terrific (major spoilers)

Rating: 8/10 (12 April 2002)

One overriding them of "American History X" is that redemption is possible for even the worst if us. When we see Derek Vinyard as a skinhead, he seems like the most despicable type of human being, as he blames people of color for all our societal ills. His statements are so hateful and incendiary, I suspect even some racists would regard them as too extreme. He is taken under the wing of Cameron Alexander, a notorious distributor of hate literature. He is prone to fits of violent anger. As a matter of fact, even he admits his own lack of self control. All this anger, hatred, and rage explodes during that one fateful night, when he murders a black man for breaking into his car. At that point it seems he is among the damned.
However, prison life forces him to change his outlook. He is no longer in control of the situation. He is at the mercy of vengeful, unstable fellow inmates. One of the most chilling scenes in the film is when he is gang-raped in the shower. During that scene we are presented with the unthinkable: the viewer actually feels sorry for the character and wishes him to find a way out of his situation. Thankfully, he has a chance to do so, and is horrified to see his younger brother follow in his footsteps.
In some scenes we see him working in the laundry room with a black inmate. He finds himself opening up to him, even making small talk about sports. By the time he his released, so complete is his change that he seems like a new person. For all intents and purposes that does seem to be the case. Edward Norton's performance makes the film completely believable.
***1/2 (out of ****)
Released by New Line Cinema