American History X Should Be in AFI's Top One Hundred Movies

As a black four door vehicle makes a right turn onto a residential street, the headlights are turned off. As the car pulls in front of a small house with a truck on the driveway it pulls to a stop. Once the car stops two black men get out of the vehicle with guns in their hand, and close the doors softly. One man runs to the porch to lookout, as the other man shatters the driver side window of the truck. Daniel Vinyard wakes up and runs to his brother's room and interrupts Derek and his girlfriend Stacey having sex. Daniel tells his brother that there's a black guy breaking into his car. Derek asks, "How many are there?" He grabs his gun, loads it and walks down the stairs. Derek looks through the peephole on the front door and sees a man standing there. He kicks the door open and shoots the man, runs outside and shoots another man trying to run away. He unloads his clip into the car driving away into the darkness, as the car squeals its tires around the turn. As Derek turns around, all the black man lying in grass can see is the pitch black swastika on Derek's chest. Derek walks back slowly to the black man and punches him in the face. I believe that American History X belongs on the American Film Institute's Top 100 movie list because it contains the key aspects needed in a good movie. With a detailed plot, controversial subject matter, and various symbolism and images, I believe this movie deserves to be on the list.

I believe the plot is detailed enough to be considered for a movie on the list of Top 100. I believe the various flashbacks, and other scene cuts that are seen throughout the movie help reinforce the plot and help support the deeper purpose that is trying to be portrayed. Not only does this movie appeal to the audience, but it is extremely relatable to the audience. There are tremendous amounts of racism witnessed daily throughout the world; therefore, the movie is extremely relatable to anybody who decides to watch it. I also enjoy how there are two different storylines occurring at the same time. I believe the plot is again reinforced as there are two extremes happening at the same time. Derek Vinyard is a previously renowned racist trying to change his lifestyle. However, his little brother, Daniel, is trying to become as well known as Derek by being racist. The detail throughout each part of the movie as the different plots are occurring keep the audience engaged and thinking about what is going to happen. Overall, the plot goes into enough detail, and keeps viewers entertained throughout the movie to be considered for the Top 100 list.

Not only is the plot thorough enough, but the extremely controversial subject matter that the movie is based on definitely makes American History X a candidate for the Top 100 list. The movie shows the utter realism of the world today. As many people frown upon racism, there are also people who believe that racism should still exist. However, the assorted viewpoints on racism help make the subject matter of this movie as controversial as it is. The audience can debate the object of the racism, and whether or not it is justified. Not only is there racism against black people, but there is also racism exhibited against people who are Jewish. Therefore, the subject matter is not controversial only towards a select group of people. Many movies are opposed to creating such different attitudes within the audience, but I believe that the degree at which controversy is created throughout this movie makes it a valid choice to be included with the best movies of all time.

Throughout the movie there are difference instances of symbolism and images that help exhibit the controversy that is being portrayed. One of the main controversial symbols would be the swastika tattoo on Derek Vinyard's chest. The swastika helps create the character that Derek is trying to portray: an extremely racist white male who cares only for his family and for other white people. Another image that is definitely memorable and originally associated with American History X would be the scene where Derek gives the black man a curbing (forces him to bite the curb, and then kicks him in the back of the head to kill him). Anytime American History X is mentioned, the general response is: "That's the movie where the black guy gets curbed right?" Any movie that contains such strong imagery is definitely worthy for the list of Top 100 movies. The controversial symbolism and vibrant imagery help this movie build a solid foundation for its placement within the list of the Top 100 movies.

Overall, American History X contains a very detailed plot, an extremely controversial subject matter, and vivid symbolism and imagery. The plot contains flashbacks and there is more than one storyline occurring simultaneously, however, it's not too confusing to understand. The subject matter that deals with the extreme levels of racism, whether it's being extremely for or opposed to racism only helps reinforce the already strong plot. The stunning symbolism and imagery seen throughout the movie strengthen not only the controversy seen within the subject matter, but also help build the characters into the plot. Overall, I believe this movie deserves a spot on the American Film Institute's Top 100 list. Possibly not in the top 50, but I strongly believe that this movie deserves a spot within the Top 100 movies of all time.