American History X is a 1998 crime drama wherein a former neo-nazi tries to protect his brother from destroying himself in the same way that he did, after realising his wrongs. Directed by Tony Kaye and David McKenna, who have done a wonderful job, considering this is their first movie. Tony Kaye's only other move that got a proper release was Detachment (2011). His other two movies, Black Water Transit (2008) and Snowblind (2004) have seen only limited releases. He has also directed a documentary called Lake Of Fire (2006), which deals with both the sides of Abortion and short films like This Is Not Sex (2008). David McKenna, on the other hand, has written some very famous movies like the Johnny Depp-
Penélope Cruz starrer Blow (2001), Body Shots (1999), S.W.A.T. (2003), Bully (2001) and Get Carter (2000). Granted, that American History X is the film he's known for.
You might also know Edward Norton from somewhere. Obviously. Fight Club (1999), Red Dragon (2002), The Incredible Hulk (2008), The Painted Veil (2006), The Illusionist (2006) and his only negative character, The Italian Job (2003) along with a host of other wonderful movies. Also, an interesting co-incidence that the second lead in this movie is Edward Furlong. So, both the actors have the same name. In my defence, That was interesting and funny in my head. Moving on.
Derek Vineyard (Edward Norton) has just returned home after serving a 3 year sentence for killing a black guy. Any reason? Not really. Just because the kid was black, he deserved to die. Also, because the black kid was defeated by Derek at basketball, resulting in the basketball court's sole ownership and rigt to use being passed to the whites. Following the ideologies of Hitler, Derek wants to see a black-free America as he believes that Blacks don't deserve to be in America. To realise his vision, he joins a neo-nazi gang and commits racial crimes at their home, Venice Beach, California. After serving in prison, he realises how things actually are. On return, Derek sees his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) going down the same path (of self destruction) as he did. Determined to not spoil his siblings future, Derek severs all ties from the neo-nazi gang, which now, along with his brother, considers him a traitor. The film (brilliantly) follows non-linear narration. For those unfamiliar with the term, you can refer to Memento or Kill Bill or Pulp Fiction. Through events that happened before the murder and much much before the murder, the Vineyard family during happy times, we are shown how things in Derek and Danny's life changed, for good or bad.
Edward Norton is a brilliant actor. The fact that ones sees him in a movie like Fight Club, just after this, shows how versatile and hard-working Norton is. Edward Furlong, though not as well known as Norton, has done a wonderful job as the trouble kid brother. Avery Brooks as the school principal, is yet another brilliant character, one who faces chaos but instead of fighting it, tries to bring peace.
To laud the directorial abilities of Tony Kaye, I'd like to point out, that even though, he has used black-and-white for both flashbacks, one where Derek is sent to prison and one where Derek and Danny's father, Dennis, is killed, one can easily differentiate between both the narrations. Great use of Film Noire techniques, especially sequences inside the prison.
David McKenna, has gone on to dabble with other genres, with much ease and finesse. That's the mark of a writer. No matter what subject one takes, one does justice to it. He is an example for writers who refuse to step out of their comfort zone and experiment with different genres.
This film plays on the age-old paradigm of the elder brother being the protector of the family. While he was a racist, he was doing what he thought was right right for his family. After his realisation, he boldly tries to make amends and repent his misdeeds. This shows, that no matter how far you are on your route to damnation, you can still be saved. Everyone has hope. If God can forgive everyone, who are we to hold grudges against each other? If we can't forgive His creations, what right do we have to expect forgiveness from The Creator?
Why to watch? A stunning debut by Tony Kaye and David McKenna, American History X remains their most appreciated movie, till date. The brilliance of Edward Norton, who manages to amaze me (and hopefully, you too) with every movie he does. Great performances by all the main characters. The editing also does wonders to help make the film top-notch.
Racism is an evil, present everywhere (In India as communalism). This can be eradicated by the realisation that, no matter what the other person follows, he/she still breathes the same air and craps the same shit as everyone. Using colour or religion to differentiate, is the most stupid act one can ever do. This movie serves as an eye-opener. But, it is a futile attempt, unless it opens the locked hearts of people.
PS: Something I forgot to mention. The title "American History X" may have been inspired by Malcolm X, a black American, who faced racism at the hands of white Christians, so much so that he, along with another friend of his, originated Nation Of Islam, an American-Islamic movement, which thrives even today in the USA. Try searching for Malcolm X and the Nation Of Islam movement. It's an interesting read, trust me.
You might also know Edward Norton from somewhere. Obviously. Fight Club (1999), Red Dragon (2002), The Incredible Hulk (2008), The Painted Veil (2006), The Illusionist (2006) and his only negative character, The Italian Job (2003) along with a host of other wonderful movies. Also, an interesting co-incidence that the second lead in this movie is Edward Furlong. So, both the actors have the same name. In my defence, That was interesting and funny in my head. Moving on.
Derek Vineyard (Edward Norton) has just returned home after serving a 3 year sentence for killing a black guy. Any reason? Not really. Just because the kid was black, he deserved to die. Also, because the black kid was defeated by Derek at basketball, resulting in the basketball court's sole ownership and rigt to use being passed to the whites. Following the ideologies of Hitler, Derek wants to see a black-free America as he believes that Blacks don't deserve to be in America. To realise his vision, he joins a neo-nazi gang and commits racial crimes at their home, Venice Beach, California. After serving in prison, he realises how things actually are. On return, Derek sees his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong) going down the same path (of self destruction) as he did. Determined to not spoil his siblings future, Derek severs all ties from the neo-nazi gang, which now, along with his brother, considers him a traitor. The film (brilliantly) follows non-linear narration. For those unfamiliar with the term, you can refer to Memento or Kill Bill or Pulp Fiction. Through events that happened before the murder and much much before the murder, the Vineyard family during happy times, we are shown how things in Derek and Danny's life changed, for good or bad.
Edward Norton is a brilliant actor. The fact that ones sees him in a movie like Fight Club, just after this, shows how versatile and hard-working Norton is. Edward Furlong, though not as well known as Norton, has done a wonderful job as the trouble kid brother. Avery Brooks as the school principal, is yet another brilliant character, one who faces chaos but instead of fighting it, tries to bring peace.
To laud the directorial abilities of Tony Kaye, I'd like to point out, that even though, he has used black-and-white for both flashbacks, one where Derek is sent to prison and one where Derek and Danny's father, Dennis, is killed, one can easily differentiate between both the narrations. Great use of Film Noire techniques, especially sequences inside the prison.
David McKenna, has gone on to dabble with other genres, with much ease and finesse. That's the mark of a writer. No matter what subject one takes, one does justice to it. He is an example for writers who refuse to step out of their comfort zone and experiment with different genres.
This film plays on the age-old paradigm of the elder brother being the protector of the family. While he was a racist, he was doing what he thought was right right for his family. After his realisation, he boldly tries to make amends and repent his misdeeds. This shows, that no matter how far you are on your route to damnation, you can still be saved. Everyone has hope. If God can forgive everyone, who are we to hold grudges against each other? If we can't forgive His creations, what right do we have to expect forgiveness from The Creator?
Why to watch? A stunning debut by Tony Kaye and David McKenna, American History X remains their most appreciated movie, till date. The brilliance of Edward Norton, who manages to amaze me (and hopefully, you too) with every movie he does. Great performances by all the main characters. The editing also does wonders to help make the film top-notch.
Racism is an evil, present everywhere (In India as communalism). This can be eradicated by the realisation that, no matter what the other person follows, he/she still breathes the same air and craps the same shit as everyone. Using colour or religion to differentiate, is the most stupid act one can ever do. This movie serves as an eye-opener. But, it is a futile attempt, unless it opens the locked hearts of people.
PS: Something I forgot to mention. The title "American History X" may have been inspired by Malcolm X, a black American, who faced racism at the hands of white Christians, so much so that he, along with another friend of his, originated Nation Of Islam, an American-Islamic movement, which thrives even today in the USA. Try searching for Malcolm X and the Nation Of Islam movement. It's an interesting read, trust me.
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