American History X

Next film on the 100 movie bucket list is 1998’s American History X.

Written by David McKenna, directed by Tony Kaye and starring Ed Norton in a story of extremism, racism and the inevitability of their cycle of destruction. Norton is Derek a neo-nazi just released after 3 1/2 years in prison for the manslaughter of two young black men. He is released to find his brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), in trouble at school for writing a paper based on Mein Kampf. His teacher (Elliot Gould) is disgusted, but the Head, Professor Sweeney (Avery Brooks), still sees hope that Danny is not following his brother. Derek has been changed by prison, he has realised the stupidity of his beliefs and the lies behind them. But now his challenge is to free himself from his past and its influence on him and his family.

At its heart this is a story of redemption and growing up, but a version of the story with a hard edge. It is often visceral and doesn’t shy away from the reality of the extremism that forms its basis. It also highlights the hypocrisy of those behind those views. Embodied here by Stacey Keach’s Cameron.

But for its hard edge it’s also rather predictable and Derek’s redemption story a little too convenient and simple to be wholly believable. It also lacks subtlety at times with an over powering use of its soundtrack just to ensure you understand the emotion you should be feeling, alongside some “on the nose” dialogue. And it does come with a rather predictable ending.

Performances are solid, Norton is excellent and brings nuance to a difficult character. Leach and Gould bring what you expect and Guy Torry’s Lamont, who befriends Derek in prison, also provides solid support.

American History X is a hard edged redemption story. It is a disturbing watch at times but also a little predictable and overly convenient at others. However, It is lit up by an excellent central performance by Norton who brings subtlety that other areas of the film lacks. Maybe not a great but an interesting watch none the less.