Which is why I think American History X wasn't available for viewing
at many UK cinemas when it was first released; despite Norton's Oscar nomination,
the film had a supposed reputation for violence, racial hatred and more
violence. It's appearance, during the Stephen Lawrence inquiry, probably did
little to help it step out of the shadows.
The story of a neo-Nazi sent down for the murder of two black men who reforms in
prison is not new but I don't think a film has ever told the story quite so
convincingly.
The film is violent, both physically and mentally, and the violence is not
merely hinted at; it's there, brutally laid open to be analysed, thought upon,
criticised and perhaps even supported.
This is the strange compulsion of the film; the deaths of the two black men are
sickingly horrific in every detail, the final twist of violence, sudden and
shocking, enough to make one turn away and pray that such a thing couldn't
really happen whilst, at the back of your mind, you know that it could, and it
does. There are images of violence here which will come back to haunt you - be
warned.
The realism is frightening but the film balances the loathing we have of such
violence with the arguments which actually do bring about such hatred of our
fellow man.
The film is a stunning success. The black and white flashbacks compartmentalise
the violence of the past and enhance the violent feast almost documentary
style. The story flows well and coherently with a pace that never slackens.
Whilst the violence itself may overwhelm some, the exploration of how and why
such violence simmers and erupts gives much food for thought. This is a film
which forces one to ask, will racial violence ever really be overcome ?
A film which can show racial hatred and its consequences so plainly, its
causes so convincingly whilst showing that racism can be overcome, without
being sentimental or naive, and also show that a relapse is only a heartbeat
away is one which deserves applaud.
The film could be accused of showing racism, as it is, rather than
giving us the answers, but that doesn't matter; we have seen the truth now, it's
up to us to change how it is, we must deliver the solution.
