American History X

In 1998 Tony Kaye’s powerful directorial debut American History X was released. The film stars Edward Norton, Edward Furlong, Beverly D’Angelo, and a few other known faces in supporting roles. American History X features the story of two brothers, Derek and Danny, who are deeply ingrained in a neo-Nazi organization. Derek, played by Norton, is newly released from prison for manslaughter after killing some would-be car thieves, and Danny is a student still living in his shadow and is tasked with writing an essay on his brothers’ incarceration. Derek has since become enlightened and aims to take his family in a new direction away from the hatred and small-mindedness of the racist gang. What follows is a complicated exploration of his history and his first day out trying to undo the harm of his racist past and heal his family. American History X was released to much critical acclaim and scored Norton an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. But, does it hold up? Listen in as Jon, Colin, and Brent discuss brainwashing and huge assholes as we decide if this one stands the test of time, or if it has lost its way.