Even though the experience of watching a good movie should represent absolute pleasure, there are occasions in which the exact opposite happens. Whether it’s Spielberg’s Schindler’s List or Larry Clark’s Kids, there are some movies that will definitely not make you feel good. One great addition to this list is the controversial crime drama starring Edward Norton, American History X. If you have a thing for movies of this nature, you’re in luck, as the 1998 Oscar-nominated film has just been added to Tubi’s free-to-stream library.
Since its conception, American History X was a problematic project. Actors passed on it, and producers could not get a director to tackle the delicate film. Eventually, Tony Kaye was selected as the one who could take David McKenna’s script to the big screen with enough sensibility. The studio’s interference after early test screenings resulted in Kaye disowning the final cut, as he felt the film no longer reflected his original vision.
Regardless, after receiving a limited release, American History X became one of the most discussed films of the ’90s. The chilling violence, the performances by Norton and Edward Furlong, and the unrelenting portrait of racism and hate elevated the film above its peers. It was a realistic and poignant approach to a problem that has sadly become more relevant today. This makes American History X not only a great film about its subject, but an essential document that fully reveals the dynamics of an organization based on pure hate, as well as the power of its ideological opposite.
‘American History X’ Feels Like a Document Strangely Relevant to Our Times
In times when racism and bigotry have unfortunately become a staple of current affairs, and strangely socially acceptable to some, a movie like American History X has become more relevant now than ever. It follows Derek Vinyard (Norton), a former neo-Nazi who’s imprisoned after he commits a horrendous hate crime fueled by his upbringing in a white supremacist group. After rehabilitating in the prison system, Derek is released, but when he comes back home, he realizes his younger brother Danny (Furlong) is now part of the hate group that he grew up with. The official synopsis reads:
Living a life marked by violence and racism, neo-Nazi Derek Vinyard finally goes to prison after killing two Black youths who tried to steal his car. Upon his release, Derek vows to change his ways; he hopes to prevent his younger brother, Danny, who idolizes Derek, from following in his footsteps. As he struggles with his own deeply ingrained prejudices and watches their mother grow sicker, Derek wonders if his family can overcome a lifetime of hate.
The Best Thing About ‘American History X’ Is Edward Norton’s Absorbing Performance
Boasting an 84% positive critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, American History X was heavily acclaimed since its release. Writing for Father Son Holy Gore, C.H. Newell says, “A tale of intergenerational racism and all it brings upon those who fall in line with a hideous ideology. Powerful, brutal, and takes proper aim at white supremacy.” Iconic film critic Roger Ebert wrote in his review, “The film is always interesting and sometimes compelling, and it contains more actual provocative thought than any American film on race since Do the Right Thing.”
The character-driven story resonated with audiences as well and grossed over $23 million at the box office. The film was also essential in presenting a captivating performance by Edward Norton, who earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. Though he lost to Roberto Benigni for Life Is Beautiful, Norton’s role remains one of his best across a career spanning decades.
The actor fully immerses himself in the role of Derek Vinyard, in a gripping performance that will make you explore every emotion possible. You’ll despise the racist killer wearing a malignant smirk in the movie’s most disturbing scene, but then, the plot flows into a redemption arc that will also make you want to forgive Derek as he navigates the worst outcome possible of a life full of incomprehensible hate.
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