Limits Stretched. Review on American History X Movie

A disturbing vista of startling imagery juxtaposed with the clear tone of a young man's narration of a thought-provoking story. This is no ordinary story but one that brings the harsh reality of human existence. The limits of tolerance, prejudice and influence are stretched to great heights. From a skillful cinematographer Tony Kaye has blossomed in his transformation to a director of high caliber.

''American History X'' is the harsh tale of the trials and tribulations of one particular white family living in Venice Beach, California ; set in the tumultuous times of the Post- Rodney King assault. 'America is the hotbed of racism…a scary thought' some liberal Americans say. This reel life drama just proves it further.

At the center of the plot is Derek Vinyard played by Edward Norton ;a charismatic, commanding and intelligent skinhead (white supremacist) who leads a group of other white racists in incessant attacks against non-white residents. At a first glance ' American History X' comes across as a grim movie featuring the travails of a skinhead out to make the lives of anyone who is not white a living hell. But there is more to it than meets the eye or should I see the mind itself.

Further along the story Derek Vinyard is convicted for manslaughter resulting in a three-year sentence.

The scene in the film which precedes his violent arrest is a gut wrenching one that hits the audience to the core. What gets to your ears the first thing is the singular crack of a human skull trampled on by a powerful foot against a gravel pavement. Any remorse or guilt on having committed so heinous an act eludes Derek. As he is roughly handcuffed by the county police his eyes, they have the look of a man possessed by a strange force as he borders on the brink of insanity.

With the sentence he embarks on a long journey towards change that does takes place gradually. The catalyst being a brutal assault on him in the prison shower. He is brutally raped by fellow white inmates and left a broken man. His eyes open to the truth that stares him in the face.

A black teacher from his school Sweeney takes on the task to rehabilitate Derek's shattered spirit. But the road to salvation is strewn with obstacles.

On his release he returns to the home he'd once known and the people he loves. In this section of the film we witness an important flash back sequence that brings to our knowledge the true reason for Derek's earlier antagonistic tendencies. It is his own father who influences his adolescent thinking by planting in his mind the seeds of prejudice. A changed man he tries to set all wrong right. The reward is an earth-shattering climax that leaves the audience hushed.

The events are held together by the realistic performances of not just Edward Norton but also of Beverly D'Angelo playing Derek's mother and Edward Furlong as his brother Danny. Danny happens to be the clear voiced narrator we hear throughout in the background. It's a lucid change to see Beverly D'Angelo in a staid role so different from her goofy little mother in the National Lampoon 'Vacation' series. Edward Furlong who made his debut in James Cameron's 'Terminator 2: Judgement Day' has progressed to become the singular figure of the nineties teenage angst; an extension of his role in the breakthrough Aerosmith music video 'Living On The edge'.

Despite many bumps along the way the film has triumphed as unique in its genre; endured a tussle between New Line Cinema (the distributors) and the director over the Final cut. Four scenes were cut on grounds of representation of excessive violence. A disillusioned Kaye let what was left of his master be released.To his surprise the deleted scenes weren't missed too much and the film retained its originality.

The trump card is definitely Edward Norton who even was slated for an Academy award for his dramatic role of a reformed skinhead. He has been seen before in high profile projects like 'Primal Fear', ''People Versus Larry Flynt' (nominated for Best Supporting Actor) and Woody Allen's ensemble musical 'Everybody says I Love You'.

On the whole ' American History X' in all its complexities is disturbing a feature but not to be missed. For any hardcore movie buff experiencing this piece of cinematic excellence is a feather in his or her cap.