American History X

Watched: 22nd November 2015

Top 250 position: 32

Rating (IMDb): 8.6/10 from 733,575 users
Correct at 2nd January 2015

Who's in it;
Edward Norton
Avery Brooks
Edward Furlong
Beverly D'Angelo
Jennifer Lien
Ethan Suplee
Fairuza Balk
Elliot Gould et.al.

Directed By: Tony Kaye

Year: 1998

Duration: 1 Hour 59 Minutes

Accolades: Nominated for one Oscar (Best Actor- Edward Norton)

Plot:

The story of a former Neo-Nazi (Norton), looking at his life before incarceration, the attempts of his school mentor (Brooks) to help him see the error of his ways and his own struggle to stop his younger brother from making the same mistakes upon his release from prison.

Interesting Facts About the Film:
- Budget of $7,500,000.
- Before filming began, Edward Norton and Edward Furlong shaved their heads for their roles. Norton also gained 30 pounds of muscle.
- The f word is used 214 times in the movie.


Review:

So as part of the 250 atoz project it is my mission to watch all of the top IMDb 250 movies. As a result instead of knowing exactly what I'm watching prior to watching it I'm having a few surprises. This movie was one of those surprises. I had no idea that this movie was about Neo-Nazis until I read the back of the DVD box just as I put the DVD in the player with my finger over the play button. Having dealt with a Neo-Nazi in my professional life I know the sort of reputation they have. As such I then approached the movie with some trepidation.

This movie however was, I don't want to say enjoyable, but intriguing and thought provoking.

There is a good use of black and white sections which show the cut backs to Derek Vinyard's (Norton's) life prior to imprisonment. Which as the movie starts like this was a little confusing to begin with but really helped to show the characterisations and story to full effect as the movie went on. It really helps to show the man that Derek was compared to the now.

There are scenes of violence and of a sexual nature from the outset of this movie so this is not something that you would want to watch with your parents or other sensitive relation or friend.  I'm just warning you. In particular there is a rather violent and physical assault scene which makes for rather uncomfortable viewing.

American History X derives it's name from the special extra curricular class that Dr Bob Sweeney (Brooks) plans for Derek's brother to help move him away from following in Derek's footsteps and keep him on the straight and narrow. Though is it all too little too late?

When Derek is released from prison his outlook on his world has changed but the world he left hasn't changed much at all since he left it.

The movie really helps to highlight how much hate and prejudice there is in the world; no matter what opinion you have of the world this emphasises that point and that you should never judge a book by it cover, because you never know what might happen next.

It is no wonder that Edward Norton was nominated for a Best Actor Oscar as he acts the extremes of his character so well, which definitely adds to the appeal of the movie. In fact everyone in this movie plays theirs part so well. I am surprised that it didn't do better during the awards season, but as this was a movie about such a difficult subject matter it might have made some difference to it's commercial and awards success.

The movie moves through the lives of the main characters and you are able to see what the route cause of Derek's move to Neo-Nazism might be.

The ending of the film really stays with you, as a shocking twist that you don't really see coming. It really stays with you. Even two months after watching this movie I can still visualise it perfectly.

This movie is so many things and I think worthy of it's place in the top 250, however I can tell you it won't be everyone's cup of tea.
Watch it if you like, but I am not going to guarantee that it willbecome your favourite film of all time (trust me it is not a movie that leaves you with a happy feeling afterwards).