American History X (1998)

A former neo-nazi skinhead tries to prevent his younger brother from going down the same wrong path that he did.

Director:

Tony Kaye

Writer:

David McKenna

Stars:

Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo

Top Rated Movies #38 | Nominated for 1 Oscar. Another 4 wins & 14 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Edward Norton	...	Derek Vinyard
Edward Furlong	...	Danny Vinyard
Beverly D'Angelo	...	Doris Vinyard
Jennifer Lien	...	Davina Vinyard
Ethan Suplee	...	Seth Ryan
Fairuza Balk	...	Stacey
Avery Brooks	...	Dr. Bob Sweeney
Elliott Gould	...	Murray
Stacy Keach	...	Cameron Alexander
William Russ	...	Dennis Vinyard
Guy Torry	...	Lamont
Joe Cortese	...	Rasmussen
Jason Bose Smith	...	Little Henry (as Jason Bose-Smith)
Antonio David Lyons	...	Lawrence
Alex Sol	...	Mitch McCormick

Storyline

Derek Vineyard is paroled after serving 3 years in prison for brutally killing two black men who tried to break into/steal his truck. Through his brother's, Danny Vineyard, 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.

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Plot Keywords:

neo nazi | prison | hatred | racism | jail | 

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Taglines:

Violence as a way of life.

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Genres:

Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for graphic brutal violence including rape, pervasive language, strong sexuality and nudity

Did You Know?

Trivia

The work-print is 18 minutes shorter than the theatrical version.

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Goofs

Near the end of the film, when Derek and Danny are outside of the school, there is a man in the background with a green handkerchief on his head sitting. As shots alternate, he is standing speaking with a group of people, and then sitting alone again.

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Quotes

Derek Vinyard: Nigger, you just fucked with the wrong bull! You should've learned your lesson on the fuckin' basketball court! But you fuckin' monkey's never get the message. My father gave me that truck motherfucker! You ever shoot at fireman? You come here and shoot at my family? I'm gonna teach you a real lesson now motherfucker. Put your fuckin' mouth on the curb.
Lawrence: Come on man...
Derek Vinyard: I said put your mouth on the curb!
[Lawrence bites onto the curb]
Danny Vinyard: Derek, no!
Derek Vinyard: That's it! Now say good night.
[...]

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Alternate Versions

The TV version aired in the USA on the WGN Superstation on January 26th, 2004 had the curb stomp and shower scenes slightly cut.

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Connections

Referenced in Who Is Alan Smithee? (2002)

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Soundtracks

Battle Hymn of the Republic
(circa 1856) (uncredited)
Music by William Steffe
Lyrics by Julia Ward Howe (1862)
Sung a cappella by Ethan Suplee with modified lyrics

User Reviews

A masterpiece! Truly one of the best film I have ever seen

I have been wanting to see this movie for a long time, since my English teacher mentioned it in our class in grade ten. Gosh I wished I wouldn't have waited all this time to finally watch it, although maybe it's a good thing cause I would have probably been a little bit more traumatized at 14... This movie is exceptional!!! Makes u think, makes you frustrated, makes you wanna scream and even makes you cry! Edward Norton is just phenomenal playing the role of a freak skin head and even more so playing this skin head who finally realizes how stupid he was and tries to protect his younger brother. Edward Furlong also does an amazing job!!! This film is moving in so many ways...I can't even describe how real and heartfelt it felt. I definitely think Edward Norton should have won the Oscar for his performance, cause he was absolutely terrific! I can't get why they didn't gave it to him... This movie will surely stay on my mind for a while now... just thinking that some place in the world things like that still happen...it crushes my heart. This is a wonderful movie that every single person should see at least once in his life... Watch American History X, it totally worth it!

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 November 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

American History X

Filming Locations:

2206 Meade Place, Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$20,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$156,076, 1 November 1998

Gross USA:

$6,719,864

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$23,875,127

Company Credits

Production Co:

New Line Cinema, Savoy Pictures, The Turman-Morrissey Company

Technical Specs

Runtime:

119 min 101 min (workprint)

Sound Mix:

SDDS Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Black and White (flashbacks) Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1