American History X

In November of 1998 American History X, directed by Tony Kaye, was released. This film takes a look at the harm in which the fight between the violent neo-nazi gangs and the ruthless street gangs in the African American communities. Through the eyes of Danny Vinyard, played by Edward Furlong, Kaye tells of a tragedy that is fueled by the decisions of a few, but end up affecting many more. The movie opens up in black in white and contains many scenes to show symbolism for the divide between the two races. Within the opening scene, Derick Vinyard, the older brother of Danny Vinyard and played by Edward Norton, kills two African American men who were breaking into his car. Throughout the first part of the movie Kaye continues to show the extent to which Derick hates the African American people by informing the audience that his dad had been violently killed by African American gang members while on law enforcement duty.  Derick also happens to be the leader of his Neo-Nazi gang that is notorious for being involved in violent acts towards the African American community. Derick goes to prison and is released on parole after three years. While Derick is in prison he meets and African American man named Lamont, played by Guy Torry, who talks to him and treats him like any other person instead of with prejudice. Lamont asks Derick tough questions that help him rethink the prejudices against the African American community he has had throughout his life. Once Derick is out of prison, he strives to help change his little brother’s life before it is too late. Kaye shows the audience that no matter how deep the hate goes and no matter who the person may be, they can always change. This film also shows that there will always be consequences for everyones’ actions.