Amazon.co.uk Review
Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to Edward Norton is that his Oscar-nominated performance in American History X nearly convinces you that there is a shred of logic in the tenets of white supremacy. If that statement doesn't horrify you, it should; Norton is so fully immersed in his role as a neo-Nazi skinhead that his character's eloquent defense of racism is disturbingly persuasive--at least on the surface. Looking lean and mean with a swastika tattoo and a mind full of hate, Derek Vinyard (Norton) has inherited racism from his father, and that learning has been intensified through his service to Cameron (Stacy Keach), a grown-up thug playing tyrant and teacher to a growing band of disenfranchised teens from Venice Beach, California, all hungry for an ideology that fuels their brooding alienation.
The film's basic message--that hate is learned and can be unlearned--is expressed through Derek's kid brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), whose sibling hero-worship increases after Derek is imprisoned (or, in Danny's mind, martyred) for the killing of two black men. Lacking Derek's gift of rebel rhetoric, Danny is easily swayed into the violent, hateful lifestyle that Derek disowns during his thoughtful time in prison. Once released, Derek struggles to save his brother from a violent fate, and American History X partially suffers from a mix of intense emotions, awkward sentiment and predictably inevitable plotting. And yet British director Tony Kaye (who would later protest against Norton's creative intervention during post-production) manages to juggle these qualities--and a compelling clash of visual styles--to considerable effect. No matter how strained their collaboration may have been, both Kaye and Norton can be proud to have created a film that addresses the issue of racism with dramatically forceful impact. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
Powerhouse performance by Ed Norton.......2008-03-04
American History X is a story based on extremist, racial violence in modern day America.
Norton plays buffed up, neo-nazi skinhead, Derek Vinyard. After his father is gunned down while tackling a fire in a black neighbourhood, Vinyard turns into a black hearted, agressive foot soldier, fighting for white supremacy, and starts seeing his country as plagued by illegal immigrants.
This film has one of the best casts in cinema history. Although youll see films with star after star, such as Pulp Fiction, Sin City and The Departed, the acting ranks among the best performances you will ever see. Besides Ed Norton, the next biggest name in this is Edward Furlong. In this film you will see how he has evolved and matured from Terminator 2's John Connor. Aside these is a great supporting cast consisting of Beverly D'Angelo, Ethan Suplee and Avery Brooks. Standing out is Ethan Suplee, who plays Dereks overweight, brute of a friend, Seth. The reason this performance sticks out is because of the performance he puts on in Remember the Titans. Although American History X was released first, those fortunate enough to have seen both films will appreciate what an under-rated, versitile actor Suplee is. Every actor is this film puts on a performance so unique, that the film could revolve around any of them actually being the main character.
Although this film is very violent, and at one point will leave you cringing and maybe even looking away, it is not glorified with over the top gore, like so many films these days are. It doesnt need gore to shock people into the brutality that is being shown. The acting takes care of that. The thing that shocked me most about this film was the scene in the car park, in which an enraged Vinyard is giving a talk that hits you in the face, leaving you with two black eyes and a broken nose. The talk is primarily about illegal immigrants "ruining" the country. Although I am not a racist, everything Norton says in that scene gave me chills. Anybody, not racist, but observant, should see why he is saying what he is saying, and how it can sway the minds of people who are looking for someone to blame for their bad luck.
Although this film is mainly about violence and racial intolerance, its story of family can be applied to anything. The importance of setting a good example to younger siblings and the strong ties of family bonds, strengthen this films impact. Although extreme, dedicated family men can relate to Vinyards character. It shows how easily good people can be influenced by monsters of the world. This picture portrays it as a vicious, never-ending circle, until the inevitable, tragic ending.
Watching this film will make a vast majority of people reflect on their prospective of tolerance to other races. One of the best films you will ever see. A must watch. The only negative of this film is that Ed Norton was only nominated for the oscar. Unfortunately he didnt win it.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY.......2007-12-11
Not many people know this, but Ed Norton's character, Derek, is based on an actual person -- a guy that went to my high school a few years before I did. He comes to speak every year at an anti-hate assembly. They show us clips of the movie (in my case, my English teacher let us watch the whole thing) and then he comes out and speaks. It's bizarre, to see him because he sounds exactly like Derek does after he gets out of prison. He's genuinely remorseful and what most people don't realize, is what a life-change that really is. Most Neo-Nazis and extreme racists are practically brainwashed in their points of view. It can take years, even lifetimes before they can be broken out of these harmful, violent mindsets. The movie seems slightly unrealistic in that way, that someone as intelligent and seemingly brainwashed as Norton's character, could make such a change from a short stint in prison. Well as I can firsthand tell you, it is possible, and the transformation did really happen. I can't remember the guy's name to save my life, but having that knowledge of the film and the people it's based on has made me appreciate this movie even more.
On a whole other side level, yet another amazing performance by Ed Norton. This man never ceases to shock and amaze me with his range and ability to adapt physically to any role thrown at him. I'm sure he wasn't the first choice for this role, I can think of plenty of other All-American looking actors that would seemingly fit better, even Furlong seems better fit to the Neo-Nazi role than the Norton we all know. However with a beefed-up physique and a well-written film to back him up, Norton shines in this role.
One of the Best Ever Films about Racism.......2007-11-26
American History X goes where few films ever attempt to go, and it does it perfectly.
Edward Norton gives his strongest dramatic performance, playing a very believable, supremacist older brother reformed by experiences in prison. His character is one of the many in this movie that are brutally convincing and real. Edward Furlong plays an equally realistic, impressionable younger brother.
If you can see past the swearing and violence, which is SUPPOSED to leave you feeling dirty, then you can see the real message of this fantastic film. I cannot stress enough how important this movie is to modern day soceity.
Thought provoking.......2007-06-22
Having just brought American History X and watched it on DVD, I was surprised at what a good film it was. Starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong, it is a thoughtful, provoking film that in no way glamorises racial hatred, but offers a brutal, lingering, shocking and unflinching look at racism.
The story focuses on Derek Vinyard (Norton) and his kid brother, Danny. (Furlong - still baby faced from Terminator 2) Derek has been released from prison, following a stretch for the murder of two black youths who were trying to steal his car. Derek's hatred and neo-nazi attitude are fuelled by his father's murder and racist teachings. A prominant figure in neo-nazi circles, Derek is released a changed man and has no intention of reprising his old ways, much to the disgust of his neo nazi friends, and girlfriend.
Derek's redemption in prison comes after he is brutally attacked by other neo-nazis in prison, who didn't approve of his friendship with a black inmate. A shattered Vinyard is left to realise the error of his ways and turn his life around. He is dismayed to realise his brother has started copying him, and tries to get his brother to change his ways too.
Norton and Furlong are surprisingly well cast. Norton has immense screen presence, managing to convey the story of a man who has realised the error of his ways, and wants to put his life back on track.
Furlong, displays the arrogance he inherits from his brother's former days of neo-nazi activities and like his brother is humbled as he learns that life is too short to spend it filled with hate. (A fact which is later underlined for Furlong and his family.)
The film is very stylised. Flashbacks are shot in slow motion black and white, and are full of impact and can be very shocking. The film pulls no punches, and is brutal throughout, especially when the film reaches its bloody, tragic climax.
All in all, a well thought out, provoking film that is certainly worth watching - if you can cope with the brutality it meets out to everyone involved, and the bad language throughout.
One of the greatest contemporary tragedies ever commited to film........2007-06-18
Few true tragedes are made these days, at least not in Hollywood, and such a well produced and acted spectacle as American History X is a rare delight. While not strictly an "Aristotlean" tragedy, where the protagonist, while being an admirable character, eventually falls victim to his own fatal flaw, it is certainly tragic, and as such is as beautiful as any formulaic tragedy could be.
Derek Vinyard is not an admirable character, albeit a powerful speaker and inspiational screen prescence, and it is not, eventually, himself who falls victim to his flaw, which is his beleif in his cause.
The directoral style is essentially journalistic, an unbiased exposé from the perspectives of Derek and his younger brother Daniel, but their change of heart makes it much more intimate, much more real. It is as beautiful, then, as it is staunch in all its gritty realism. Indeed, the gunshot scene at the climax of the film is brutal, slowed down for maximum impact. Its objectivity, however, is not tarnished by this. Its power is such that if the director had told us it was a true sory, it would have been beleived, and yet its emotonal power is astonishing. Not least due to its sense of dramatic irony, the final scenes are so much more powerful because Derek is not the one who suffers for his mistakes, and his knowledge that it is his fault, and our empathy of that, makes the conclusion as Daniel's essay is read like a last will, all the more beautiful.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to Edward Norton is that his Oscar-nominated performance in American History X nearly convinces you that there is a shred of logic in the tenets of white supremacy. If that statement doesn't horrify you, it should; Norton is so fully immersed in his role as a neo-Nazi skinhead that his character's eloquent defense of racism is disturbingly persuasive--at least on the surface. Looking lean and mean with a swastika tattoo and a mind full of hate, Derek Vinyard (Norton) has inherited racism from his father, and that learning has been intensified through his service to Cameron (Stacy Keach), a grown-up thug playing tyrant and teacher to a growing band of disenfranchised teens from Venice Beach, California, all hungry for an ideology that fuels their brooding alienation.
The film's basic message--that hate is learned and can be unlearned--is expressed through Derek's kid brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), whose sibling hero-worship increases after Derek is imprisoned (or, in Danny's mind, martyred) for the killing of two black men. Lacking Derek's gift of rebel rhetoric, Danny is easily swayed into the violent, hateful lifestyle that Derek disowns during his thoughtful time in prison. Once released, Derek struggles to save his brother from a violent fate, and American History X partially suffers from a mix of intense emotions, awkward sentiment and predictably inevitable plotting. And yet British director Tony Kaye (who would later protest against Norton's creative intervention during post-production) manages to juggle these qualities--and a compelling clash of visual styles--to considerable effect. No matter how strained their collaboration may have been, both Kaye and Norton can be proud to have created a film that addresses the issue of racism with dramatically forceful impact. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
Powerhouse performance by Ed Norton.......2008-03-04
American History X is a story based on extremist, racial violence in modern day America.
Norton plays buffed up, neo-nazi skinhead, Derek Vinyard. After his father is gunned down while tackling a fire in a black neighbourhood, Vinyard turns into a black hearted, agressive foot soldier, fighting for white supremacy, and starts seeing his country as plagued by illegal immigrants.
This film has one of the best casts in cinema history. Although youll see films with star after star, such as Pulp Fiction, Sin City and The Departed, the acting ranks among the best performances you will ever see. Besides Ed Norton, the next biggest name in this is Edward Furlong. In this film you will see how he has evolved and matured from Terminator 2's John Connor. Aside these is a great supporting cast consisting of Beverly D'Angelo, Ethan Suplee and Avery Brooks. Standing out is Ethan Suplee, who plays Dereks overweight, brute of a friend, Seth. The reason this performance sticks out is because of the performance he puts on in Remember the Titans. Although American History X was released first, those fortunate enough to have seen both films will appreciate what an under-rated, versitile actor Suplee is. Every actor is this film puts on a performance so unique, that the film could revolve around any of them actually being the main character.
Although this film is very violent, and at one point will leave you cringing and maybe even looking away, it is not glorified with over the top gore, like so many films these days are. It doesnt need gore to shock people into the brutality that is being shown. The acting takes care of that. The thing that shocked me most about this film was the scene in the car park, in which an enraged Vinyard is giving a talk that hits you in the face, leaving you with two black eyes and a broken nose. The talk is primarily about illegal immigrants "ruining" the country. Although I am not a racist, everything Norton says in that scene gave me chills. Anybody, not racist, but observant, should see why he is saying what he is saying, and how it can sway the minds of people who are looking for someone to blame for their bad luck.
Although this film is mainly about violence and racial intolerance, its story of family can be applied to anything. The importance of setting a good example to younger siblings and the strong ties of family bonds, strengthen this films impact. Although extreme, dedicated family men can relate to Vinyards character. It shows how easily good people can be influenced by monsters of the world. This picture portrays it as a vicious, never-ending circle, until the inevitable, tragic ending.
Watching this film will make a vast majority of people reflect on their prospective of tolerance to other races. One of the best films you will ever see. A must watch. The only negative of this film is that Ed Norton was only nominated for the oscar. Unfortunately he didnt win it.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY.......2007-12-11
Not many people know this, but Ed Norton's character, Derek, is based on an actual person -- a guy that went to my high school a few years before I did. He comes to speak every year at an anti-hate assembly. They show us clips of the movie (in my case, my English teacher let us watch the whole thing) and then he comes out and speaks. It's bizarre, to see him because he sounds exactly like Derek does after he gets out of prison. He's genuinely remorseful and what most people don't realize, is what a life-change that really is. Most Neo-Nazis and extreme racists are practically brainwashed in their points of view. It can take years, even lifetimes before they can be broken out of these harmful, violent mindsets. The movie seems slightly unrealistic in that way, that someone as intelligent and seemingly brainwashed as Norton's character, could make such a change from a short stint in prison. Well as I can firsthand tell you, it is possible, and the transformation did really happen. I can't remember the guy's name to save my life, but having that knowledge of the film and the people it's based on has made me appreciate this movie even more.
On a whole other side level, yet another amazing performance by Ed Norton. This man never ceases to shock and amaze me with his range and ability to adapt physically to any role thrown at him. I'm sure he wasn't the first choice for this role, I can think of plenty of other All-American looking actors that would seemingly fit better, even Furlong seems better fit to the Neo-Nazi role than the Norton we all know. However with a beefed-up physique and a well-written film to back him up, Norton shines in this role.
One of the Best Ever Films about Racism.......2007-11-26
American History X goes where few films ever attempt to go, and it does it perfectly.
Edward Norton gives his strongest dramatic performance, playing a very believable, supremacist older brother reformed by experiences in prison. His character is one of the many in this movie that are brutally convincing and real. Edward Furlong plays an equally realistic, impressionable younger brother.
If you can see past the swearing and violence, which is SUPPOSED to leave you feeling dirty, then you can see the real message of this fantastic film. I cannot stress enough how important this movie is to modern day soceity.
Thought provoking.......2007-06-22
Having just brought American History X and watched it on DVD, I was surprised at what a good film it was. Starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong, it is a thoughtful, provoking film that in no way glamorises racial hatred, but offers a brutal, lingering, shocking and unflinching look at racism.
The story focuses on Derek Vinyard (Norton) and his kid brother, Danny. (Furlong - still baby faced from Terminator 2) Derek has been released from prison, following a stretch for the murder of two black youths who were trying to steal his car. Derek's hatred and neo-nazi attitude are fuelled by his father's murder and racist teachings. A prominant figure in neo-nazi circles, Derek is released a changed man and has no intention of reprising his old ways, much to the disgust of his neo nazi friends, and girlfriend.
Derek's redemption in prison comes after he is brutally attacked by other neo-nazis in prison, who didn't approve of his friendship with a black inmate. A shattered Vinyard is left to realise the error of his ways and turn his life around. He is dismayed to realise his brother has started copying him, and tries to get his brother to change his ways too.
Norton and Furlong are surprisingly well cast. Norton has immense screen presence, managing to convey the story of a man who has realised the error of his ways, and wants to put his life back on track.
Furlong, displays the arrogance he inherits from his brother's former days of neo-nazi activities and like his brother is humbled as he learns that life is too short to spend it filled with hate. (A fact which is later underlined for Furlong and his family.)
The film is very stylised. Flashbacks are shot in slow motion black and white, and are full of impact and can be very shocking. The film pulls no punches, and is brutal throughout, especially when the film reaches its bloody, tragic climax.
All in all, a well thought out, provoking film that is certainly worth watching - if you can cope with the brutality it meets out to everyone involved, and the bad language throughout.
One of the greatest contemporary tragedies ever commited to film........2007-06-18
Few true tragedes are made these days, at least not in Hollywood, and such a well produced and acted spectacle as American History X is a rare delight. While not strictly an "Aristotlean" tragedy, where the protagonist, while being an admirable character, eventually falls victim to his own fatal flaw, it is certainly tragic, and as such is as beautiful as any formulaic tragedy could be.
Derek Vinyard is not an admirable character, albeit a powerful speaker and inspiational screen prescence, and it is not, eventually, himself who falls victim to his flaw, which is his beleif in his cause.
The directoral style is essentially journalistic, an unbiased exposé from the perspectives of Derek and his younger brother Daniel, but their change of heart makes it much more intimate, much more real. It is as beautiful, then, as it is staunch in all its gritty realism. Indeed, the gunshot scene at the climax of the film is brutal, slowed down for maximum impact. Its objectivity, however, is not tarnished by this. Its power is such that if the director had told us it was a true sory, it would have been beleived, and yet its emotonal power is astonishing. Not least due to its sense of dramatic irony, the final scenes are so much more powerful because Derek is not the one who suffers for his mistakes, and his knowledge that it is his fault, and our empathy of that, makes the conclusion as Daniel's essay is read like a last will, all the more beautiful.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to Edward Norton is that his Oscar-nominated performance in American History X nearly convinces you that there is a shred of logic in the tenets of white supremacy. If that statement doesn't horrify you, it should; Norton is so fully immersed in his role as a neo-Nazi skinhead that his character's eloquent defense of racism is disturbingly persuasive--at least on the surface. Looking lean and mean with a swastika tattoo and a mind full of hate, Derek Vinyard (Norton) has inherited racism from his father, and that learning has been intensified through his service to Cameron (Stacy Keach), a grown-up thug playing tyrant and teacher to a growing band of disenfranchised teens from Venice Beach, California, all hungry for an ideology that fuels their brooding alienation.
The film's basic message--that hate is learned and can be unlearned--is expressed through Derek's kid brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), whose sibling hero-worship increases after Derek is imprisoned (or, in Danny's mind, martyred) for the killing of two black men. Lacking Derek's gift of rebel rhetoric, Danny is easily swayed into the violent, hateful lifestyle that Derek disowns during his thoughtful time in prison. Once released, Derek struggles to save his brother from a violent fate, and American History X partially suffers from a mix of intense emotions, awkward sentiment and predictably inevitable plotting. And yet British director Tony Kaye (who would later protest against Norton's creative intervention during post-production) manages to juggle these qualities--and a compelling clash of visual styles--to considerable effect. No matter how strained their collaboration may have been, both Kaye and Norton can be proud to have created a film that addresses the issue of racism with dramatically forceful impact. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
Powerhouse performance by Ed Norton.......2008-03-04
American History X is a story based on extremist, racial violence in modern day America.
Norton plays buffed up, neo-nazi skinhead, Derek Vinyard. After his father is gunned down while tackling a fire in a black neighbourhood, Vinyard turns into a black hearted, agressive foot soldier, fighting for white supremacy, and starts seeing his country as plagued by illegal immigrants.
This film has one of the best casts in cinema history. Although youll see films with star after star, such as Pulp Fiction, Sin City and The Departed, the acting ranks among the best performances you will ever see. Besides Ed Norton, the next biggest name in this is Edward Furlong. In this film you will see how he has evolved and matured from Terminator 2's John Connor. Aside these is a great supporting cast consisting of Beverly D'Angelo, Ethan Suplee and Avery Brooks. Standing out is Ethan Suplee, who plays Dereks overweight, brute of a friend, Seth. The reason this performance sticks out is because of the performance he puts on in Remember the Titans. Although American History X was released first, those fortunate enough to have seen both films will appreciate what an under-rated, versitile actor Suplee is. Every actor is this film puts on a performance so unique, that the film could revolve around any of them actually being the main character.
Although this film is very violent, and at one point will leave you cringing and maybe even looking away, it is not glorified with over the top gore, like so many films these days are. It doesnt need gore to shock people into the brutality that is being shown. The acting takes care of that. The thing that shocked me most about this film was the scene in the car park, in which an enraged Vinyard is giving a talk that hits you in the face, leaving you with two black eyes and a broken nose. The talk is primarily about illegal immigrants "ruining" the country. Although I am not a racist, everything Norton says in that scene gave me chills. Anybody, not racist, but observant, should see why he is saying what he is saying, and how it can sway the minds of people who are looking for someone to blame for their bad luck.
Although this film is mainly about violence and racial intolerance, its story of family can be applied to anything. The importance of setting a good example to younger siblings and the strong ties of family bonds, strengthen this films impact. Although extreme, dedicated family men can relate to Vinyards character. It shows how easily good people can be influenced by monsters of the world. This picture portrays it as a vicious, never-ending circle, until the inevitable, tragic ending.
Watching this film will make a vast majority of people reflect on their prospective of tolerance to other races. One of the best films you will ever see. A must watch. The only negative of this film is that Ed Norton was only nominated for the oscar. Unfortunately he didnt win it.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY.......2007-12-11
Not many people know this, but Ed Norton's character, Derek, is based on an actual person -- a guy that went to my high school a few years before I did. He comes to speak every year at an anti-hate assembly. They show us clips of the movie (in my case, my English teacher let us watch the whole thing) and then he comes out and speaks. It's bizarre, to see him because he sounds exactly like Derek does after he gets out of prison. He's genuinely remorseful and what most people don't realize, is what a life-change that really is. Most Neo-Nazis and extreme racists are practically brainwashed in their points of view. It can take years, even lifetimes before they can be broken out of these harmful, violent mindsets. The movie seems slightly unrealistic in that way, that someone as intelligent and seemingly brainwashed as Norton's character, could make such a change from a short stint in prison. Well as I can firsthand tell you, it is possible, and the transformation did really happen. I can't remember the guy's name to save my life, but having that knowledge of the film and the people it's based on has made me appreciate this movie even more.
On a whole other side level, yet another amazing performance by Ed Norton. This man never ceases to shock and amaze me with his range and ability to adapt physically to any role thrown at him. I'm sure he wasn't the first choice for this role, I can think of plenty of other All-American looking actors that would seemingly fit better, even Furlong seems better fit to the Neo-Nazi role than the Norton we all know. However with a beefed-up physique and a well-written film to back him up, Norton shines in this role.
One of the Best Ever Films about Racism.......2007-11-26
American History X goes where few films ever attempt to go, and it does it perfectly.
Edward Norton gives his strongest dramatic performance, playing a very believable, supremacist older brother reformed by experiences in prison. His character is one of the many in this movie that are brutally convincing and real. Edward Furlong plays an equally realistic, impressionable younger brother.
If you can see past the swearing and violence, which is SUPPOSED to leave you feeling dirty, then you can see the real message of this fantastic film. I cannot stress enough how important this movie is to modern day soceity.
Thought provoking.......2007-06-22
Having just brought American History X and watched it on DVD, I was surprised at what a good film it was. Starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong, it is a thoughtful, provoking film that in no way glamorises racial hatred, but offers a brutal, lingering, shocking and unflinching look at racism.
The story focuses on Derek Vinyard (Norton) and his kid brother, Danny. (Furlong - still baby faced from Terminator 2) Derek has been released from prison, following a stretch for the murder of two black youths who were trying to steal his car. Derek's hatred and neo-nazi attitude are fuelled by his father's murder and racist teachings. A prominant figure in neo-nazi circles, Derek is released a changed man and has no intention of reprising his old ways, much to the disgust of his neo nazi friends, and girlfriend.
Derek's redemption in prison comes after he is brutally attacked by other neo-nazis in prison, who didn't approve of his friendship with a black inmate. A shattered Vinyard is left to realise the error of his ways and turn his life around. He is dismayed to realise his brother has started copying him, and tries to get his brother to change his ways too.
Norton and Furlong are surprisingly well cast. Norton has immense screen presence, managing to convey the story of a man who has realised the error of his ways, and wants to put his life back on track.
Furlong, displays the arrogance he inherits from his brother's former days of neo-nazi activities and like his brother is humbled as he learns that life is too short to spend it filled with hate. (A fact which is later underlined for Furlong and his family.)
The film is very stylised. Flashbacks are shot in slow motion black and white, and are full of impact and can be very shocking. The film pulls no punches, and is brutal throughout, especially when the film reaches its bloody, tragic climax.
All in all, a well thought out, provoking film that is certainly worth watching - if you can cope with the brutality it meets out to everyone involved, and the bad language throughout.
One of the greatest contemporary tragedies ever commited to film........2007-06-18
Few true tragedes are made these days, at least not in Hollywood, and such a well produced and acted spectacle as American History X is a rare delight. While not strictly an "Aristotlean" tragedy, where the protagonist, while being an admirable character, eventually falls victim to his own fatal flaw, it is certainly tragic, and as such is as beautiful as any formulaic tragedy could be.
Derek Vinyard is not an admirable character, albeit a powerful speaker and inspiational screen prescence, and it is not, eventually, himself who falls victim to his flaw, which is his beleif in his cause.
The directoral style is essentially journalistic, an unbiased exposé from the perspectives of Derek and his younger brother Daniel, but their change of heart makes it much more intimate, much more real. It is as beautiful, then, as it is staunch in all its gritty realism. Indeed, the gunshot scene at the climax of the film is brutal, slowed down for maximum impact. Its objectivity, however, is not tarnished by this. Its power is such that if the director had told us it was a true sory, it would have been beleived, and yet its emotonal power is astonishing. Not least due to its sense of dramatic irony, the final scenes are so much more powerful because Derek is not the one who suffers for his mistakes, and his knowledge that it is his fault, and our empathy of that, makes the conclusion as Daniel's essay is read like a last will, all the more beautiful.
Amazon.co.uk Review
Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to Edward Norton is that his Oscar-nominated performance in American History X nearly convinces you that there is a shred of logic in the tenets of white supremacy. If that statement doesn't horrify you, it should; Norton is so fully immersed in his role as a neo-Nazi skinhead that his character's eloquent defense of racism is disturbingly persuasive--at least on the surface. Looking lean and mean with a swastika tattoo and a mind full of hate, Derek Vinyard (Norton) has inherited racism from his father, and that learning has been intensified through his service to Cameron (Stacy Keach), a grown-up thug playing tyrant and teacher to a growing band of disenfranchised teens from Venice Beach, California, all hungry for an ideology that fuels their brooding alienation.
The film's basic message--that hate is learned and can be unlearned--is expressed through Derek's kid brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), whose sibling hero-worship increases after Derek is imprisoned (or, in Danny's mind, martyred) for the killing of two black men. Lacking Derek's gift of rebel rhetoric, Danny is easily swayed into the violent, hateful lifestyle that Derek disowns during his thoughtful time in prison. Once released, Derek struggles to save his brother from a violent fate, and American History X partially suffers from a mix of intense emotions, awkward sentiment and predictably inevitable plotting. And yet British director Tony Kaye (who would later protest against Norton's creative intervention during post-production) manages to juggle these qualities--and a compelling clash of visual styles--to considerable effect. No matter how strained their collaboration may have been, both Kaye and Norton can be proud to have created a film that addresses the issue of racism with dramatically forceful impact. --Jeff Shannon, Amazon.com
Customer Reviews:
Powerhouse performance by Ed Norton.......2008-03-04
American History X is a story based on extremist, racial violence in modern day America.
Norton plays buffed up, neo-nazi skinhead, Derek Vinyard. After his father is gunned down while tackling a fire in a black neighbourhood, Vinyard turns into a black hearted, agressive foot soldier, fighting for white supremacy, and starts seeing his country as plagued by illegal immigrants.
This film has one of the best casts in cinema history. Although youll see films with star after star, such as Pulp Fiction, Sin City and The Departed, the acting ranks among the best performances you will ever see. Besides Ed Norton, the next biggest name in this is Edward Furlong. In this film you will see how he has evolved and matured from Terminator 2's John Connor. Aside these is a great supporting cast consisting of Beverly D'Angelo, Ethan Suplee and Avery Brooks. Standing out is Ethan Suplee, who plays Dereks overweight, brute of a friend, Seth. The reason this performance sticks out is because of the performance he puts on in Remember the Titans. Although American History X was released first, those fortunate enough to have seen both films will appreciate what an under-rated, versitile actor Suplee is. Every actor is this film puts on a performance so unique, that the film could revolve around any of them actually being the main character.
Although this film is very violent, and at one point will leave you cringing and maybe even looking away, it is not glorified with over the top gore, like so many films these days are. It doesnt need gore to shock people into the brutality that is being shown. The acting takes care of that. The thing that shocked me most about this film was the scene in the car park, in which an enraged Vinyard is giving a talk that hits you in the face, leaving you with two black eyes and a broken nose. The talk is primarily about illegal immigrants "ruining" the country. Although I am not a racist, everything Norton says in that scene gave me chills. Anybody, not racist, but observant, should see why he is saying what he is saying, and how it can sway the minds of people who are looking for someone to blame for their bad luck.
Although this film is mainly about violence and racial intolerance, its story of family can be applied to anything. The importance of setting a good example to younger siblings and the strong ties of family bonds, strengthen this films impact. Although extreme, dedicated family men can relate to Vinyards character. It shows how easily good people can be influenced by monsters of the world. This picture portrays it as a vicious, never-ending circle, until the inevitable, tragic ending.
Watching this film will make a vast majority of people reflect on their prospective of tolerance to other races. One of the best films you will ever see. A must watch. The only negative of this film is that Ed Norton was only nominated for the oscar. Unfortunately he didnt win it.
BASED ON A TRUE STORY.......2007-12-11
Not many people know this, but Ed Norton's character, Derek, is based on an actual person -- a guy that went to my high school a few years before I did. He comes to speak every year at an anti-hate assembly. They show us clips of the movie (in my case, my English teacher let us watch the whole thing) and then he comes out and speaks. It's bizarre, to see him because he sounds exactly like Derek does after he gets out of prison. He's genuinely remorseful and what most people don't realize, is what a life-change that really is. Most Neo-Nazis and extreme racists are practically brainwashed in their points of view. It can take years, even lifetimes before they can be broken out of these harmful, violent mindsets. The movie seems slightly unrealistic in that way, that someone as intelligent and seemingly brainwashed as Norton's character, could make such a change from a short stint in prison. Well as I can firsthand tell you, it is possible, and the transformation did really happen. I can't remember the guy's name to save my life, but having that knowledge of the film and the people it's based on has made me appreciate this movie even more.
On a whole other side level, yet another amazing performance by Ed Norton. This man never ceases to shock and amaze me with his range and ability to adapt physically to any role thrown at him. I'm sure he wasn't the first choice for this role, I can think of plenty of other All-American looking actors that would seemingly fit better, even Furlong seems better fit to the Neo-Nazi role than the Norton we all know. However with a beefed-up physique and a well-written film to back him up, Norton shines in this role.
One of the Best Ever Films about Racism.......2007-11-26
American History X goes where few films ever attempt to go, and it does it perfectly.
Edward Norton gives his strongest dramatic performance, playing a very believable, supremacist older brother reformed by experiences in prison. His character is one of the many in this movie that are brutally convincing and real. Edward Furlong plays an equally realistic, impressionable younger brother.
If you can see past the swearing and violence, which is SUPPOSED to leave you feeling dirty, then you can see the real message of this fantastic film. I cannot stress enough how important this movie is to modern day soceity.
Thought provoking.......2007-06-22
Having just brought American History X and watched it on DVD, I was surprised at what a good film it was. Starring Edward Norton and Edward Furlong, it is a thoughtful, provoking film that in no way glamorises racial hatred, but offers a brutal, lingering, shocking and unflinching look at racism.
The story focuses on Derek Vinyard (Norton) and his kid brother, Danny. (Furlong - still baby faced from Terminator 2) Derek has been released from prison, following a stretch for the murder of two black youths who were trying to steal his car. Derek's hatred and neo-nazi attitude are fuelled by his father's murder and racist teachings. A prominant figure in neo-nazi circles, Derek is released a changed man and has no intention of reprising his old ways, much to the disgust of his neo nazi friends, and girlfriend.
Derek's redemption in prison comes after he is brutally attacked by other neo-nazis in prison, who didn't approve of his friendship with a black inmate. A shattered Vinyard is left to realise the error of his ways and turn his life around. He is dismayed to realise his brother has started copying him, and tries to get his brother to change his ways too.
Norton and Furlong are surprisingly well cast. Norton has immense screen presence, managing to convey the story of a man who has realised the error of his ways, and wants to put his life back on track.
Furlong, displays the arrogance he inherits from his brother's former days of neo-nazi activities and like his brother is humbled as he learns that life is too short to spend it filled with hate. (A fact which is later underlined for Furlong and his family.)
The film is very stylised. Flashbacks are shot in slow motion black and white, and are full of impact and can be very shocking. The film pulls no punches, and is brutal throughout, especially when the film reaches its bloody, tragic climax.
All in all, a well thought out, provoking film that is certainly worth watching - if you can cope with the brutality it meets out to everyone involved, and the bad language throughout.
One of the greatest contemporary tragedies ever commited to film........2007-06-18
Few true tragedes are made these days, at least not in Hollywood, and such a well produced and acted spectacle as American History X is a rare delight. While not strictly an "Aristotlean" tragedy, where the protagonist, while being an admirable character, eventually falls victim to his own fatal flaw, it is certainly tragic, and as such is as beautiful as any formulaic tragedy could be.
Derek Vinyard is not an admirable character, albeit a powerful speaker and inspiational screen prescence, and it is not, eventually, himself who falls victim to his flaw, which is his beleif in his cause.
The directoral style is essentially journalistic, an unbiased exposé from the perspectives of Derek and his younger brother Daniel, but their change of heart makes it much more intimate, much more real. It is as beautiful, then, as it is staunch in all its gritty realism. Indeed, the gunshot scene at the climax of the film is brutal, slowed down for maximum impact. Its objectivity, however, is not tarnished by this. Its power is such that if the director had told us it was a true sory, it would have been beleived, and yet its emotonal power is astonishing. Not least due to its sense of dramatic irony, the final scenes are so much more powerful because Derek is not the one who suffers for his mistakes, and his knowledge that it is his fault, and our empathy of that, makes the conclusion as Daniel's essay is read like a last will, all the more beautiful.
UK DVD:
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