In the film American History X, Edward Norton plays Derek Vinyard, a former neo-nazi skinhead who is trying to prevent his younger brother from following the same dark path of hate. During the film, there are black and white flashbacks to times before Derek's reincarnation, as well as his time served in prison. A specific flashback that truly show's Derek's low point in the photo scene here. This photo shows Derek right before he is incarcerated for murdering a black gang member. This image is a complete depiction of Derek at the time of his arrest, angry and ridden with hatred; completely lost from the humanity he once had. It's apparent through this photo that Derek is a confused man, a brain-washed soldier of hatred. This mentality is thus addressed in prison, where he received clarity, a soldier no more.After Derek leaves jail, he is a new man. This picture is highly representative of that and is a stark contrast to the photo of his arrest. He has a full head of hair (unlike a skin-head) and is wearing a white shirt (suggestive of a light, angelic nature) which covers the swastika he proudly displayed before. He is surrounded by family, all smiling, which suggests support for his new, more open attitude. (Technically, they don't know about it, but that is still what the picture suggests.)
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