One of The Most Important Films About Racism

Rating: Null/10 (9 January 2004)

I have seen Edward Norton in The Italian Job, and found him to be the standout in the ensemble cast, playing the villain quite convincingly enough for the type of film it was. I saw him in Fight Club and thought he was a knock out, playing his character to absolute perfection. Then in Rounders, where his character is not only charming and funny, but had deep emotional problems concerning his personal life. He was wonderful in that role as well. But his performance in American History X certainly without a doubt tops them all. I knew before hand that Edward Norton would play a neo-Nazi type character, but I was expecting some sort of lapse in his character. Thoughout the two hours and some odd minutes, he had me in utter shock as to what he put those around him through. It amazed me how much change happened to him, how his character went from respecting other races, to plain despise, anger, and hate, to redemption. His eyes say so much throughout the film, were so penetrating to the audience, that it amazed me that I couldn't turn my own eyes away. His actions were so powerful, his voice so convincing to others, that for a second there, he had me thinking his own views. If I had been under his leadership, I would have absolutely believed him.
The film revolves around Derek Vinyard the day he gets out of prison, and how he tries to convince his younger brother from taking the same path as he did. The flashbacks are in black and white, and the story told in the first half through the eyes of his younger brother, Danny. Edward Furlong, though not as powerful as Norton's, was still very convincing, though I thought his character was too trusting too fast near the end. The ending had me in tears. It had shocked me so badly.
The film is powerful, will deeply pull at your heart, and leave you with a lasting impression, not only about American society, but at the never ending racism that occurs within the world. It will never end, but this film shows that even those with so much hate and anger within them can be redeemed. I highly recommended this film.
MJR