American History X is an emotional and sometimes disturbing film filled with racism and hatred. The scene when the 3 black thugs are trying to steal Derek’s car is one particular scene that illustrates racism and hatred. The black and white scene starts with the thugs pulling up to Derek’s family’s house and the dark ominous music begins. The black and white scene demonstrates an emotional feeling for the viewer that makes the scene more dramatic. After the car pulls away the scene changes to slow motion and becomes even more dramatic than before. The family screaming also adds to the tension in the scene, it shows them disoriented quick cuts to them and then back to Derek. This scene is a shocking opening scene that grabs the viewer’s attention. Later in the film, this scene shows up again and shows Derek curb stomping one of the thugs, a scene that one cannot forget.
the black and white scenes in the film are all flashbacks. They are Danny's memories of the past before Derek went to jail. YOu need to do more analysis of the issues of class and the actual elements of mise en scene.
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