American History X, 1998

I think everything Ed Norton touches is incredible. Alas, I did not see Keeping the Faith, so I will reserve my judgement of his directing abilities... but the man is a killer actor. From Primal Fear, People vs. Larry Flint, Rounders and Fight Club, Hollywood has found a major player in Norton. His acting is one thing, if one thing only... believable.

I think that if Norton spreads himself out a little more, takes on different roles (which he is doing), it's possible we have our next De Niro. Now, don't get me wrong... I don't think anyone can top De Niro, but people can come close. Norton, for my money, is in the running.

Norton has three other projects in the running for the next year. One is The Score, with none other than our favorite, De Niro, Brando (where the hell has he been?) and Angela Bassett... directed by Frank Oz, who hasn't had a hit in a long time. This is a guaranteed money maker, but that means nothing. Meet the Parents was a successful money maker, but a terrible film so, we shall see. Also for 2001 is Frida Kahlo based, I suppose, on the artist. Norton will be playing Nelson Rockerfeller, along with Antonio Banderas, Alfred Molina, Ashley Judd, Salma Hayek and Geofrey Rush. We shall see. It's directed by Julie Taymor who directed last years Titus. Again, we shall see.

The final film coming out with Norton this year is Death to Smoochy (head shake). Where do they get these titles? It will be starring Robin Williams, Salma Hayek, Jon Stewart and Danny DeVito (who is directing). A saving grace to this is that it is written by Adam Resnick, who wrote (and directed) Cabin Boy, episodes of Get a Life and Lucky Numbers (shudder). I loved Get a Life and Cabin Boy, so we shall see about this one too.

This film also brings back the one kid that James Cameron picked, out of I don't know how many thousands... Edward Furlong, who's first role was in the effects spectacular Terminator 2: Judgement Day. He's been in a couple of makeshift movies since T2. American Heart, Pet Sematary II, Brainscan, Little Odessa, The Grass Harp, Pecker, Detroit Rock City and will be in the new installment of the Terminator films, Terminator 3.

I personally thought he was typecast for life. It happens with many young actors... has for a half a century. Personally, his performance in X is well done. It's understated by the fact that the story is centered around Derek Vinyard (Norton)... but Furlong has his moments, and they are a pleasure to watch. I think doing work like T3 is good work, good money... but possibly putting pressure on the typecasting. Almost like what happened to Henry Thomas of E.T. fame. It took him many years in Hollywood to get decent work. But the wait paid off for Thomas. Let's hope that Furlong gets work after T3.

The rest of the cast is an eclectic group, filled with some older actors, two of which who haven't been in mainstream work for quite a while, Beverly D'Angelo and Elliot Gould, both of which were very good, but understated.

Stacy Keach was just plain ole' creepy. But, if you're good at something, stick with it.

Avery Brooks was incredible, even though his parts were limited, and his on screen time didn't amount to too much, which is a shame. His most recent work, which I have yet to see, is in the recently released 15 Minutes, which I've only heard good things. So, there's another reason for me to go.

Ethan Suplee is a Kevin Smith recycled actor, who's been in some decent films. Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, Road Trip, Remember the Titans... and soon to be in the cool new movie Blow, which I can't wait to see. His work was good in this film. To be honest, I've never seen his other work, except for Titans, and he was very good in that... so let's hope his steak continues with Blow.

The script for this movie is not only well written, but well structured. The characters are well defined, right out of the gate... and the pacing doesn't let up for a minute. It's one of the best scripts out of Hollywood in the last ten years. It's written by David McKenna, who helped write Blow, the remake of Get Carter (which wasn't so hot directing wise, but writing was ok...) and the soon to be released Bully, a film starring Brad Renfro and some other people I don't know.

The real star of this picture is Tony Kaye, the director and cinematographer of this film. For my taste, there isn't one wasted shot in this film. It's put together so well... thanks also to editors Jerry Greenberg and Alan Heim. Kaye took this project as far as it could possibly go, compromising nothing, and gave us an incredible film to watch, to look at... and to learn from. Unfortunately, it's his own project. To me, it doesn't make any sense. This film has got some of the smartest camera work I've seen in a film in recent (ten) years. The style is inventive... the contrasts of black & white and color photography blend seamlessly...

If you're interested in reading the script by McKenna, download it here. I would suggest those who are looking to read a good script with great dialog and great character development, take a look at this one. The DVD itself has three cut scenes. That's it. But the film is worth owning. For certain.

J.P.

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