American History X

Tony Kaye, USA, 1998, 119 mins

Controversial topics are always likely to make powerful cinema. However if such a film is made badly it can be particularly bad. Fortunately American History X, which deals with the story of two Neo-Nazi brothers as one questions his convictions, is an exceptional film. A film on this topic was never going to be trivial but whilst some scenes are excruciating to watch, it is nonetheless compelling. This film makes a strong statement about the futility of racism and intolerance in general without the message getting in the way of the story at any point.

The realism of the portrayals due to brilliant acting in the lead roles means that whilst you may loath the character’s attitudes and opinions you realise that they are people not just stereotypes. Rather than seeing these young white kids as hideous fascists, you realise that they are more of a lost generation desperately seeking an identity in all the wrong places. They are the victims of exploitation as much as they are the promoters of intolerance.

This is the film that cemented Ed Norton as a superb leading actor after a string of excellent supporting roles and the underrated Edward Furlong also sensitively portrays his character in a very difficult role, leaving you with an unsettling mix of sympathy and abhorrence. There are a number of films on the same theme such as Romper Stomper and Made in Britain but American History X is the standout example of the group. It’s hard to believe that there are really people like this in the world and if any other film told me so I wouldn’t believe it. American History X however is exceptional.

Review by Peter Thompson
Written for EUFS Programme Spring 2003

This film was never going to be anything less than controversial. Its subject matter is neo-Nazi skinheads, it has moments of sickening violence and cannot be considered to offer the viewer any concessions. But American History X is, strangely, a captivating film, one which leaves you with a bizzare feeling somewhere between nausea and an adrenaline rush.

American History X is the title of an assignment given by teacher Dr. Sweeney to Danny, the younger brother of Derek Vinyard, the former leader of a white, racist, skinhead gang. Danny idolises his brother, who has just been released from prison after serving three years for manslaughter. However, during his time in prison, Derek has reformed his way of thinking and wants to drag his long suffering family out of the spiralling hatred and violence. To do so, he must confront both his former `friends' and `enemies' which ultimately leads to a violent climax.

Watching the film, what is striking is the sheer melodramatic quality. Even in the disquieting black-and-white flashback sequences which explore Derek's earlier life, there is a sense of sweeping grandeur in the framing and artificial verbosity in the dialogue. Nonetheless, this is not a film which claims to offer documentary style realism but instead puts across its point in beautiful yet horrific set-pieces: a raid on a supermarket; Derek and Danny's mother silhouetted against the doorway to their home; the eerily hypnotic kerb killing. It is a pity that the film is marred by efforts to `explain' the various characters' actions. These clumsy attempts to inject some sort of redemption into the story are perhaps what caused the well-publicised fall out between the director, Tony Kaye, and the star, Ed Norton. This resulted in Kaye (famous for making adverts) trying to remove his name from the credits whilst Norton recut the film.

All this does not detract from the spectacle of the film. The powerful performances on show - Norton as the disillusioned Derek, Ed Furlong as the intelligent, eager yet easily manipulated Danny, Beverly D'Angelo and Avery Brooks - all add to the stunning imagery which lets the viewer of American History X experience a lesson in hatred, sacrifice, brotherhood and tragedy.

Review by Neil Chue Hong
Taken from EUFS Programe Autumn 1999