10 Hardest-To-Watch Movie Scenes
6. American History X - Curbstomp
American History X is a tough film. Littered with Nazi propaganda and exploring the stark realities of this lifestyle, Edward Norton plays Derek Vinyard, a neo-Nazi skinhead and leader of a white supremecy group, and golden-tongued influencer within his racist community.
The film is centred around his younger brother Danny (Edward Furlong), portraying his idolisation of Derek in worrying naivety. After being sent to prison and learning the error of his ways, Derek tries to reach out to Danny and change his path before it's too late - but it's learning what sent Derek to prison that really sets the tone for this gritty, dark film.
When two young black men attempt to steal Derek's car, he manages to catch one of the pair before he can get away. Derek is blinded by a murderous rage, and we watch helplessly as he forces the would-be thief to bite the curb, promptly smashing his head in with his foot. It's his sadistic pleasure in the act that's so terrible to watch, and the deeply disturbing tone of the film is set with one foul blow.