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American History X (1998)
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Overview
User Rating:
Your Rating:
Director:
Writer (WGA):
David McKenna (written by)
Release Date:
30 October 1998 (USA)
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Tagline:
His father taught him to hate. His friends taught him rage. His enemies gave him hope. See more »
Plot:
A former neo-nazi skinhead tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path that he did. Full summary » | Full synopsis »
Awards:
Nominated for Oscar.
Another 2 wins
&
9 nominations
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NewsDesk:
(110 articles)
Clip Joint: ventriloquists
(From The Guardian - Film News. 1 September 2010, 10:06 AM, PDT)
Bryan Cranston and Michael Cudlitz Take on The Grief Tourist
(From Collider.com. 30 August 2010, 2:53 PM, PDT)
Flashback: Best of the 90s. (Pt 1)
(From FilmExperience. 28 August 2010, 1:00 PM, PDT)
(From The Guardian - Film News. 1 September 2010, 10:06 AM, PDT)
Bryan Cranston and Michael Cudlitz Take on The Grief Tourist
(From Collider.com. 30 August 2010, 2:53 PM, PDT)
Flashback: Best of the 90s. (Pt 1)
(From FilmExperience. 28 August 2010, 1:00 PM, PDT)
User Reviews:
Based on a true story
See more (1223 total) »
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Edward Norton | ... | Derek Vinyard | |
| Edward Furlong | ... | Danny Vinyard | |
| Beverly D'Angelo | ... | Doris Vinyard | |
| Avery Brooks | ... | Dr. Bob Sweeney | |
| Jennifer Lien | ... | Davina Vinyard | |
| Ethan Suplee | ... | Seth Ryan | |
| Stacy Keach | ... | Cameron Alexander | |
| Fairuza Balk | ... | Stacey | |
| Elliott Gould | ... | Murray | |
| Guy Torry | ... | Lamont | |
| William Russ | ... | Dennis Vinyard | |
| Joseph Cortese | ... | Rasmussen (as Joe Cortese) | |
| Jason Bose Smith | ... | Little Henry (as Jason Bose-Smith) | |
| Antonio David Lyons | ... | Lawrence | |
| Alex Sol | ... | Mitch McCormick |
Additional Details
Also Known As:
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MPAA:
Rated R for graphic brutal violence including rape, pervasive language, strong sexuality and nudity.
Parents Guide:
Runtime:
119 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
1.85 : 1 See more »
Sound Mix:
Certification:
Canada:14A (Alberta) | Canada:16+ (Quebec) | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Canada:18A (British Columbia) | Canada:R (Manitoba/Ontario) | Spain:13 | Australia:MA | Philippines:R-18 | Brazil:14 | Denmark:15 | Canada:13+ (Quebec) (re-rating) | Argentina:16 | Belgium:KNT | Chile:18 | Finland:K-15 | France:-12 | Germany:16 | Hong Kong:IIB | Iceland:16 | Ireland:18 | Israel:18 | Italy:VM18 | Japan:PG-12 | Malaysia:(Banned) | Netherlands:16 | New Zealand:R16 | Norway:15 | Peru:18 | Portugal:M/16 | Singapore:R21 | South Korea:18 | Sweden:15 | Switzerland:16 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:16 (canton of Vaud) | UK:18 | USA:R | Greece:K-17
Filming Locations:
Company:
Fun Stuff
Trivia:
Goofs:
Revealing mistakes: When we see a close-up of Danny's hands while he is typing his final draft, he never hits the space bar.See more »
Quotes:
Doris Vinyard:I'm ashamed that you came out of my body.See more »
Movie Connections:
Spoofed in "Reno 911!: Released from Prison (#3.1)" (2005)See more »
Soundtrack:
Battle Hymn of the RepublicSee more »
FAQ
What is the song with lyrics in the trailer?How much sex, violence, and profanity are in this movie?
What does the title mean?
See more »
See more (1223 total) »
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Not many people know this, but Ed Norton's character, Derek, is based on an actual person -- a guy that went to my high school a few years before I did. He comes to speak every year at an anti-hate assembly. They show us clips of the movie (in my case, my English teacher let us watch the whole thing) and then he comes out and speaks. It's bizarre, to see him because he sounds exactly like Derek does after he gets out of prison. He's genuinely remorseful and what most people don't realize, is what a life-change that really is. Most Neo-Nazis and extreme racists are practically brainwashed in their points of view. It can take years, even lifetimes before they can be broken out of these harmful, violent mindsets. The movie seems slightly unrealistic in that way, that someone as intelligent and seemingly brainwashed as Norton's character, could make such a change from a short stint in prison. Well as I can firsthand tell you, it is possible, and the transformation did really happen. I can't remember the guy's name to save my life, but having that knowledge of the film and the people it's based on has made me appreciate this movie even more.
On a whole other side level, yet another amazing performance by Ed Norton. This man never ceases to shock and amaze me with his range and ability to adapt physically to any role thrown at him. I'm sure he wasn't the first choice for this role, I can think of plenty of other All-American looking actors that would seemingly fit better, even Furlong seems better fit to the Neo-Nazi role than the Norton we all know. However with a beefed-up physique and a well-written film to back him up, Norton shines in this role.