American History X

American History X is a powerful film that examines the causes and consequences of racism and hate. Edward Norton does a great job creating a character that demands attention and drives the film with passion springing from his love for his Dad that sours to hate and rage when he is killed putting out a fire at a drug dealers house in a black neighborhood. Norton, Derek Vinyard, becomes a neo-Nazi and becomes a leader in the white power movement. The cinematography in this movie is amazing as we are pulled through the story from the point of view of Daniel Vinyard, Derek’s little brother. Danny worships Derek and gets caught up in the white gang when Derek goes to jail for homicide. American History X is so gripping because we see the ultimate white supremacist broken and humbled in prison. We share Derek’s pain as we see his rhetoric and beliefs fail him and he is attacked by his own Nazi brothers and we find hope watching this figure of hate embrace and accept the gift of safety and protection provided by a black man. The viewer is shown Derek’s direct punishment in his incarceration and treatment in prison. We also see Danny’s pain that Derek causes him and the family. Finally we are shown Derek’s pain as he must live with Danny’s murder and we are left in shock and disbelief at the tragic ending twist. The movie’s message is spoken by Danny in a voice over reading of his American History X paper; life is to short to hate, we’re never guaranteed another minute so we have to live and love to the fullest.