American History X (1998)

User Rating:

8.6/10   

Director:

Tony Kaye

Writer (WGA):

David McKenna (written by)

Release Date:

30 October 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama

Tagline:

His father taught him to hate. His friends taught him rage. His enemies gave him hope.

Plot:

A former neo-nazi skinhead tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path that he did.

Plot Keywords:

Moral Ambiguity | Family Home | Male On Male Rape | Mother And Children | Vicious

Awards:

Nominated for Oscar. Another 2 wins & 9 nominations

Cast

Edward Norton	...	Derek Vinyard
Edward Furlong	...	Danny Vinyard
Beverly D'Angelo	...	Doris Vinyard
Avery Brooks	...	Dr. Bob Sweeney
Jennifer Lien	...	Davina Vinyard
Ethan Suplee	...	Seth Ryan
Stacy Keach	...	Cameron Alexander
Fairuza Balk	...	Stacey
Elliott Gould	...	Murray
Guy Torry	...	Lamont
William Russ	...	Dennis Vinyard
Joseph Cortese	...	Rasmussen (as Joe Cortese)
Jason Bose Smith	...	Little Henry (as Jason Bose-Smith)
Antonio David Lyons	...	Lawrence
Alex Sol	...	Mitch McCormick

MPAA:

Rated R for graphic brutal violence including rape, pervasive language, strong sexuality and nudity.

Runtime:

119 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Black and White | Colour (

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

DTS | Dolby Digital | SDDS

Certification:

Canada:14A (Alberta) | Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:18A (British Columbia) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Ontario) | Spain:13 | Australia:MA | Philippines:R-18 | Brazil:14 | Argentina:16 | Belgium:KNT | Chile:18 | Finland:K-15 | France:-12 | Germany:16 | Hong Kong:IIB | Iceland:16 | Ireland:18 | Israel:18 | Italy:VM18 | Japan:PG-12 | Malaysia:(Banned) | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:15 | Peru:18 | Portugal:M/16 | Singapore:R21 | South Korea:18 | Sweden:15 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | UK:18 | USA:R | Greece:K-17

Filming Locations:

Johnie's Coffee Shop - 6101 Wilshire Boulevard, Fairfax, Los Angeles, California, USA

Company:

New Line Cinema

Trivia:

In the midst of the dispute about the time he was taking to edit the film, Director Tony Kaye attended a meeting with Michael De Luca (then New Line's senior product president). Kaye arranged for a Rabbi, a Catholic priest and a Buddhist monk to be present at the meeting to support his argument and "make the meeting a more spiritual one".

Goofs:

Boom mic visible: When the kid is having a meeting with the principal, the mic is reflected in the picture behind the principal's head.

Quotes:

Doris Vinyard: I'm ashamed that you came out of my body.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Saturday Night Live: Cameron Diaz/Smashing Pumpkins (#24.1)" (1998)

Soundtrack:

Battle Hymn of the Republic

This was probably the best movie I've ever seen

I honestly don't think I have ever seen a better movie than American History X in my entire life! I may only be 14, but I have seen a lot of movies. I am an avid fan of them, and this one just takes the cake. Edward Norton is just unbelievable. He is the most talented actor I've ever laid eyes on. His performance in the movie is phenomenal. He delves so deep into his character that he can convince the whole audience easily of his neo-nazi role. The look on his face as he walks back from killing one man in the first seen is purely horrifying. The entire move was dramatic, intriguing, and powerful. It really is moving and emotional as well as scary. It is so true to life, and provides the viewer with such insight into the life and events that create a monster such as Derek Vinyard. It answers many questions I have long awaited an answer to such as what could possibly make someone act as Derek did in this movie, yet left open-ended many others that people such as myself may have. Almost every single scene in the movie was extremely captivating. I can't even go on to say more about the acting, other than if Edward Norton does not win best actor this year, I will go absolutely nuts. It's bad enough he lost it to Cuba Gooding Jr. when he was in Primal Fear, which was yet another incredible performance by him. Edward Furlong, the little kid from T2 is astounding as the confused brother of Derek. I was stunned walking out of the theater after seeing American History X, and I don't think I will ever have the benefit of seeing another movie as good as this one as long as I live. I recommend anyone with a good tolerance for violent and graphic depictions go see this movie. I am bewildered as to why director Tony Kaye would ever want out of this success. If I were to rate this movie, as I often do for others in reviewing them for school, I would give it an A+ with all of my heart.