Today’s quick review: American History X. After three years in prison, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton), a young white supremacist, comes home a changed man. Sickened by the ideology he used to espouse, Derek tries to put his violent past behind him, breaking ties with the gang he once led. But his words and deeds have left an impression on his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong), who is already walking down the same hateful path as Derek.
American History X is a crime drama about an ex-convict trying to pick up the pieces of his life. American History X dissects white supremacy as an ideology, showing the reasons that Derek was attracted to it in the first place as well as the harmful effects it has on his life. The movie is a dark and brutal drama that tackles challenging political issues. However, the combination of its heavy subject matter and blunt story will limit its appeal.
American History X makes for a peculiar watch. In keeping with Derek’s character arc, the movie is packed with racial hatred, ranging from uncomfortable dinner conversations to outright violence. The delivery is anything but subtle; the movie uses camera tricks and a grandiose soundtrack to drive home the worst of Derek’s crimes. The result is a drama that spends most of its time driving home the abhorrent behavior of its main characters.
The upshot is that American History X can be very human when it wants to be. There are a few moments in Derek’s arc that are truly moving, while his post-prison self is much more calm and loving than the touchy, angry man he once was. Edward Furlong does an excellent job of portraying Danny as a sharp but impressionable teen who can still be saved, and his perspective on Derek’s imprisonment ties together the movie’s themes quite nicely.
How much you get out of American History X will depend heavily on your tolerance for gritty drama. The emotional parts of the movie are effective, but they are buried under repetitive acts of hatred and a storytelling style that verges on going too far. Viewers who are interested in social issues and more mundane, realistic tales of redemption should give it a shot. Those looking for a more conventional crime drama should steer clear.
For a more cerebral showcase of Edward Norton’s acting, try Primal Fear. For a less successful movie starring Edward Norton as a penitent prisoner, try Stone.
8.5 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 7.0 for strong acting and somewhat blunt storytelling; your score will vary dramatically.