American History X Film Critique
American History X
Crime/Drama, 1998, R
American History X is a crime drama directed by Tony Kaye, of whom, in addition is responsible for the exceptional cinematography. The script is by David McKenna and is produced by New Line Cinemas. American History X is centered on the white-power movementand the consequences of extremism. It is also a convincing depiction of the human ability to change, often for the better.
Following the cold blooded murder of his father, Dennis Vineyard - a fireman who is shot while putting out a fire at a crack house – Derek Vineyard becomes filled with racial hatred and eventually becomes the second in command of the Venice Beach neo-Nazi gang, The Disciples of Christ. Under the guidance of Cameron Alexander (the leader of the D.O.C), Derek recruits others, mainly those who were victimized by people of ethnic minorities, to join their fellowship. At a basketball court in Venice Beach, members of the D.O.C., including Derek challenge some Black youths to a game. The games stakes are for control of the beach. As the game progresses tensions arise between the two opposing teams, becoming physical at times, but conclude with victors being Derek and the D.O.C... Later that night, three of the blacks pull up outside Derek’s’ house in an attempt to steal his truck. Hearing the smashing of glass, Danny is awoken, and looks out the window seeing one of the blacks smashing the trucks window. He goes to Derek’s room, only to interrupt him and his girlfriend having sex. Initially Derek is mad at his younger brother’s interruption, but upon Danny informing him of the black guy breaking into his truck, a sudden but very apparent change is seen in Derek, grabbing a gun he goes downstairs to take care of the situation. Opening the front door he fires four shots hitting one of the youths point blank in the chest, killing him instantly. He fires an additional two shots at another, leaving him wounded on the front yard. A car is seen driving
Crime/Drama, 1998, R
American History X is a crime drama directed by Tony Kaye, of whom, in addition is responsible for the exceptional cinematography. The script is by David McKenna and is produced by New Line Cinemas. American History X is centered on the white-power movementand the consequences of extremism. It is also a convincing depiction of the human ability to change, often for the better.
Following the cold blooded murder of his father, Dennis Vineyard - a fireman who is shot while putting out a fire at a crack house – Derek Vineyard becomes filled with racial hatred and eventually becomes the second in command of the Venice Beach neo-Nazi gang, The Disciples of Christ. Under the guidance of Cameron Alexander (the leader of the D.O.C), Derek recruits others, mainly those who were victimized by people of ethnic minorities, to join their fellowship. At a basketball court in Venice Beach, members of the D.O.C., including Derek challenge some Black youths to a game. The games stakes are for control of the beach. As the game progresses tensions arise between the two opposing teams, becoming physical at times, but conclude with victors being Derek and the D.O.C... Later that night, three of the blacks pull up outside Derek’s’ house in an attempt to steal his truck. Hearing the smashing of glass, Danny is awoken, and looks out the window seeing one of the blacks smashing the trucks window. He goes to Derek’s room, only to interrupt him and his girlfriend having sex. Initially Derek is mad at his younger brother’s interruption, but upon Danny informing him of the black guy breaking into his truck, a sudden but very apparent change is seen in Derek, grabbing a gun he goes downstairs to take care of the situation. Opening the front door he fires four shots hitting one of the youths point blank in the chest, killing him instantly. He fires an additional two shots at another, leaving him wounded on the front yard. A car is seen driving