American History X is a movie on how changes in society can shape a community of young people. White youth of L.A come together to be apart of the white supremacist neo-Nazi movement. Danny Vineyard states; “frustrated kids, the ones who were sick of getting their asses kicked by the black and Mexican gangs. don’t just be some punk, be a part of something.” Alone, scared, and frustrated youth, all experiencing the same problems with the minority of America; African-Americans, Koreans, Latinos, and Arabs.These youth are afraid of walking in their own neighborhood, even going to their school in fear of getting jumped by African-Americans. Being apart of something gives the children a sense of belonging and acceptance to their feelings of the minority and immigrants. The scene that can support my statement is where Derek is preaching to the young neo-Nazis. He gives manipulative reason as to why immigrants and anyone who is not white should be prosecuted and kept out of the United States. Desperate, ignorant and weak-minded white youth believe and do anything that Derek says.
The scene is in black and white. This eliminates all color and individuality. All we can see is their shaven head all looking at Derek. By only seeing their head, we can only see neo-Nazis because all of the children look just like Derek. This shows Derek as the leader and the influence of the group. But never mind the children playing the part of the follower, being alone is more scary than having no identity and being invisible.
The staging placement of Derek is profile. Derek being that of profile shows him being lost in his own thoughts. This makes the viewer question who is Derek really trying to persuade in the group; is it him or the youth? Talking and babbling on about the neo-Nazi movement and their beliefs maybe a way of reiterating the thoughts into his mind as while as others.
One section in the article speaks of how in American History X, Derek is seen more as pro-white and patriotic and less of the stereotypical redneck racist and anti-back white. With Derek articulate explanations of the reason why America is like it is, he is seen in a more modern stereotype of a redneck racist.
apart means separate. a part means joined. Learn the difference. Derek is most definitely not in profile. What does profile mean? You need to learn definitions.
ReplyDeleteObviously it was a careless mistake. The first time I used " a part" which is correct in the sense of the context. So yes, I am aware of the difference. But thank you, I'll make sure to bring my blog to the WAC lab next time.
ReplyDeleteProfile means that he is turned left or right. I understand mise en scene definitions. In this picture his body is full-front, but he still is lost in his own thoughts and not looking toward the camera. In conclusion, he is full-front, with profile undertones.