One of the major themes of this film is race relations, and racism

Rating: 9/10 (7 February 2011)

The film American History X was released in 1998 by director Tony Kaye. One of the major themes of this film is race relations, and racism. The film is based on how races relate and how people see things the way they want when they are hurt by people of a certain race. In the film Derek Vinyard played by Edward Norton is very frustrated about life and the fact that a black man took his father away from him by murdering him in cold blood. Derek could never get over it, and he wanted revenge. Derek is sent to prison for killing two black men who tried to steal his vehicle.
When Derek is released from prison after serving 3 years in prison he is changed his outlook about racism, but for Derek he will have to face it again, and through his younger brother Danny who is played by Edward Furlong a young lost soul who is following in his brothers footsteps. The film is very intense and very graphic you are able to see the way white supremacist act against other races.
The film shows black and white scenes which represents Derek's pass and how he ends up where he is in life. It helps bring life and understanding to the film. The lightning in the film is both high and low depending on the scene of the film. The low key lightning is used to show dark and evil hatred that the white supremacist has against other races.
This film can also be compared to the film Higher Learning which is also about racism and race relations. American History X is a must see film it is the sociological imagination of a white male who has reacted in a very negative way due to his past.