Review of American History X (1998) by Nathaniel S — 04 Jun 2012
A great film for sure, but the plot does dwindle a bit. The supporting characters are good, but they are not great. What really makes this ambitious film fall a bit would be the lacking narration by Edward Furlong. He is not terrible, but he is not great. We need to understand him more but he comes off practically robotic and dull. The film picks up steam when the central focus and narration falls into the hands of Edward Norton who gives the best performance of his career.
Edward Norton's performance could be one of the largest Oscar snubs in history as he carries the film on his shoulders. His transition from raged young man angry and prejudice to the realization that it's all bull---- is remarkable. The film takes its time to reach that point in while it does so it leaves us with little to watch.
The middle of the film where Norton flexes his acting chops are what makes this film great, but the beginning and the end of the film makes us want more and it falls short on its message and expectation.
This review of American History X (1998) was written by Nathaniel S on 04 Jun 2012.
American History X has generally received very positive reviews.
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