American History X is a profound and stirring drama about the consequences ...
As portrayed in the movie, the public speaking of these groups frequently takes.
Film Review: American History X By: Neela Barek-Zeh Challenge and Change in Society Cotey/ January 19, 2006 American History X is a profound and stirring drama about the consequences of racism as a family is torn apart by hate. A graphic examination of extremism in America, the film follows one mans struggle to reform himself and save his brother after living a life of consumed by violence and bigotry. This is one of the most powerful films about modern-day race hatred, and it's virtually impossible to watch that film and not be deeply affected. American History X has the capacity to disturb. Despite a tendency to become preachy, this film is no mere piece of propaganda. It recognizes that, when it comes to racial and ethnic hatred, no one has the answers. American History X does not easily dismiss the style of pro-white groups. As portrayed in the movie, the public speaking of these groups frequently takes the essential part of truth and distorts them into grotesque lies (i.e., supermarket). In the world of the skinhead neo-Nazi, slogans replace thought, fueling a mindless hatred that is startling in its intensity. The film focuses on the life of Derek Vineyard (played by an inspired Edward Norton), a former Neo-Nazi recently released from prison after serving three years for a violent crime. We follow his actions in the following 24 hours after being released as he tries to save his younger brother from falling prey to the same cause as he did. We watch as Vineyard confronts his past and plans for a new future, all the while learning from his brother Danny how Derek became this way. American History X is in not completely a comprehensive look at racism, hatred, or inner city violence. Instead, it examines the various ways these elements tear at the fabric of a family. The film emphasizes that actions have consequences, and that attaining
redemption isn't as easy as saying "I'm sorry." The price for a change of heart can be, and often is, brutal. The final sequence in the film is shocking not because it's unexpected, but because it illustrates this truth. The chief weakness in American History X is that we're presented with only one truly three-dimensional character. As portrayed by Edward Norton in one of the best performances, Derek is a fully-developed individual. We see the subtle elements that prime Derek for racist attitudes, follow the events that push him over the edge, then watch the course of his life as his hatred spirals out of control. Unfortunately, no one else in the movie comes close to being as real as Derek. Most of the other characters are thinly-sketched stereotypes. Edward Furlong does the best he can , but it falls on Norton's shoulders to carry the film. Ultimately, American History X succeeds in large part because of him. The film's basic message is that hate is learned and can be unlearned, as expressed through Derek's kid brother, Danny (Edward Furlong). He says this at the end of the movie when he concludes his essay: “Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time. It's just not worth it… We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained we must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be by the better angels of our nature.”
