Movie-American History X

This 1998 movie stars Edward Norton. And as I mentioned before, he is one of my favorite actors. And American History X shows why.

The movie is a-frickin-mazing. Much of that is due to Norton, who goes through chameleon like transformations, embuing his character at different stages in his life with layers and subtlety. It seems his eyes even change as he characterizes a skinhead leader, who undergoes a change of perspective after three years in prison for the murder of two black gang members.

All the performances were top-notch in this film. From his family to his former teachers. But Norton is perfect. The story and dialogue are as good as it gets.

One thing I found pretty mind-blowing. This film was made in '98. And Norton gives a speech to recruit new skinheads and to prepare them to invade a Korean supermarket that hires, according to him, illegal migrants. The speech he gives, that was probably fairly chilling and racist in '98, could be a standard stump speech today by many Republican candidates trying to militarize our borders. It was frightening. Literally, except for a few curse words, it could have been commentary of Fox News, almost verbatim.

While this movie does have violence, unlike Fight Club, it is shows violence for a reason, and shows hate for a reason. And it is disturbing. But disturbing in a good way...you should be disturbed by it. And the violence is not gratuitous. Every piece of violence is a intricate part of the movie and the characters.

And while I suggested for those uncomfortable with the themes in Fight Club to not see that movie, I think this movie should be seen, and admired. And Edward Norton should certainly be considered one of the best actors we have.