Hold Up

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