American History X

About American History X

American History X is an Academy Award-nominated 1998 drama film directed by Tony Kaye. It features Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D'Angelo, Jennifer Lien, Ethan Suplee, Fairuza Balk, Avery Brooks, Elliott Gould, Stacy Keach, Guy Torry, and William Russ. Norton was nominated for an Academy Award for his performance.

The film tells the story of two brothers, Derek Vinyard (Edward Norton) and Danny Vinyard (Edward Furlong) of Venice Beach, Los Angeles, California. Both are extremely bright and charismatic students, but Derek is drawn into the Neo-Nazi and racist underground after their father is killed by an African-American drug dealer while trying to put out a fire in a South Central neighborhood. Derek commits a hate murder against two African-Americans trying to steal his car and is sent to prison. This story tells how Danny is influenced by his older brother's actions and thoughts and how Derek, now deeply enlightened by his experience in confinement, tries to prevent his brother from going down the same wrong way he did.

The Movie begins with a flashback involving a pivotal scene later on in the movie involving Derek shooting and killing two black gang members as they attempt to steal his truck.