American History X is a 1998 American crime drama film directed by Tony Kaye and written by David McKenna. The film stars Edward Norton as Derek Vinyard, a neo-Nazi who is sentenced to three years in prison for voluntary manslaughter. While in prison, Derek reflects on his actions and the events that led him to become a neo-Nazi.
The film explores themes of racism, white supremacy, and the impact of violence on individuals and society. It also examines the cycle of hate and how it can be perpetuated and passed down from one generation to the next.
Derek's journey towards neo-Nazism began when his father, a fireman, was killed while responding to a call at a black-owned grocery store. Derek and his younger brother, Danny (Edward Furlong), are left to be raised by their mother (Beverly D'Angelo) and older brother, Derek. Derek becomes the head of the household and takes on the role of protector and provider for his family.
As Derek becomes more entrenched in the neo-Nazi movement, he becomes increasingly violent and aggressive. He leads a gang of white supremacists in attacks on African Americans and other minority groups. His actions culminate in the killing of two black men who try to steal his truck. Derek is arrested and sentenced to three years in prison.
While in prison, Derek is assigned to work with a black inmate, Lamont (Guy Torry), in the prison laundry. At first, Derek is resistant to working with Lamont, but over time, he begins to see the humanity in Lamont and the other inmates. He also meets and befriends Dr. Sweeney (Avery Brooks), a professor and former member of the Black Panther Party, who challenges Derek's beliefs and encourages him to confront his own racism.
Through his experiences in prison, Derek comes to understand the harm and devastation that hate and violence can cause. He rejects his neo-Nazi ideology and works to make amends for his past actions. Upon his release from prison, Derek returns to his family and works to repair his relationships with his mother, brother, and sister-in-law (Jennifer Lien).
American History X is a powerful and thought-provoking film that challenges viewers to examine their own biases and prejudices. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of hate and the importance of understanding and acceptance.
10 Facts about American History X
After a three-year prison sentence, Meeink disowned the racist movement and began publicly speaking against such organizations. In my eyes, it was the biggest, bloodiest fight in Hollywood since 'Citizen Kane. So if you can't top it, steal from them and go out strong. Get more facts about American History X below: Facts about American History X 1: the stars Can you mention the stars of American History X? In the cliched world of cinema, a million scenes have been conceived with the near-unachievable intent of the being watched through shielding fingers, but few, if any, have ever accomplished it with the same visceral full-body reaction of the shriek-inducing curb stomp in American History X. And one advantage of having Edward was that we had a shared vision of how to improve the script. As time went by, Derek noticed and starts to realize the compromises men made to stay ahead in the jail - because the supremacists were a minority, they paid a non-white gang to keep them safe.
American History X
They tell Derek that Cameron and Seth were found last night after being jumped and they are now in the hospital. In interviews at the time, Norton kept repeating the notion that racists are not born, they are made. It is a violation of the human spirit. If you read Facts about American History X, you will know about the famous American crime drama film. Retrieved August 13, 2014. In response, New Line Cinema has since edited the band's logo out of any future releases. Norton's character of white supremacist Danny Vinyard was all the more formidable because he was articulate, intelligent, and charismatic, not the ignorant rednecks of past cinematic race-baiters.
Tony Kaye's American History X is one of the most powerful and thought-provoking movies ever made. Lincoln, who sought to erode racial divisions, drafted the Emancipation Proclamation one year later. Soon after that, a middle-aged white supremacist, Cameron Alexander In jail, Derek tries to find a group of people to hang out with as protection from the Hispanic and black prisoners. Lamont was friendly toward Derek, but Derek was not friendly back, at first. The dramatic crux of the movie deals with Derek's personal redemption and his dogged attempt to prevent his brother Danny from being brainwashed by Cameron's hateful ideology. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. By the end, he's completely humanized and the audience might even be sympathetic, or at least, empathetic towards him.
