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American History X

American History X

Drama · 1998

Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.

Movie details

American History X

“Some legacies must end.”

1998 Drama 1h 59m

Critical arithmetic

One number, for now.

TMDB

8.3 / 10

Community rating

Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for killing two African-American men. Through his brother, Danny Vineyard's narration, we learn that before going to prison, Derek was a skinhead and the leader of a violent white supremacist gang that committed acts of racial crime throughout L.A. and his actions greatly influenced Danny. Reformed and fresh out of prison, Derek severs contact with the gang and becomes determined to keep Danny from going down the same violent path as he did.

CriticWise case file

What this film says about your taste.

Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.

The archetype split

Who fights over American History X?

The split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.

Taste neighbourhood

Nearby on the taste map.

TMDB supplies the candidates. CriticWise reorders them by craft, strangeness, prestige, emotion, and pace.

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Made in Britain

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Names above the title

The people responsible.

Directed by

Tony Kaye

Written by

David McKenna

Edward Norton

Edward Norton

Derek

Edward Furlong

Edward Furlong

Danny

Beverly D'Angelo

Beverly D'Angelo

Doris

Jennifer Lien

Jennifer Lien

Davina

Ethan Suplee

Ethan Suplee

Seth

Fairuza Balk

Fairuza Balk

Stacey

Avery Brooks

Avery Brooks

Sweeney

Court is in session

Put American History X on trial.

Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.

The defence The Prestige Tourist

“Form is the argument.”

Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.

The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist

“Technique in search of a pulse.”

Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.