American History X- Review
Gripping, heartbreaking and hard-hitting; this film perfectly and accurately strips the layers on society and injustice and brings a masterpiece that is guaranteed to leave a long lasting memory. Directed by Tony Kaye, it features the talents of Edward Norton and Edward Furlong.
Apathetic, controversial and angry teenager Danny Vinyard finds a home within a group of skinheads after his brother Derek is locked up following the voluntary manslaughter of two black Crips but is unaware of the danger and backlash of being the next of kin to Derek.
The performances: Edward Norton played the role of Derek Vinyard, Danny's older brother who founded the Disciples of Christ Neo-Nazi gang and sought revenge on minorities after the death of his father. I am always impressed by Edward Norton's performances because he makes the characters come to life. Absolutely perfect for this role, he was able to nail his characterisation and the overall character progression was fantastic. There were times throughout this movie where I found his character to be positively frightening, a feeling I wasn't familiar in associating him with. This is definitely a role that I believe to be most memorable and 100% worthy of being highlighted on his resume.
Danny Vinyard was played by Edward Furlong. It didn't hit me at first, but afterwards I realised that this was the kid who played John Connor. It's hard to imagine anyone else playing this particular role because it seems so fitting for the time and although Edward Furlong's career has now gone downhill, he was perfect for this role. He's relatable, angsty and somewhat lost. I liked how he was able to bring emotion in a swift and gentle flow and I just couldn't get enough of his character, I wanted to know everything about him. He really was a powerful and exciting contribution to this film.
The messages presented throughout this movie are so valid which is what makes it such an important thing for society and the many injustices and issues that are currently unfolding. It's so relatable and factual that it's scary.
I've found that it takes a lot these days for films to truly move me, depending on their subject matter and everything in-between, but this film did just that. By the time I reached the rolling credits I had already felt tears run down my cheeks. Such a truly shocking, unexpected and heartbreaking ending which is the perfect conclusion to all that has been shown throughout the duration of this movie. I don't think I've seen anything quite like this.
If this movie isn't a part of your watchlist or DVD/ VHS (because yes, it's oldish), put it there and proudly. Like the history explained in this film, this classic should be a part of history too.
Score: 10/10.