awe

Rating: 10/10 (4 June 2015)

"American History X" is a poignant story of family, redemption and retribution. It revolves around the life of Derek Vinyard, a Neo- Nazi who, after doing three years of prison and self-reflection, changes his ways, and when he is released from prison, tries to do the same for his younger brother; Danny Vinyard.
Edward Norton does a fantastic job of portraying Derek, both before and after his transformation from his skinhead lifestyle. Norton accurately displays the opinions and thoughts of his character, without making him come across as your typical neo-nazi; Derek is an angry and frustrated man who blames blacks for his father's murder - yet he is intelligent and has his own opinions and thoughts regarding modern society; he is not narrow-minded, despite his strongly racist mindset. After his trasformation, Norton still plays Derek in a practically flaw- less manner, portraying him as the older brother filled with regret and remorse, but also someone who has not let this get the better of him. He portrays him as someone who now has responsibilities in his life, and also someone who is determined to turn both his and Danny's life ar- ound.
Edward Norton is not the only actor in this film who does an outstanding job of portraying their character. Edward Furlong plays Danny, Derek's younger, confused brother. Furlong plays this character almost immaculately; he accurately portrays the frustration and rebellious nature that resides in this character. Danny was, for me, the most interesting character in the film; although I have no doubt others will disagree entirely. However, Danny is a high school student who has spent his whole life looking up to his brother Derek, idolizing him throughout his childhood and young adulthood, meaning that Dereks actions have reflected heavily onto his younger brother. In one scene, Derek has a dispute with his family about Derek's views. Danny rarely speaks in this act, but when he does, he is defending his brohter.
The film is visually powerful. When the film is going through a flashback, the screen is changed to black and white, which helps to add to the overall dark tone of the film.
One of the most notable aspects of the film are the prison scenes; During his jail time, Derek's only real friends turn out to be those who he thought he hated the most; the blacks. Derek befriends a black man named Lamont (played by Guy Torry) , who is essentially the biggest reason for Derek's transformation; He teaches Derek that, basically, not all black people are bad. When they first meet, Lamont knows that Derek is a skinhead; he knows that Derek most probably resents him just because of his skin colour. Despite this, Lamont still shows respect for Derek, showing him the ropes and being his only real friend in the prison. Derek's other black associate is a man named Sweeney, who is Danny's high school teacher. During the course of the film, Sweeney and Derek become closer friends, mainly through Danny. But here is the most important part: when Derek is assaulted in jail, Sweeney is literally the only one who is there for him. Lamont and Sweeney are possibly the two most important characters in the entire story; they prove to Derek that even whites can be bad, and that even blacks can be good. Without these two characters, when Derek left jail he probably would've just gone straight back to his old ways.
In conclusion, "American History X" is a film that is not afraid to deal with common issues in American society head on. The film does not hold back, and hits the audience with cold, hard truth combined with it's gritty realism that leaves viewers in magnificent awe. AHX has one message, and it delivers it beautfully; and it is that if you follow the path of hatred, sooner or later you will pay the price.