American History X

Rating: 7/10 (16 March 2012)

American History X is a movie which follows the life of a Neo-Nazi skinhead Derek Vinyard (Ed Norton) that develops a hatred for any race other than his own. He soon finds himself in prison for killing two black men caught breaking into his truck. During his prison time, he begins to question his prejudices as he makes friends with a black man named Lamont (Guy Torry). Once released from prison, he dedicates himself to convincing his younger brother Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) that being a part of a supremacist group is wrong. The story attempts to show how being a part of a supremacist group can brainwash someone into unbelievable hatred for a person based on their color of skin. The unbelievable change that Derek makes in prison is hard to accept from his friends and family. He is soon cast out of the group and finds himself alone. Danny is described as a brilliant teenager that has been led down the wrong path in life. The principle in the school, Dr. Bob Sweeney (Avery Brooks) takes it upon himself to attempt to identify why Danny feels the way he does. Before Danny is able to show that he is changing, a tragic event unfolds. This movie has a strange similarity to the film Gran Torino. Both movies touch on a specific person that has years of hatred and prejudice for other races. The relationships developed from both main characters to people of other races shows that feelings can be changed and friendships made. In each of these movies, death represents what the cost of prejudice can be. Main characters in each of these movies die as a result of an unfortunate hatred. There were recurring ideas (motifs) throughout both movies. The indescribable prejudice that one person can have and their ability to see what is right and overcome that feeling. Many close up angles throughout the films attempt to show emotion and feeling without necessarily having dialogue. In American History X, there were many "skinheads" that displayed Nazi symbols in the form of tattoos and flags to represent their outspoken prejudices. In Gran Torino, the constant derogatory language that was used displayed the same emotion. American History X was an interesting look at a life many people do not live. The ability to understand why someone would have such hatred is shown in a way that the viewer would relate to. The underlying theme is the ability to overcome a life of hatred and see that we are all created equal.