lamont, played by Guy Torry. The changes within Derek show the positive impact that Lamont has given to him. Meanwhile, Danny, with a shaved head and a radical attitude, seems determined to follow in his big brother's footsteps. With his new skinhead haircut and eye movements, the viewers can witness the hate which is planted in Danny. After Danny writes a positive review of Adolph Hitler, high school principal Sweeney, puts Danny in a course called American History X and tells him to write a paper about his older brother, who was a past student of Sweeney's. This part is shown by flashbacks, with the movie illustrating Danny's account of Derek's life before the night of the shooting.
The main themes that are shown in the movie are affirmative action and racism. The theme of affirmative action is mostly shown through the character of Derek's father. These themes are shown throughout the whole film.
The performances of Edward Norton and Edward Furlong are unbelievable. Edward Norton shows the ability to demonstrate the hatred and development of his character quite convincing. Edward Furlong plays the "narrator" and character of Danny. He also shows the development of his character.
The story of "American History X" is healing and opens the mind that racism does happen and we never really see how damaging it can be to oneself and others. The film makes it point quite well and gives the message clearly. The director, Tony Kaye, refuses the movie to have a happy ending. With racism and the consequences of it, this kind of behavior can destroy family members for life (i.e. tragedy built from hate and ignorance).