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American History X

Of the thousands of movies I’ve seen in my lifetime there are a select few that were life-changing events. "American History X" starring Edward Norton, Edward Furlong and Avery Brooks is one such film. The movie was so powerful that I purposely space out when I watch it again just so it can maintain the same impact it had when I first saw it.

This movie takes you through the extremes of emotion: from a visceral reaction toward Norton and his white supremacist cohorts, to tears of joy upon Norton’s gradual reform (and a few hundred more in between and after). The emotional rollercoaster was even more thrilling because the emotions (whether positive or negative) snuck up on you after subtle, nuanced simmering. You felt jolted, relieved, infuriated, and somber, but you never felt manipulated.

Edward Norton’s performance in this role solidified him as one of my favorite actors ever. His actions at the film’s beginning are so believable that I have never hated anyone more in my life, and yet his redemption is truly glorious-—the epitome of a dynamic character. I sympathized for him, loathed him and mourned with him, secure in the expert care of his dramatic guidance.

A warning for the faint of heart: this movie doesn’t pull any punches. You want to see inside the mind of white supremacists? What’s really going on in those racist towns down South? You got it. It's in your face and undeniable in all its stomach-turning gruesomeness, but that made this movie a masterpiece. Had director Tony Kaye or writer David McKenna tip-toed around the issue this movie’s highs, lows, and ultimate message would’ve been lost.

I ordered this movie as soon as I finished watching it; no true collector should be without it.

Written by: Katherine E. Webb

Reviewers Rating: 10
Reader's Rating: 10.00
Reader's Votes: 1

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