American History X - The greatest film of all time? Yes.

Rating: Null/10 (18 May 2008)

Citizen Kane, 2001: a space odyssey. The two greatest achievements for film making.
So where does this leave American History X? This film stands alone and above all other films in history, on the basis it will move you like no other film you have ever watched.
Never have i been so moved by a motion picture or work of art. The film is able to wrap you into the beliefs of Derek Vinyard, it builds up hate and makes you ask questions on what you believe towards race. Then in a single sentence delivered from Dr. Sweeny to Derek, "Has anything you've done, made your life better", wrench your mindset and throw you back to reality, and for a moment. You are Derek Vinyard. You can feel the mindset of Derek unraveling, and on the same level feel a new mindset of the character evolving. The character delvelopment is so great that by the time Danny is shot, you can't help but cry tears of grief with Derek.
Tony Kaye has taken the script and produced unbelievable beauty on the screen. I cannot speak for the director but my representation is that the Black and White flashback sequences represent the mindset of Derek Vinyard. You are either White, or Black. There is no color in his life, he is able to use color flashbacks for child-hood memories seeing Derek and Danny running on a beach. This represents an unpoisned mind as a child. The earliest Black and White flashback is when Dereks father first preaches to Derek about Dr. Sweeny's, "Nigger Bullshit".
Derek and Dannies performances are real. The on-screen chemistry between the brothers is someone one must see to believe. Other performances from the family members are also brilliant. A special mention to Avery Brooks (Dr. Sweeny) who's performance is portrayed by Kaye as concrete. By this I mean the character always felt solid. Always contained the presence and feeling that he was the teacher. I feel this most when he visits Derek.
Many people have their owns thoughts on the use of the slow-motion shots and effects. I believe they were useful for the fact they add more emphasis on the story and characters. These slow motion effects where particularly useful in the sequence where we see Derek getting out of the shower. They highlight the tattoos and beliefs which the old Derek believed.
I personally believe that there is no greater film ever made. The actors portrayed such real characters and emotions through the course of the film you 100% forget you are watching a film, one becomes so engaged in the story and characters lives that you are completely drained by the end.
10/10 to all involved in the production.