Thursday, September 2, 2010

The Docudrama American History X Reviewed

By Milagros Witt

Reading into this particular article could mean only one thing: that you're looking to learn a little more about one of the most impressive films of the 1990s, "American History X". You see, there is a good bit that you might care to learn or understand about this impressive film, and most of these will be discussed within this content.

You might be surprised to learn that many people seem to think that this movie was based on real events. The truth is, that this is not the case. While there might be a little bit of truth in the telling of any good work of fiction, this is not the retelling of any one series of events. Perhaps the film is thought to be based on real life because it has a no holds barred approach to laying this film out in front of you. They don't pull punches.

You are given the best look into the life of Derek Vinyard through the piece, though it is often through the narration of his younger brother Danny. Danny is still in high school and has been getting into some trouble from the teachers and staff at the school. His history teacher asks him to write a paper on his older brother, Derek and that it was due the following day.

Shortly there later, you learn about Derek's position in the community. He represents a very strong gang of white supremacists, and he is their fearless leader. This really takes root very early in Derek's life, when he sees his father attempting to put out a fire to save lives, and he is gunned down by a black drug dealer right in front of Derek. A man takes Derek under his wing, and guides him in the knowledge and path of white supremacy. So Derek formed his gang, and they were all too eager to be under his leadership.

You also learn that right now Derek is in prison, serving a sentence for a rather violent crime on a couple of black kids that were trying to break into Derek's car. He, pistol drawn, came out of the house and shot two of the three culprits. He killed one with the shots. The other is the victim of likely the most violent act ever portrayed on film, where he forced the other man to place his teeth on the curb and he stomps on the back of the man's head.

However, Derek learns rather quickly that there is no real protection or support for his beliefs in prison. Ironically, through the course of the film, Derek is paired with a black man many times and they become friends. When Derek learns from Danny's history teacher that he is headed down the same path, Derek decides that when he gets out that he and his brother are headed far away from this mess.

When he is released, he goes to find his girlfriend to ask her to move away with Danny and himself. He also confronts Cameron, the old white supremacist who encouraged Derek as a young boy. He tells them that he is through, and leaves with his brother after some trouble erupts outside. Danny finishes his paper, with the reflection that hate is baggage and it doesn't pay to be pissed off all the time.

The movie ends with Danny being shot in the bathroom at school by a black kid. Edward Norton (Derek) and Edward Furlong (Danny) bring this powerful story to light. "American History X" is a depiction in the difference between being right and believing that you are right. It is a statement of how far some people are willing to go to prove one way or another. - 40725

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