field in a test of athletic ability. They
The only reason for Gould being in
beat the blacks at basketball! What can
this scene is to give Norton an oppor-
be more American than that?
tunity to spout Jew-hating drivel in a
Twenty-eight-year-old screenwriter
movie which otherwise directs its ver-
David McKenna, an Orange County,
bal venom against African-Americans,
Calif, native who grew up on the
Hispanics and Asians. Let's hear it for
periphery of the burgeoning and
equal-opportunity hatred.
sometimes violent punk-rock scene,
And what about Executive Produc-
was privy to the narrow-minded
ers Lawrence Turman ( The Graduate)
behavior that inspired him to write
and Steve Tisch (Forrest Gump)? Both
had a moral obligation and abdicated
American History X Perhaps he was
their responsibilities. This film wasn't
too influenced by the anti-Hispanic
made as an art house flick to be seen
and anti-immigrant rhetoric of Cali-
by discerning viewers. It was made for
fornia Gov. Pete Wilson during the
mass audiences. While it opens today
debate over Proposition 209 to outlaw
exclusively at the Landmark Main Art
state-sponsored affirmative action pro-
Theatre, it is slated for wider distribu-
grams. It was a message that appealed
tion next week.
to a majority of the state's population.
Still, with all its obvious flaws, if
Then there is the problem of Elliott
American History Xis to be judged
Gould as Murray, a liberal, Jewish
purely on the basis of its movie mak-
high school teacher who dates Beverly
D'Angelo,
playing the
mother of
Derek and
Danny.
Gould's
character
comes to
dinner with
the entire
family in a
house with
Nazi flags
and Hitler
photos on
the walls.
Surely
Murray
Danny (Edward Furlong)
knows he is going to
looks up to his older broth- ing alone, it is a powerful
incur the enmity of
er Derek (Edward Norton) document. It is difficult to
imagine any audience
the skinhead youth
in 'American History X"
remaining unmoved by its
leader played by Nor-
far from predictable ending. And for
ton over the thought of a Jew wanting
the most part, with the exception of
to sleep with his mother. Is Murray
Gould, the acting is terrific, and
going to eat pork chops to appease
intense. That's especially true of Nor-
him?
ton.
Give us a break! The entire concept
But The Birth of a Nation was cine-
is ludicrous.
matically superior and boasted power-
Gould, as this self-destructive cari-
ful performances, too. And it spawned
cature of a Jew, walks away from a
and justified the revival of the Ku
vehement denunciation in which Nor-
Klux Klan. Will American History X
ton spews vicious anti-Semitic
do the same for the neo-Nazis?
canards.
This movie gets as many stars as it
Murray's refusal to stand up for
does solely for the medium, and not
himself and for all Jews in this con-
its message. Like most audiences will
frontation is not a bright moment in
be, I'm torn by what I have seen. 1111
the cinematic portrayal of Jews.
It perpetuates a favorite stereotype
Rated R. 4xx:z 1/2
of the Nazis, the weak and spineless
Jew without a backbone who only
wants to have sex with the blond
American History X opens
Aryan heroine, and is ultimately
today at the Landmark Main Art
shown up by the Nazi hero. Wow!
Theatre in Royal Oak,
This is right out of Nazi propaganda
(248) 542-0180.
fantasies of the '30s.

We invite you to view the Gallery's new artists.

Please join us Saturday, November 14th
and Sunday, November 15th
for wine tasting and hors &oeuvres.

Danielle Peleg Gallery

Specializing in modern fine art.

4301 Orchard Lake Road • West Bloomfield

(248) 626-5810

Hours: Mon-Sat 10:30-6:00, Sun 12:00-5:00

H A K ATA

OPEN 7 DAYS • LUNCH & DINNER

featuring

AUTHENTIC JAPANESE CUISINE

AS YOU LIKE IT!

• Elegant Atmosphere • Gracious Warmth • Reasonable Prices
* Sushi Bar * Private Japanese Rooms
* Cocktails Including 30 Different Kinds of Sake

Lunch: Mon.-Fri. 11:30-2 p.m. • Dinner: Mon.-Sat. 5:30-10:30 p.m.
Sunday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.

737-7220
737-7223

32443 NORTHWESTERN HWY.
Fax:
Between Middlebelt & 14 Mile
Visit us on the web www.hakatasushi.com

11/13

1998

Detroit Jewish News

103