American History X

Released 30th October 1998, American History X tells the story of Derek Vinyard and his influence on his family and local area through white-supremacist ideals. The film decides to deliver its concepts with a serious approach of drama and shock as it tackles the themes of supremacy, family and crime. It is key to note that this film utilises shock value to great success in presenting the underlying horror of areas influenced by these groups and how some of these actions lead to martyrdom among these individuals. One aspect that I would begrudge of the film is that it often breaks its tense and tonal atmosphere with frequent shots of a beach and the sea; it may seem specific and bizarre but I cannot determine how they enhance the story being told or resonate with any prominent characters.

Edward Norton gives a stellar performance as Derek Vinyard in which he goes through a dynamic character arc. We see every crucial step in Derek’s life as he develops from a hateful teen with abominable ideologies and actions to a matured and remorseful young adult; forged in the fires of his actions and experiences among his fellow supremacists. While not Oscar-worthy, Edward Furlong also gives a great performance as Danny, Derek’s younger brother. Danny is shown to be following in his older brother’s footsteps with Derek’s reputation making him easily influenced by the other supremacists. The rest of the Vinyard family are given great performances from Beverly D’Angelo and Jennifer Lien’s Doris and Davina Vinyard, respectively. For the little time they receive, William Russ and Stacy Keach give intriguing performances as the influencing factors of Derek and Danny’s lives. Whereas Keach has a narrative presence as Cameron Alexander as the ringleader of the supremacists, Russ is positioned as Dennis Vinyard to plant the hateful ideas into the formative teen Derek.

In spite of the scene editing with the beach, this film uses a monochrome colour grading of the characters’ past; a time where Derek and Danny’s ideas were black and white. Much like the beach shots however, Anne Dudley’s soundtrack was able to suck me out of the emotions of the poignant narrative at every conceivable turn. The soundtrack is so fuelled by melodrama and ‘heightened’ emotion that it is frustrating and could be replaced by literally any other music pieces and work better. American History X is one of the most poignant narratives ever constructed and has proven to be relevant as time passes further and further into the 21st century; in spite of this, technical shortcomings leave the film feeling less refined and therefore falls short of ‘masterpiece’ status.