Dale-31 Review of American History X

American History X (1998)

A harrowing and powerful experience, the best of the year.

[22 November 1998]

Wow. I was intensely blown away by this film. It's so raw and realistic that I had butterflies in my stomach for an hour after I left the theatre. Edward Norton gives the best performance of his career, Oscar-caliber, bigger and better than his excellent debut performance in "Primal Fear." Edward Furlong redeemed himself from "Pecker," an awful experience. He's come a long way since "Terminator 2," however, like Leonardo DiCaprio, he needs to reach puberty for me to truly accept him in a role like this. Guy Torry broke out of the stereotypical role and developed a character I cared about. The flashbacks filmed in black and white made those scenes stand out, giving off an expression that cannot be forgotten. This film had a bigger impact on me than this year's "Saving Private Ryan." "American History X" is the year's best film, then "Meet Joe Black" and "Your Friends And Neighbors."