Review of American History X (1998) by Stephen G — 12 Apr 2012
"Hate is baggage. Life's too short to be pissed off all the time. It's just not worth it." What we get, finally, is a series of well-drawn sketches and powerful scenes, in search of an organizing principle.
The movie needs sweep where it only has plot. And Norton, effective as he is, comes across more as a bright kid with bad ideas than as a racist burning with hate. (I am reminded of Tim Roth's truly satanic skinhead in ``Made in Britain,'' a 1982 film by Alan Clarke.
) Kaye wanted to have his name removed as the film's director, arguing that the film needed more work and that Norton re-edited some sequences. We will probably never know the truth behind the controversy.
My guess is that the post-production repairs were inspired by a screenplay that attempted to cover too much ground in too little time and yet hastens to a conventional conclusion.
This review of American History X (1998) was written by Stephen G on 12 Apr 2012.
American History X has generally received very positive reviews.
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