American History X review: Edward Norton is extraordinary and charismatic

It's a powerful depiction of the destructive effects of extremist attitudes.

Here monochrome photography has its use... it depicts the past when Derek Vineyard - Edward Norton - is a card-carrying member of an extremist group which holds a patch of sway in Venice Beach California... he's consumed by hate and convinces, very eloquently, others to feel the same way towards blacks and Hispanics, anyone really to whom he can ascribe blame for his own minimal place in the scheme of things. Derek has a younger, milder brother Danny - Edward Furlong - and it's really Danny's story we follow when things change to colour after Derek has served time in gaol for a particularly vicious murder that is confrontingly presented on screen. Danny it seems has taken up his brother's cause...

Just as Romper Stomper was a confronting film, so too is American History X. And just as Romper Stomper had a powerhouse performance at its centre, so does this film, Edward Norton is extraordinary. And charismatic. It's no wonder Derek's family is frightened of him. Which is why it's just a little hard to believe his conversion to sainthood in gaol. Guy Torry is however very good as the catalyst for his transformation. Edward Furlong is equally effective as the weaker, more vulnerable brother. This film has great style from director Tony Kaye who has had very public antagonism to the fact that the film was taken away from his control during post-production. It's a powerful depiction of the destructive effects of extremist attitudes.

David's Comment

The film Romper Stomper could have been - an exploration into the mentality of skinheads and neo Nazis. The film's best scenes depict the family background: how Derek is torn between the liberal education he gets at school and his father's railing against equal opportunity. Prison scenes of Derek's conversion are a little glib - it would be fascinating to see the director's cut.