History with plot blackouts

Rating: 8/10 (29 March 2000)

American History X
DIRECTION % Subject yourself to flashback glory and unresting tension and direction lead drama. Though the drama in the middle is affected by the many director's imbalance of handling the prison scenes effectively or convincingly.
ACTING % Perhaps the strongest part of the movie, especially the over-coverage of Derek's role played by Edward Norton. Drama filled intensity and scene stealing verbal intoxication.
EDITING/SPECIAL EFFECTS `% Based upon editing throughout the movie and even off screen fighting from Norton and the director over which way the editing should go.
PLOT % Racism and conversion, insanity and revenge, death and rebirth and unrealism in some parts of the film especially the middle scene with the prison. Not a totally convincing plotting device, but good enough to leave the viewer with an interpretative message about hatred in general.
STRONG WORDS AND VIOLENCE ETC '% Strong in every category and much more!
MUSIC v% Probably fits the film, but will people notice when their attention is upon the drama and the action?
SOUND g% Street sounds and other effects, what did you expect?
HOOKABILITY % As soon as you see the street incident. Though this strong scene can put people off as well!.
LASTABILITY % The tension builds and rises, but is let down with a confusing ending and a let-down prison scene..... I wish conversions were so easy!
OVERALL % Almost a classic...... can't wait to see the director's cut!