So you fancy a new DVD, a bit of violence, and some powerful drama on a topical issue, you like the look of Edward Norton and so you stumble across American History X in the BOGOF section of the Virgin Megastore. At least thats what happened to me!
The film looks at the Venice Beach area of California, "a nice place to live" until the gangs moved in! The film looks through the eyes of Danny Vineyard (Edward Furlong)who is part of a white power gang called the DOC, this was set up by his brother, Derek (Edward Norton) a few years before with the help of a guy called Cameron(Stacey Keach).
Derek, is sent to prison for his actions due to his white power beliefs and also as retribution for his fathers murder, basically he is "pissed off" and is full of anger which transgresses itself as hate for the ethnic minorities. After serving three years, his brother Danny, girlfriend Stacey (Fairuza Balk) and his mother, Doris (Beverly D'Angelo) await his release.
Little do they know that Derek is a changed man, he has learnt alot from his short time in the slammer! He gets talking to a Black guy that helps him realise it doesnt matter what the colour is on the outside but what there is on the inside!
But upon his release Derek finds that his younger brother is following the same, terrible, racist path he used to follow. So he tries to change him, with a little help from his old school teacher!But does he succeed?
Only around half of the however is actually set in the present, the rest looks at what Derek did as leader of the DOC and his experiences in prison, the interesting thing to observe is that it is filmed in black and white, to show us that it is in the past, a welcome addition.
I think that this a fantastic film, looking at the social segregations of such a vast nation and how this can affect a few young people that are generally just "pissed off" and how much damage they can cause! It also reflects the attitudes of other americans, the majority, and how they feel about the racism that is occuring on their doorstep. The film also looks at why people sometimes show racist views and how these can be overcome. As it seems a leopard can indeed change its spots!
A film that is extremely hard hitting, with a title on the front cover reading "Violence is a way of life" what more can i say?
The film however does have some rather disturbing scenes which is why it is rated as an 18 and should not be viewed by any minors!
The directing and camera work is also rather good and adds depth to the viewing!
The DVD contains some extras; Cast and Crew Biographies, Trailer, Subtitles, Languages and 3 deleted scenes;
1. Boardwalk; an old black woman is attacked by a couple of skinheads! She is physically and verbally abused, this shows the extent to which the DOC go to make their point! Very moving!
2. How Do I Look; Derek and a young black girl look at themselves and decide how they look! Derek being dressed in shirt and tie redy to meet with the parole officer! The only scene i could see ever being used!
3. Ben's Burgers; Cameron and Seth (Ethan Suplee) are in a burger bar when they see a blck guy with a white woman, they make a verbal attack on the couple and make a series of racist comments!
Not really a large amoun of extras compared to some DVDs
MAIN CHARACTERS
Edward Norton = Derek Vineyard Edward Furlong = Danny Vineyard Fairuza Balk = Stacey (Derek's Girlfriend) Avery Brooks = Dr. Robert Sweeney (Teacher) Beverly D'Angelo= Doris Vineyard (Derek's Mother) Elliott Gould = Murray (History teacher that dates Derek's mother) Jennifer Lien = Davina Vinyard (Derek's Sister) Ethan Suplee = Seth (Member of DOC) Stacy Keach = Cameron (Leader of DOC) Guy Torry = Lamont (the black guy Derek meets in prison)
Director = Tony Kaye. Writer = David McKenna
I got this from the V.Shop in a BOGOF offer for £19.99, it is also available in places like woolworths for around £9.99 and can also be found on the net for about £9.
The cover of the DVD is red showing a picture of Norton with the american flag in the left hand coner of the picture. Across the front reads American History X. Remember this is an 18 and will notbe suitable for all!
The running time is 114 approx with 33 chapters
Thanx for reading
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American History X [1999]
Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to Edward Norton is that his Oscar-nominated
... more
performance in American History X nearly convinces you that there is a shred of logic in the tenets of white supremacy. If that statement doesn't horrify you, it sh...
American History X [1999]
Perhaps the highest compliment you can pay to Edward Norton is that his Oscar-nominated
... more
performance in American History X nearly convinces you that there is a shred of logic in the tenets of white supremacy. If that statement doesn't horrify you, it sh...
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