The first of two American History X assignments. Not so good.
This is a critical analysis of the movie American History X. Actually, it’s kind of a farce, because it’s not really what I think about the movie as much as what I think the teacher might like me to think about the movie. Not to say that it’s entirely untrue, just that it’s tempered by the fact that I want to pass the class.
Perhaps I will discover a way to include my actual opinions in the next AHX paper, which will be three to four pages. I should be able to do a more thorough analysis with that much space, which is good considering I had to leave out almost a full page on anything having to do with Derek's stay in prison. Oh, well.
American History X offers viewers a distinct alternative view of racism through the eyes of Derek Vinyard, played by Edward Norton. Rather than following the well worn trail of an after-school special by simply showing acts of racism and bringing a character to an epiphany, director Tony Kaye steps the viewer through the rationale that makes extreme racial violence a viable way of life for the characters in his film.
Edward Norton deftly plays a charismatic, intelligent Derek pulled into the world of racial hatred, who slowly realizes that his hatred may not be justified. Two pivotal scenes in his family dining room show the origins of his misconceptions. During an argument with his mother’s boyfriend, Murray, Derek demonstrates the kind of flawed thinking that instigates his terror. In a flashback scene at the dinner table Derek’s father fosters ethnic hatred in Derek by confiding his own hatred. Later, the death of his father by a drive-by shooting causes his hatred to erupt during a television interview.
Provided with the explanations albeit misguided of why it is necessary to foster hatred for minorities, it is difficult to fault Derek for his beliefs until they start to affect others. His attack on the grocery store and finally the attack on the two men trying to rob him exemplify the damage that his beliefs inflict. However, the effect on his brother, Danny, is even more significant.
American History X presents a unique view of racism and the depravity it spawns as told through the words of someone who harbored those beliefs. This film offers an attractive rationale for the motivations and actions of the characters rather than relying on a preconceived notion of racism.
