Making American History X was as dark as the film itself

Summary

American History X, released in 1998, was groundbreaking not only for its raw depiction of neo-Nazism but also for the tumultuous process behind its creation. Edward Norton and director Tony Kaye clashed dramatically, each wanting a different vision for the film. Screenwriter David McKenna drew from personal experiences with racism for the script. Despite production chaos, including Kaye's erratic behavior and public disputes, Norton rose to stardom, earning an Oscar nomination. The film became a cult classic, although its making left careers altered. American History X endures as a testament to intense creative conflicts and a landmark film in American cinema.

Highlights

• Edward Norton turned down a role in Saving Private Ryan, seeking a career-defining lead and found it in American History X. 🎬
• Screenwriter David McKenna was inspired by real-life experiences with skinhead gangs and racism. ✍️
• Tony Kaye's antics, including bringing a rabbi, a priest, and a monk to a meeting, are legendary. 🙏
• Tensions during production didn't stop the film from achieving cult status. 🌟
• Despite Norton's critical acclaim, the film's making left Tony Kaye as a Hollywood outcast. 🎭

Key Takeaways

• Chaos and creativity often go hand-in-hand in Hollywood. 🎬
• Edward Norton dedicated himself to the role, gaining muscle and even halving his salary. 💪
• Tony Kaye's eccentric behavior puzzled and infuriated many, yet added to his mystique as a maverick. 🎭
• The film's post-production saga was more dramatic than the film itself, highlighting the influence and control struggles in Hollywood. 🎥
• American History X challenged its creators but emerged as a pivotal film of the 90s. 🌟

Overview

American History X was a controversial film that tackled neo-Nazism, released in 1998, but the drama didn't stop on screen. Behind the scenes, a rift between star Edward Norton and director Tony Kaye nearly derailed the film. Norton, known for his intense dedication, brought Derek Vineyard to life, while Kaye's unorthodox methods kept the set unpredictable. Their clashing visions ultimately made headlines, turning the film's creation into its own dramatic narrative.

Despite the production chaos, Norton shone through, earning an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. His portrayal of Derek, a neo-Nazi undergoing a personal transformation, resonated with audiences and critics alike. Norton's commitment was clear—from his physical transformation to his involvement in the editing process—cementing his place in Hollywood. However, this same drive led to headbutting with Kaye and marked him as a controversial yet respected figure.

Tony Kaye's career took a hit from the public disputes over the final cut of the film, but over time, American History X gained recognition as a cult classic. David McKenna, the screenwriter, successfully continued in Hollywood while Kaye continued his career outside the mainstream spotlight. The film remains an unusual yet powerful legacy, illustrating both the destructive and transformative potential of cinematic collaboration.

Chapters

• 00:00 - 00:30: Controversial Film, Controversial Production The chapter titled 'Controversial Film, Controversial Production' explores the tumultuous production of the 1998 film 'American History X.' Known for its intense portrayal of neo-nazism, the film was controversial for both its subject matter and the behind-the-scenes drama. Tensions arose between a prominent actor with a significant ego and a rebellious yet talented director, leading to significant conflict during filming. However, the real struggles began in post-production when both parties attempted to create vastly different versions of the film, highlighting a story of clashing egos and outrageous circumstances.
• 00:30 - 01:00: Edward Norton's Rise to Fame The chapter "Edward Norton's Rise to Fame" discusses the chaotic production meetings and turbulent behind-the-scenes drama surrounding a film, with Edward Norton at the center of it all. Norton's debut in 'Primal Fear,' a legal thriller where he played a young man accused of murder, earned him universal praise and an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Critics compared him to Robert DeNiro, and he quickly became Hollywood's most promising young star. Norton continued to showcase his talent with supporting roles in subsequent films.
• 01:00 - 01:30: The Search for a Defining Role In the chapter titled 'The Search for a Defining Role,' it's highlighted that Edward Norton was at a pivotal point in his career, actively seeking a lead role that would solidify his reputation as a versatile actor and establish him as a major star. Despite being offered major roles, such as the lead in 'Saving Private Ryan' by Steven Spielberg, Norton was selective and turned it down, focusing instead on opportunities that aligned with his goal of finding a role that truly showcased his talent. The 1990s, identified as a flourishing period for independent cinema, provided numerous scripts and opportunities for actors like him willing to explore beyond conventional offerings.
• 01:30 - 02:00: The Birth of 'American History X' The chapter titled 'The Birth of American History X' delves into the early beginnings of the film 'American History X.' It highlights how Edward Norton discovered the script, which was written by David McKenna. The chapter provides a backdrop of the early 1990s when McKenna was inspired to write the script, influenced by his experiences growing up in California during the punk rock era and the emergence of skinhead gangs. This formative period set the stage for the creation of the powerful narrative that would become 'American History X.'
• 02:00 - 02:30: David McKenna's Personal Inspiration David McKenna was personally inspired by witnessing acts of racism and violence, which made him question the roots and potential unlearning of such hatred. His reflections led him to write a script amidst the backdrop of the 1992 Los Angeles riots following the Rodney King case, reflecting the societal unrest in his work.
• 02:30 - 03:00: The Journey of the Script The chapter titled "The Journey of the Script" details McKenna's process of completing and attempting to sell his script for "American History X." The narrative follows the character Derek Vineyard, a young man filled with resentment after his father's murder by a black drug dealer. He becomes a Neo-Nazi leader, commits a crime, and goes to prison where he begins a process of change. Upon release, Derek tries to prevent his brother Dany from making the same mistakes, but it is too late. Confident in his script, McKenna sets out to pitch it to Hollywood executives.
• 03:00 - 03:30: Rescue of the Project The chapter titled 'Rescue of the Project' details the journey of a film script that initially struggled to find backing due to its dark theme. Despite initial interest, no one was willing to take the risk until Seavoy Pictures, a small studio, agreed to finance it with $9 million. However, shortly after, Seavoy went bankrupt. Fortunately, Michael Duca, president of production at New Line Cinema, which had found success in the 1980s with The Nightmare on Elm Street series and was known for supporting bold projects, stepped in to rescue the film.
• 03:30 - 04:00: Choosing a Director In this chapter, the process of selecting a director for the film 'American History X' is discussed. Duca was impressed by McKenna's script because of its raw honesty and saw great potential in it, provided it was executed correctly. In 1996, it became official that New Line Cinema would produce the film, and McKenna was involved in the development, receiving a co-producer credit. Despite being aware of the challenges in making a great film, McKenna did not anticipate the brutal difficulties that would arise. The film's budget was set at $20 million.
• 04:00 - 04:30: Tony Kaye's Unique Approach The chapter "Tony Kaye's Unique Approach" discusses the search for a director to handle a mature film project with a limited budget. Initially, New Line Cinema sought Dennis Hopper, a filmmaker known for his rebellious spirit, but his asking fee was too high. They also considered Larry Clark, whose schedule was full with other commitments. The narrative sets the stage for Tony Kaye's involvement, hinting at his unique approach to filmmaking.
• 04:30 - 05:00: Preparing to Capture Skinhead Realism This chapter discusses Tony Kaye, a highly sought-after director known for his visionary style that combines striking visuals with raw realism. Despite his success in commercials and music videos, Kaye is depicted as a character who self-promoted himself as the greatest British filmmaker since Hitchcock through ad space. The chapter highlights Kaye's view of advertising as merely a stepping stone towards his ultimate goal of pursuing a career in cinema.
• 05:00 - 05:30: Casting the Lead Role The chapter titled 'Casting the Lead Role' describes how Kay, despite having a passion for filmmaking, was cautious about choosing the right project when Hollywood offered opportunities. Producers like Jerry Bruckheimer aggressively tried to recruit him, presenting various projects, which Kay declined, perhaps with a sense of satisfaction. However, he remembered Bruckheimer's words warning that Kay would regret not starting his movie career with him. Eventually, after consistently rejecting Bruckheimer, Kay received the script for 'American History X,' finding a personal connection to the story due to his Jewish background.
• 05:30 - 06:00: Edward Norton Takes on Derek Vineyard Edward Norton considered McKenna's script weak but was confident in his ability to enhance it. He met with Duca and McKenna to share his vision for the film, including using black and white sequences, which was one of his trademarks. His approach impressed the studio, earning him the role of cinematographer as well. McKenna was initially amused by having a British eccentric direct his script but quickly saw the extent of his eccentricity. Despite his quirks, Kay was entirely dedicated to the project.
• 06:00 - 06:30: Norton and Kaye's Creative Clashes Begin Norton and Kaye encounter creative differences while working on a project. Kaye feels the script needs more depth, leading to a late-night decision to infiltrate a skinhead party to better understand the world they aim to portray. Despite the tense atmosphere and an intimidating encounter with a man displaying a tattoo of an M16 on his head, McKenna manages to converse with him for an hour, overcoming his fear to assure the man that their representation would not be unflattering.
• 06:30 - 07:00: Filming and Norton's Dedication The production of American History X was in search of its lead actor after securing its director. Initially, the first choice for the role of Derek Vineyard was Joaquin Phoenix, a rising star at the time. However, Phoenix declined the role, finding the idea repulsive. This left the casting director, Valerie McCaffrey, with the task of finding another actor who could embody the intense character. Edward Norton eventually discovered the script and took on the defining role, but it's noteworthy that future discussions about intense roles would later include Phoenix's performance in Joker.
• 07:00 - 07:30: Tensions Rise On Set The chapter 'Tensions Rise On Set' explores the initial hesitations around casting Edward Norton in a complex role. Norton finds the character intriguing, seeing him as both rage-driven and redeemable, a chance for a career breakthrough. Despite Norton's enthusiasm, director Kay has reservations, concerned about Norton's ability to convey fear. Their meeting is pivotal yet just the start of many forthcoming challenges on the set.
• 07:30 - 08:00: A Director's Eccentric Methods In this chapter, the narrative revolves around actor Edward Norton's dedication to his role, with Norton clashing with the director, Kay, regarding transformations needed for his character. Norton proves his commitment by accepting a significant pay cut and working tirelessly on his physical transformation. His efforts impress Kay and lead to Norton becoming fully immersed in his character, Derek Vineyard, which helps in solidifying the film's cast under the supervision of Kay and New Line Cinema.
• 08:00 - 08:30: Post-Production Disputes The chapter titled 'Post-Production Disputes' discusses the production phase of the film American History X. It highlights the casting choices, such as seasoned actors like Elliot Gould and Beverly D'Angelo, and Edward Furlong, known for his role in Terminator 2, taking on the character named Dany. The chapter points out that while the initial stages, including casting and pre-production, had their eccentricities, the deeper issues emerged once filming began in early 1997 at Venice Beach, California. Edward Norton demonstrated great dedication to his character Derek by shaving his head and adhering to a strict training regimen.
• 08:30 - 09:00: Norton's Involvement in Editing The chapter describes how a man named Kay drew attention on the film set, arriving in a Lincoln Town Car with the license plate reading 'Jewish', and carrying four cell phones and a fax machine. Without speaking, he walked around the set before taking charge by grabbing the camera, adjusting the light for the first scene, and giving precise instructions, demonstrating his deep involvement in the editing process along with Norton and the crew. His actions were driven by an undeniable hatred that inspired both his own performance and the commitment of the crew.
• 09:00 - 09:30: Tony Kaye's Reactions Tony Kaye, the director, was known for his eccentric behavior on set, mirroring his idol, Francis Ford Coppola, in making a strong impact in Hollywood. Although this strategy initially worked, tensions arose, particularly with actor Edward Norton, who had little patience for Kaye's unpredictable methods. Meanwhile, Kaye himself wasn't entirely confident in Norton, despite Norton's backing from New Line Cinema.
• 09:30 - 10:00: The Toronto Film Festival Conflict The chapter, titled 'The Toronto Film Festival Conflict,' explores the dynamics between two film collaborators who, despite having differences, are committed to creating an impactful movie. This determination is particularly highlighted during the filming of a controversial scene where a character confronts burglars in a violent encounter. The meticulous preparation involved in capturing this scene is emphasized, showcasing the director's detailed approach and choice of casting, specifically highlighting Antonio Davis Lions' involvement in the pivotal moment.
• 10:00 - 10:30: Kay's Desperate Measures The chapter titled 'Kay's Desperate Measures' gives a behind-the-scenes look at a moment from the film 'American History X.' A defining scene is described where a character's head is crushed on a curb, though in reality, it was just a prosthetic dummy used for the effect. This part of the book shows the dedication and involvement of David McKenna, the screenwriter, who was frequently on set. Despite initial conflicts, the film's production was marked by the cooperation between the director and the lead actor, leading to a project that McKenna visually loved for its bold and precise aesthetic. Filming concluded in May 1997.
• 10:30 - 11:00: Film's Release and Reception This chapter discusses the post-production phase of the film 'American History X.' While initial tensions seemed to resolve well by the end of production, the real challenge emerged during post-production. The chapter emphasizes the importance of teamwork and choosing collaborators wisely, as K worked with editor Alan Heim to shape the film, adhering closely to the original script.
• 11:00 - 11:30: Lasting Impact and Lessons Learned Kay was skeptical of McKenna's work, finding it overly sentimental with too many emotional scenes. He created a 95-minute version of the film, cutting parts he deemed unnecessary and controversially altering the original ending. Instead of Danny being killed by a black teenager, Kay's version concluded with Derek returning to his past as a skinhead. This decision aimed to strip the film of sentimentality and increase its impact.
• 11:30 - 12:00: Post-Film Career Paths The chapter discusses the post-film career paths of the involved individuals following their work on History X. New Line Cinema was initially pleased with a private screening of the movie, but subsequently provided studio notes directing adherence to the original script.

Making American History X was as dark as the film itself Transcription

• 00:00 - 00:30 American History X was one of the most controversial films of 1998 tackling the delicate subject of neo-nazism and featuring brutally intense scenes but if you thought the movie itself was controversial you have no idea what happened behind the scenes on one side a rising star with an oversized ego on the other a rebellious but brilliant director they didn't get along during filming but things truly spiraled out of control in post production when each of them fought to make a completely different movie this is a story of clashing egos outrageous statements
• 00:30 - 01:00 chaotic production meetings and careers left in Ruins both the film and its turbulent behind the scenes drama have one face at the center of it all Edward Norton he made his film debut in Primal Fear a legal thriller where he played a young man accused of murder his performance was universally praised with critics hailing him as the new Robert dairo and it earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor almost overnight he became Hollywood's most promising Young Star Norton continued proving his talent with supporting roles in the people versus
• 01:00 - 01:30 Larry Flint and everyone says I love you directed by Woody Allen around that time Steven Spielberg offered him the lead role in Saving Private Ryan but Norton turned it down he wasn't looking for just any role he was desperate for a lead performance that would define his career one that would showcase his full range and cement him as a true star he started reading every script that came his way not just those from well-known directors the '90s were a golden age for independent cinema a time when bold unconventional films launched careers n
• 01:30 - 02:00 believed that was where he had the best chance of striking gold and he was right before long he came across the script for American History X from here on the story takes a turn into absolute Madness but to truly understand what happened we need to go back a little further to the early 1990s the script that landed in Edward Norton's hands was written by David McKenna he grew up in California during the rise of punk rock and the emergence of skinhead gangs during high school he
• 02:00 - 02:30 met one and saw firsthand the disturbing acts of racism and violence they committed it made him wonder how someone could grow up filled with so much hatred he also asked himself is that kind of hatred something that can be unlearned drawing from his memories Reflections and research McKenna set to work on the first draft of the script between April and May of 1992 he shut himself in his Los Angeles apartment as the city erupted in riots over the Rodney King case the brutal beating of a black man by white police officers that unrest bled into his writing in just 6 weeks
• 02:30 - 03:00 McKenna had completed the first draft of American History X the story follows Derek Vineyard a young man consumed by resentment after his father is murdered by a black drug dealer fueled by rage he rises to lead a Neo-Nazi group a brutal crime sends him to prison where he slowly begins to change and reclaim his Humanity once released he tries to stop his younger brother Dany from following in his footsteps but by then it's already too late confident in his script for American history acts McKenna said out to sell it Hollywood Executives were
• 03:00 - 03:30 intrigued but the script was so dark that no one had the guts to take a chance on it then came seavoy pictures a small Studio willing to put up $9 million to make the film at just 25 McKenna had officially made it as a professional screenwriter but only a few days later seavoy went bankrupt fortunately Michael Duca new line Cinema's president of production stepped in and rescued the project the studio had made its Mark in the 80s with The Nightmare on Elm Street franchise and by the9 it was backing bold boundary
• 03:30 - 04:00 pushing films like David Fincher's 7 Duca was drawn to McKenna's script its raw honesty hit him hard he saw the potential for something truly powerful as long as it was done right by 1996 it was official new line Cinema would produce American History X McKenna was brought into the development process and given a co-producer credit he knew making a great film wouldn't be easy but he had no idea just how brutal the process would get the budget for American history acts was set at $20
• 04:00 - 04:30 million not a huge sum but enough to make an uncompromising mature film new line Cinema needed a director who was talented bold and most importantly budget friendly when the project was still at seavoy they approached Dennis Hopper to direct a legendary filmmaker with a rebellious Edge Hopper asked for a $1 million paycheck too steep for the budget meanwhile Duca reached out to Larry Clark Fresh Off The Buzz from his debut film kids but Clark was already tied up with other projects as the sech dragged on Duca suggested British
• 04:30 - 05:00 director Tony Kay one of the most sought-after names in commercials and music videos Kay was a Visionary who Blended striking visuals with raw realism big Brands and top artists fought to work with him but Kay wasn't just talented he was a character in his own right before shooting a single frame of film he bought ad space to Proclaim himself the greatest British filmmaker since Alfred Hitchcock he always saw advertising as a stepping stone to his true passion Cinema despite making a fortune in commercials he felt it had
• 05:00 - 05:30 pulled him away from his real dream making movies so when Hollywood Came Calling he listened but he wasn't about to take just any project the PowerHouse producer Jerry brookheimer pursued him relentlessly pitching project after project Kay turned him down every time almost gleefully but he never forgot brw heimer's parting words if you don't make your first movie with me you'll end up crying once he was done turning down brookheimer Kay got the script for American History X he connected with the story especially as a practice Jew but
• 05:30 - 06:00 he found McKenna's script weak still he was confident he could make it his own adding Reinventing and improving what was already on the page Kay met with Duca and McKenna to pitch his vision for the film which included shooting sequences in black and white one of his trademarks the studio was so impressed they also hired him as the film's cinematographer McKenna found it amusing that a British eccentric was directing his script but soon enough he'd realize just how truly eccentric Kay was quirks aside Kay was fully committed to the
• 06:00 - 06:30 project he told McKenna the script was still missing something McKenna revised it again but Kay believed they needed to dive deeper into the world they were trying to capture one night the two snuck into a skin head party the atmosphere was tense at one point McKenna found himself face to face with a guy who had an M16 tattooed on the side of his head it was intimidating but he managed to talk to him for an hour as their conversation wrapped up the man asked are you going to make us look like a bunch of idiots McKenna pushed down his fear and assured him that wouldn't
• 06:30 - 07:00 be the case with the director in place the production of American History X set out to find its lead and that brings us back to Norton discovering the script though he would go on to define the role of Derek Vineyard Norton wasn't the first choice Kay initially set his sights on another Rising Star Walkin Phoenix but Phoenix turned it down calling the idea repulsive years later he would develop a reputation for being just as intense particularly with Joker but that's a story we've already covered in another video with no lead in play casting director Valerie mcaffrey
• 07:00 - 07:30 suggested Edward Norton Kay wasn't convinced but new line Cinema pushed for him Norton loved the script and the character he saw Derek as a complex figure consumed by rage yet capable of redemption audiences could empathize with him and the role would also give Norton the Breakthrough he had been waiting for despite his doubts Kay met with Norton he admired his intelligence and even noted his athleticism but he wanted someone who commanded fear and Norton didn't seem threatening at all all this would be the first of many
• 07:30 - 08:00 clashes between them but Norton was determined he even agreed to cut his salary in half from $1 million to $500,000 more importantly he promised to transform his physique to look the part Kay agreed but wanted to keep a close eye on him to make sure he was serious to his surprise in Just 4 months Norton packed on 30 lbs of muscle and carried himself with real Authority that's when Kay admitted this wasn't Edward Norton anymore this was Derek Vineyard to round out the cast Kay and new line Cinema
• 08:00 - 08:30 brought in a few seasoned actors including Elliot Gould and Beverly D'Angelo the role of Dany went to Edward Furlong who is still widely recognized for playing John Connor in Terminator 2 with the cast and crew in place American History X was ready to start filming up to that point there had only been a few eccentric moments but now the real problems were about to begin filming for American History X began in early 1997 in Venice Beach California from day one Norton proved his dedication to the role of Derek he shaved his head stuck to an intense training regimen and most
• 08:30 - 09:00 importantly fully embodied a man consumed by hatred his commitment was undeniable it motivated both his coars and the crew but the one who commanded the most attention was Kay on the first day of filming he arrived in a lincol town car with a chauffeur his license plate reading Jewish he also carried four cell phones and a fax machine then without a word he wandered around the set in silence before Norton and the rest of the crew could even begin to wonder what he was doing Kay grabbed the camera adjusted the light in for the first scene and gave precise
• 09:00 - 09:30 instructions to the cast and crew within minutes everyone was working this became his daily ritual Kay knew he was cultivating an eccentric image and he embraced it his Idol was Francis Ford cppa not just for his filmmaking genius but for the way he made Hollywood Bend to his will it was a strategy that worked for a while but there was no hiding the tension between Norton and Kay Norton had little patience for the director's erratic Behavior while Kay still wasn't fully convinced about his lead who of course had new line Cinema's
• 09:30 - 10:00 unwavering support still they both knew the film could be a turning point in their careers so they put their differences aside to create something Unforgettable that commitment was especially evident while filming one of the movie's most disturbing scenes Derek confronting two black burglars and brutally slaughtering one of them Kay meticulously planned every shot he first photographed each detail using standin then worked out the camera angles and lighting from there for the victim he cast Antonio Davis Lions drawn to his
• 10:00 - 10:30 striking features especially the way his face conveyed raw vulnerability as he bit down on the curb of course the head Norton crushes in the scene belonged to a prosthetic dummy between Norton and K stood David McKenna the screenwriter he was on set every day watching his vision come to life seeing the director and lead actor put aside their differences to work together made him genuinely happy he also loved the film's visual style a striking blend of raw intensity and cinematic Precision filming for American History X wrapped in May 1997
• 10:30 - 11:00 despite the tensions things ended on relatively good terms but unlike other stories we've covered on this channel the real nightmare didn't happen during production it happened in post and get ready because this is more than just a behind the-scenes drama it's a lesson in teamwork and more importantly a warning about choosing your collaborators wisely at first post- production on American History X was a smooth process for K after approving an Dudley's score he sat down with editor Alan Heim to shape the film both stayed true to the script but
• 11:00 - 11:30 Kay had never been fully convinced by McKenna's work he felt there were too many scenes of characters crying and hugging in his mind the film needed to be tighter faster stripped of sentimentality so he put together a 95-minute cut he trimmed what he considered unnecessary and most controversially changed the original ending instead of closing with Danny's murder at the hands of a black teenager Kay's version had Derek reverting to his old ways becoming a skin head again according to Decay his cut of American
• 11:30 - 12:00 History X which he saw as a diamond in the rough was well received by new line Cinema in a private screening but the next day he got Studio notes everyone wanted him to stick to the original script McKenna joined the push back unable to understand why K whom he considered a friend was so fixated on taking the film in a completely different direction but the most furious of all was Norton he refused to accept that his character would end up even worse than where he started instead of accepting the Studio's notes K double down insisting he could make the film
• 12:00 - 12:30 even shorter that's when Norton took his complaints to the studio demanding they step in for Michael Duca it felt like deja vu he had already lived through a similar nightmare at new line Cinema with the island of Dr Moro that film's downfall began when original director Richard Stanley clashed with its star Val Kilmer back then the studio sided with Kilmer and in American History X they backed Norton they even allowed him to take part in post- production alongside another editor Jerry Greenberg Kay was outraged he didn't hesitate to
• 12:30 - 13:00 declare I'm fully aware that I'm a firsttime director but I deserve the same autonomy and respect as Stanley kubri unfortunately for him Kay was no kubric and he realized it every time he clashed with Norton in the editing room Kay would argue his case only to be stunned by Norton's razor sharp rhetoric the actor wasn't just articulate he knew exactly how Hollywood worked K on the other hand still believ Norton knew nothing about directing even when Kay had valid points it didn't matter Norton had Duca on his side after yet another heated argument Kay
• 13:00 - 13:30 lost control he swung his fist ready to take a shot at Norton but at the last second he punched a wall instead the impact was so brutal that he needed several stitches as the fighting continued post- production dragged on for months it wasn't until June 1998 that Norton and Greenberg completed a new cut of American History X 40 minutes longer than K's version new line Cinema preferred this cut and McKenna celebrated Norton's involvement he even went so far as to say it felt like rescuing a child from an abusive father
• 13:30 - 14:00 but Kay was horrified the film now included all the hugging and crying scenes he had fought to remove plus a Redemptive ending and to make matters worse Norton had given himself more screen time at this point Kay saw him as nothing more than an insufferable narcissist but instead of giving up he begged Duca for one last chance to make his own Final Cut reluctantly Duca agreed to a meeting but Kade didn't show up alone he brought a rabbi a priest and a Buddhist monk they hadn't seen any version of the film Kade just wanted them there to lighten the mood in what
• 14:00 - 14:30 he knew would be a difficult conversation he even told them you don't have to take my side but if you have something to say say it the rabbi the priest and the monk were completely baffled but Kay desperate for divine intervention actually got what he wanted maybe just to get rid of him in his three guests DeLuca gave him eight more weeks to edit yet another version of American History X Kay had been given a second chance one that would determine his future in the project and even in Hollywood at first he claimed to have a bold New Vision though he wasn't sure how long it would take he brought in
• 14:30 - 15:00 poet Derek Walcott to record a new voiceover but that was about as far as he got instead of focusing on the edit Kay LED himself be consumed by his hatred for Norton and new line Cinema he spent $100,000 to place 40 subliminal ads in Industry Publications like variety and The Hollywood Reporter using quotes from William Shakespeare and John lennin he launched veiled attacks on Norton in the studio Kay enjoyed the chaos relishing his role as Hollywood's newest Rebel but his Antics came at a price between the ad campaign and his
• 15:00 - 15:30 failure to deliver a new cut he was officially removed from American History X that could have been the end of the battle between Norton new line Cinema and K but in reality it was just the beginning the premiere of American History X was set for September 1998 at the Toronto Film Festival Norton saw it as the perfect opportunity for both audiences and critics to witness what he considered his most intense performance to date but the announcement of the screening infuriated Kay he was convinced they would be showing Norton's cut determined to stop it he flew to
• 15:30 - 16:00 Canada and personally met with Piers handling the festival's director to demand that the film be pulled from the lineup and he succeeded but Kay wasn't done yet he took his fight to the Director's Guild of America requesting that his name be removed from the credits of American History X and replaced with an alias like Humpty Dumpty The Guild denied his request citing his public outbursts as the reason frustrated and overwhelmed he filed a $200 million lawsuit against both the guil and new line Cinema when
• 16:00 - 16:30 that also failed he considered more Extreme Measures orchestrating attacks on theaters showing the film or sending protesters to block entrances but he was exhausted he realized the war was lost it was time to walk away from the film from the fight and from everyone involved amid the controversy American History X hit theaters on October 30th 1998 it gross $23 million barely surpassing its $20 million budget while mainstream audiences largely ignored it critics embraced the film no one was
• 16:30 - 17:00 happier than Norton his performance was universally praised he was no longer just the new Robert dairo he was Edward Norton an artist in his own right the impact of his performance earned him an Oscar nomination for best actor but Norton's rise to fame came with a reputation for being difficult in Hollywood people praised his talent but they also whispered about his controlling nature his ability to shape a film's final cut meanwhile American history act secured its place in modern pop culture but how did it affect the people made it over the years American
• 17:00 - 17:30 History X built a dedicated cult following and is now considered one of the essential films of the 9s but more than anything it forever changed the lives of those who made it David McKenna the man who started it all established a steady career in Hollywood he continues to develop films and TV shows and has never stopped being grateful for how new line Cinema treated him speaking of the studio in 2008 new line merged with Warner Brothers where Michael Duca remains one of its top executives as for Edward Norton he achieved the long
• 17:30 - 18:00 coveted status of a Hollywood star he also directed a few films but as we mentioned earlier his perfectionist Tendencies led him to interfere in Productions where he was only supposed to act this caused problems on films like red dragon and the Incredible Hulk even so his talent is widely respected by colleagues and directors alike ensuring he's never truly sidelined in the industry and what about Tony K after the post- production Scandal Hollywood shut him out the advertising agencies that once idolized him him and tolerated
• 18:00 - 18:30 his eccentricities cut ties with him he went from being a Visionary to a pariah Kay realized he had gone too far and the price was steep still he held on to some of his Prestige and managed to rebuild his career while his later films never match the impact of his debut they helped him restore some of his reputation as for American History X he eventually learned to appreciate the Final Cut and harbors no resentment toward Norton or Duca American history act set out to expose the consequences of hate and in tolerance yet its production was filled with those very
• 18:30 - 19:00 same things some came out celebrating others were left in tears despite everything what remains is a film that continues to stir as much controversy as its own making