American History X

For my second film this week I really wanted to focus on a film that involved great use of color, lighting, and impactful acting.  For that I decided to write this blog on the movie American History X.  This film was released in 1998 and takes you on a journey of a Danny following in the footsteps of his older brother Derek.  Unfortunately Derek is part of a Neo Nazi faction and goes to prison for killing three gang bangers who break into their house one evening.  This movie does a great job of using color as a transitional device, color as a symbol, and also color to enhance the mood.

The transitions of color in this movie are done beautifully.  As the movie starts out in black and white it brings us into the dark evening in which Derek brutally kills three black males who attempted to break in and rob his place.  As our reading states, color provides a transition between two separate worlds.  This movie shows that in more of an emotional aspect instead of literally taking us from one world to another.  It shows all the dark, racial, and difficult times in both Derek and Danny’s life through the use of black and white.  And then shines through on positive moments as well as emphasizing difficult moments with color as well. 

Symbolically color has a very significant role in this movie.  I think that the director was not only trying to set different moods with color, but also to attempt to remove color from such a racially driven film.  Showing that in all essence there is no difference between black, white, red, blue, or purple.  To really grab what the director is trying to portray you need to remove all the other colors and focus on what the director is trying to truly show you.  At the same time showing in the end that blood is red regardless of who it comes from or is on by flashing back and forth from the young black kid who shoots Danny, and Danny lying in the bathroom covering in blood can only be enhanced with the use of color. 

As I had previously touched on this movie also uses color to enhance the mood of the film, on top of which music also adds a lot of effect.  One of the more memorable scenes is after Derek kills the first to men that broke into his house, the camera cuts to him turning around and slowly walking towards the third.  As this happens (in black and white) they shine a bright light on him giving him an almost euphoric feel.  The dramatic choir music and slow motion really give this scene a strong impact on the viewer.  American History X does a great job of touching on a serious topic such as racism in today’s society and adds a very dramatic impact through the many uses of color.