The profound power of film.
"American History X" is a no-holds-barred look at the very real underbelly of racism. This film is not about skinheads or white power. This is a searing contemporary tragedy that grips one working-class family.
The story unfolds through the eyes of Danny Vineyard (Edward Furlong), who idolizes his older brother Derek (Edward Norton). He seeks retribution for his father's murder and burning for a way to vent his rage, Derek finds himself transformed by a philosophy of hate as he turns into a charismatic leader of a local white power movement. Despite his intelligence, his incendiary actions culminate in a brutal murder and ultimately, a prison sentence.
Three years later, everyone awaits Derek's return: His mother Doris (Beverly D;Angelo), who prays for his safety, his girlfriend (Fairuza Balk) and most of all Danny, who is desperate for his brother's love and guidance.
On the day of Derek's release from prison, Danny hands in a school book report on Meine Kampf. The school principal (Avery Brooks), enraged by this, demands Danny write a new paper, on the events that led to Derek's incarceration.
Fresh from prison, Derek no longer views hatred as a badge of honour. He is ashamed of his past and is now in a race to save Danny and the Vineyard family from violence he's brought upon them.
"American History X" is a profound and stirring drama about the consequences of racism as a family is torn apart by hate. A graphic examination of extremism in America. This is not a film about skinheads or white power. This is a searing contemporary tragedy that grips one working-class family.
"I saw a lot of bigotry growing up and it made me think about writing something about the world of hate-mongers. The point I tried to make in the script is that a person is not born racist. It is learned through environment and the people that surround you," says screenwriter David McKenna. "The question that intrigues me is: why do people hate and how does one go about changing that? My premise was that hate starts in the family.
The profound power of "American History X" is being used as an educational tool in the United States. The world's leading human rights organization will embark on an extensive screening programme at US colleges.