Film Review through a criminal justice lens. (American X)

Introduction
American History X is a movie written by David McKenna and directed by Tony Kaye. It is set in Venice, Los Angeles with the main character being Edward Norton (Derek). The film tells a story between two brothers, Danny and Derek who become entangled in activities of the Neo-Nazi activism as well as the ideologies of white supremacism. The film gives a clear picture of the culture that prevailed in the twentieth century and before that. It is a story of intolerance against people of a different color from whites and the state of criminal justice at the time (American History X, 1998).
Summary of the Movie
The movie begins with a flashback to the night Derek attacked two black men attempting to steal his van, such attack leading to their deaths after which he is arrested immediately and sentenced to three years imprisonment. However, we get to learn later that his sentence was only that low because his younger brother failed to testify. The story is then focused on Danny, who three years later follows in the footsteps of his brother, propounding the ideals of Nazism and white supremacism which lands him in trouble with his professor, Mr. Sweeney, and a group of black boys. Meanwhile, Derek is released from jail, having become a different man from who he was, more tolerant and cognizant of the fact that it was hate and pain from his father’s murder by a gang of black men that informed his decisions. Decisions that he was now very ashamed of. He realizes that his brother, Danny, is headed in the same path and attempts to save him.

This leads to an altercation between him and his mentor, Mr. Cameron (Stacey Keach), who is the leader of the movement, has a falling out between him and those that revered him like a god.
Disappointed in his brother, Danny asks Derek why his extreme views changed while he was in prison. Derek tells him of his time in incarceration where he learned that perhaps the black men that had been jailed did not deserve the sentences they got and that white men did not truly believe in the white power they claimed, only what suited them. More specifically, Derek tells of his time with a fellow inmate, Lamont, a young black man who was sentenced to six years imprisonment for stealing a television. Upon being told the story, Danny realizes that what he has supposedly been fighting for is an aimless goal. One that is driven by hate and fear. He finishes his paper as instructed by Mr. Sweeney, with the intention of submitting it the next day.
However, as he is in the washroom, a black boy, one he had crossed paths with the previous day appears behind him, gun in hand, and shoots him. Derek rushes in horror, blaming himself for his brother’s death. Danny, in his paper, recognizes the fact that the hate they felt against other races had been instilled in them as they grew up and it was the cause of all their actions, which resulted in the destruction of their family.
Analysis in reference to Criminal Justice
Criminal justice has three main elements, that is, law enforcement, the judicial system, and punishment in the form of incarceration or otherwise. The movie depicts all the three elements. It is clear that Derek upon committing the crime is immediately arrested depicting law enforcement. Further, the area police also depict this element as they, in conjunction with Mr. Sweeney, attempt to convince the reformed Derek to talk to those that considered him a leader from engaging in attacks against other races.
Secondly, Derek goes through the court system, even though it is different from that of Lamont (Guy Torry). While Derek, who committed outright murder is charged with voluntary manslaughter, Lamont is accused of assault for stealing a television and in the process accidentally dropping it on an officer’s foot. The disparity in these two charges shows the disparity in the criminal justice system with regard to how different races are treated.
The third element is with regard to incarceration. This is the main part of the Criminal Justice system. It is meant to ensure that offenders reform. The movie shows the disparity that exists in the sentencing system, which stems from the charges imposed. As stated above, Derek, who was charged with voluntary manslaughter is sentenced to only three years in prison, Lamont, who committed what would otherwise be considered as a lesser crime is sentenced to six. This difference arises from the fact that Lamont was charged with assaulting a police officer, which carries more punishment.
Opinion
The movie was very insightful. The actors, more specifically Edward Norton acting as Derek, portrayed their characters very well. They were able to deliver the intended message to the public. Further, the movie illustrated the differences that exist in the criminal justice system in a clear and concise manner. It was easy to understand the themes in the movie as well as feel the emotions that the scenes elicited. For instance, at the beginning of the movie, Derek’s tattoo and his reaction upon being told that some “black kids” were trying to steal his car, sets the pace for the rest of scenes, and the audience is immediately informed of what the movie is about.
Conclusion
Tony Kaye was successful in passing the message written by Mr. McKenna. The differences in the criminal justice system and its elements can be seen in the entire movie. It captures one’s mind and directs it to think about the criminal justice system in relation to race.
Reference
American History X. (1998). [DVD] Directed by T. Kaye. USA: New Line Cinema.