American history x movie review. Stars edward norton, edward furlong. Nazi,drama

AMERICAN HISTORY X

Stars:
Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Avery Brooks, Fairuza Balk, Stacy Keach
Director:
Tony Kaye

Rated: R
Score: 8/10

It doesn't seem many films have much to say beneath the surface. In "American History X", we see a very "in your face" portrayal of how racism doesn't just affect our society, but a family. A lesson in what often leads many young intelligent people into groups that hate - the need for acceptance when usually something is missing in their home life. The desire to be part of something bigger. This is a story about a young man and the burden of hate.

Derek (Norton) was a bright young guy who came from a working class home. He idolized his father, and one day his father was killed. Since then his life became troubled and he sought refuge with a group of Nazi skinheads who gave him somebody to blame. His life progressed into a self destructive one filled with anger and violence, until one evening it escelated into murder. His younger brother Danny (Furlong) witnessed it, and the pride he saw in his brothers crazed eyes as he was arrested. Derek is put in prison, and in that time Danny is exposed to Derek's friends and lifestyle. He looks up to his brother, he wants to be just like him. Three years in prison Derek learns the hard lessons of reality, which have him questioning his beliefs and whether or not they were ever his own or just recited propoganda fed to him by his mentor, Cameron, who led the skinhead group.

The movie effectively paces itself between flashbacks and present day - so that we can learn about where Derek came from to where he is now. The memories of his time with his nazi affiliation is filmed in black and white, as if to parallell the way that Derek saw the world. Present day is in color where things aren't so divided, except how we make it in our lives. Norton gives a fantastic performance, earning him an Oscar nomination.

Unfortunately now that he has decided to renounce his beliefs and old friends and way of life and start new, he see's his younger brother is travelling down the same path. Danny can't understand why Derek has changed, all these years of believing a certain way and seeing the world in a certain way being a lie? Danny is seeking guidance and with this sudden turn in events he is left confused in knowing which path to walk. But getting him out of Cameron's grasp proves harder than Derek thought..one that could jeapordize him and his family. And his mother is struggling to keep her family together and make a better life, she's sick and looks emotionally drained.

"American History X" really focuses on the family, how little ideas seeded into children by a parent can either be ignored or flourish into something really nasty. Where there is a trauma or lack of parental supervision, children really need guidance and to know the right way to live their life. Finding a family is important, even if it means seeking one elsewhere. But this story exists within all races, it's not unique to geographics or social class. Derek is branded with the mark of hate on his chest in the form of a swastika, one that can be covered but never hidden, his past is marked. He was a born leader, smart and persuasive, which perhaps makes his racist speeches even more eerie. But he had to question his beliefs when his teacher, an African American who visits him in prison after a difficult time, asks him, "Has anything you done made your life better?"

The film begins and is concluded with an essay Danny was assigned to write about his brother. It's boils down to a simple message. Unfortunately lives aren't that simple, it isn't so much what we've done but perhaps what we can do. Hate and violence are a learned trait, but being strong enough to be able to step back and question your own beliefs is a lesson truly worth learning.

Recommended Films by Edward Norton

Primal Fear
Fight Club
Rounders
Everyone Says I Love You

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