Dylan: Roberto Benigni was awarded Best Actor over Norton, so in terms of miscarriages of justice by members of the Academy or their wives or whoever actually votes, you’re right, that was one of the biggest boners in Oscar history. I really hate Life Is Beautiful and Benigni’s work in general. I need to relax here. I’m glad I’m not a minority on my opinion for American History X and welcome your comments here. Thanks!

Chuck: The case you made about what doesn’t work with American History X is the most cogent I’ve read yet. Strangely, I didn’t feel like I was being clobbered with messages while I was watching this particular film, but do detest that facet in other dramas. As for Hopper, he seems to adopt more mainstream acceptance the older he gets, from Blue Velvet to Speed to now starring in commercials for Ameriprise Financial. Who ever saw the Easy Rider dude selling retirement plans?

Elizabeth: Don’t flatter me. You could find this information in three or four other places. Thanks as always for commenting.

It feels too neat and closed at the end. The term paper as narrative thread is a bit hokey, a bit too after school special. These characters should be allowed to break away from the tethers of a strict morality play. The picture’s biggest asset is also probably it’s biggest weakness: that intensity. You feel as if Kaye, Norton and whoever else are continually clubbing you over the head with the MESSAGE, MESSAGE, MESSAGE.

But if one had to make an after school special, this is certainly the way to make it. I haven’t seen X in years but I can recall many sequences, which is saying something (particularly that gruesome murder on the sidewalk). And Norton is wonderful.

Good work here Joe. And I didn’t know about Hopper being offered the part, I didn’t think he was that viable in the Hollywood game at that point, though I could certainly see the director of Colors taking on American History X.

And, of course, Daniel and Fletch just said many of the same things I did. I should really read the comments before tooting my own horn. Sorry guys!

Norton not winning the Oscar for this performance will always go down as one of the all-time snubs in my book. His performance was beyond deserving.

I, like others, do have some problems with the movie. It’s not perfect, after all. I’ve never cared all that much for the ending – I don’t hate it, but it smacks of melodrama rather than actual drama. Still, that’s a minor complaint.