6 Films Investigating The New Aryan Order's Activities and Beliefs
Exploring Extremism in Modern Cinema
The New Aryan Order emerged as a white supremacist group in the 1980s, gaining notoriety for its extremist ideology and violent activities. This organization's rise and impact on American society have been the subject of several films that explore its origins, beliefs, and consequences.
These six films offer viewers a deeper look into the New Aryan Order's operations, shedding light on a dark chapter in recent history. Through dramatizations, documentaries, and investigative reporting, filmmakers have sought to uncover the group's motivations and expose the dangers of extremist ideologies. The movies tackle complex themes surrounding racism, domestic terrorism, and the ongoing struggle against hate groups in the United States.
1) The Believer (2001)
The Believer explores the complex character of Daniel Balint, a young Jewish man who becomes a neo-Nazi. Directed by Henry Bean, this provocative drama stars Ryan Gosling in his first leading role.
Based loosely on the true story of Dan Burros, the film examines the internal conflicts of its protagonist. Daniel's intelligence and anger drive his transformation into a violent anti-Semite, despite his own Jewish heritage.
Gosling delivers a powerful performance, portraying Daniel's struggle between his cultural background and newfound extremist beliefs. The film doesn't shy away from depicting disturbing scenes of hatred and violence.
Critics praised The Believer for its daring approach to a sensitive subject. It won the Grand Jury Prize at the 2001 Sundance Film Festival, garnering attention for its controversial themes.
The movie raises questions about identity, faith, and the nature of belief. It offers a chilling look into the mindset of those drawn to extremist ideologies.
Wikipedia: The Believer (2001 film)
2) American History X (1998)
American History X explores the world of neo-Nazi skinheads in Los Angeles. The film follows Derek Vineyard, a former white supremacist leader, as he attempts to prevent his younger brother from following the same path.
Directed by Tony Kaye, the movie stars Edward Norton as Derek and Edward Furlong as his brother Danny. It uses a nonlinear narrative structure, alternating between color scenes in the present and black-and-white flashbacks.
The film delves into themes of racism, redemption, and the cycle of hate. It portrays Derek's transformation from a violent skinhead to a reformed individual after his time in prison.
American History X received critical acclaim for its powerful performances and unflinching portrayal of racial tensions. Norton earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role.
The movie serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of extremist ideologies and the possibility of change. It remains relevant in discussions about white supremacy and racial conflict in America.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_History_X]
3) Imperium (2016)
Imperium is a crime thriller that delves into the world of white supremacist groups. Daniel Radcliffe stars as Nate Foster, an FBI agent who goes undercover to infiltrate these organizations.
The film explores various factions within the white supremacist movement. These include a talk show host, a suburban family man, and an Aryan Alliance leader.
Nate encounters challenges as he navigates the complex web of relationships and ideologies within these groups. He must maintain his cover while gathering intelligence on potential terrorist threats.
Imperium draws inspiration from real-life experiences of former FBI agent Michael German. The film aims to provide insight into the methods used by law enforcement to investigate and prevent domestic terrorism.
Through Nate's journey, viewers gain a glimpse into the beliefs and activities of white supremacist groups. The film highlights the dangers posed by extremist ideologies and the efforts to combat them.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Imperium_(2016_film)
4) The Aryan Couple (2004)
The Aryan Couple is a 2004 Anglo-American drama film directed by John Daly. Set in 1944 during World War II, it explores the harrowing experiences of a wealthy Jewish Hungarian family.
The story centers on a Jewish industrialist who is forced to surrender his business to the Nazis. This sacrifice is made to secure safe passage out of the Third Reich for his large family.
Martin Landau stars as the industrialist, alongside Judy Parfitt. The film also features Kenny Doughty and Caroline Carver in prominent roles.
The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of the Holocaust, highlighting the difficult choices faced by Jewish families under Nazi rule. It portrays the complex dynamics between the Jewish characters and their Nazi oppressors.
The film was released under the title "The Couple" for home video distribution in the United States. It offers a dramatic portrayal of survival, sacrifice, and the human cost of war.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Aryan_Couple]
5) Skin (2018)
Skin is a biographical drama film that explores the journey of Bryon Widner, a former neo-Nazi skinhead who decides to leave his hateful past behind. Directed by Guy Nattiv, the film stars Jamie Bell as Widner alongside Danielle Macdonald and Vera Farmiga.
The movie delves into the challenges Widner faces as he attempts to break free from his white supremacist group and start a new life. It portrays his struggle to remove the racist tattoos that cover his body, symbolizing his transformation.
Skin sheds light on the inner workings of white supremacist organizations and the difficulties individuals face when trying to leave such groups. The film examines themes of redemption, identity, and the power of human connection.
Through Widner's story, the film offers a unique perspective on the complexities of racism and the potential for personal change. It presents a raw and unflinching look at the destructive nature of hate groups and their impact on individuals and society.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Skin_(2018_feature_film)]
6) Romper Stomper (1992)
Romper Stomper is an Australian drama film directed by Geoffrey Wright. Released in 1992, it portrays the activities of a neo-Nazi skinhead group in Melbourne.
The film stars Russell Crowe as Hando, the charismatic leader of the skinhead gang. It explores themes of racial tension, violence, and social alienation in suburban Australia.
Romper Stomper gained attention for its raw depiction of racism and its unflinching portrayal of skinhead culture. The story follows the group's clashes with the local Vietnamese community.
The film sparked controversy upon release due to its graphic content and portrayal of extremist ideology. Critics praised Russell Crowe's powerful performance, which helped launch his international career.
Romper Stomper offers a gritty and unsettling look at the motivations and consequences of far-right extremism. It remains a significant work in Australian cinema, known for its provocative subject matter and intense performances.
[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Romper_Stomper]
Historical Context of The New Aryan Order
The New Aryan Order emerged in the 1980s as a white supremacist militant group with neo-Nazi ideologies. It marked a shift in extremist movements by targeting the federal government as its primary enemy.
Origins and Development
The New Aryan Order, also known as The Order, was founded in 1983 by Robert Jay Mathews. It grew out of existing white supremacist networks, particularly the Aryan Nations. The group aimed to establish an all-white homeland in the Pacific Northwest.
Unlike previous extremist organizations, The Order adopted a more militant stance. They engaged in criminal activities to fund their operations, including counterfeiting and armed robberies.
The group's activities were short-lived but intense. By 1984, law enforcement had begun to close in on its members.
Key Figures and Leadership
Robert Jay Mathews stood as the central figure and leader of The New Aryan Order. Born in 1953, Mathews became deeply involved in far-right ideologies during his youth.
His leadership was cut short in December 1984. After a standoff with federal agents on Whidbey Island, Washington, Mathews died when the house he was in caught fire.
Other notable members included David Tate, who gained infamy for killing a Missouri state trooper in 1985. The group's security chief, Elden "Bud" Cutler, also faced arrest for attempting to orchestrate the murder of an FBI informant.
Beliefs and Ideologies
The New Aryan Order espouses a radical white supremacist ideology rooted in racism, antisemitism, and extreme nationalism. Their core beliefs draw from earlier neo-Nazi and white power movements while incorporating newer conspiracy theories.
Core Principles and Doctrines
The New Aryan Order promotes the idea of white racial superiority and purity. They advocate for the creation of an all-white ethnostate, free from other races and ethnicities. The group views Jews as their primary enemy, blaming them for perceived societal ills.
They reject multiculturalism and immigration, seeing them as threats to white identity. The Order embraces pseudo-scientific racial theories long discredited by mainstream science. Their ideology often incorporates elements of Nordic paganism and occultism.
Members are encouraged to prepare for an impending race war they believe will usher in their vision of an Aryan society. The group glorifies violence as a means to achieve their goals.
Comparison with Other Movements
The New Aryan Order shares ideological roots with earlier white supremacist groups like The Order from the 1980s. Both promote similar racist and antisemitic views. However, the New Aryan Order has adapted to the internet age, using social media to spread propaganda.
Unlike some white nationalist groups that attempt to soften their image, the New Aryan Order openly embraces neo-Nazi symbolism and rhetoric. They reject any attempts at mainstreaming their ideology.
The group's apocalyptic views align with accelerationist movements that seek to hasten societal collapse. Their embrace of conspiracy theories overlaps with some far-right extremist movements.
Impact on Society
The New Aryan Order's activities and beliefs have had significant ripple effects across society. Their extremist ideology has influenced modern hate groups and sparked reactions from law enforcement and community organizations.
Influence on Modern Extremism
The New Aryan Order's tactics and rhetoric have inspired other white supremacist groups. Their use of encrypted communications and decentralized cell structures has been adopted by several extremist organizations.
The group's pseudo-religious elements, blending Norse mythology with white supremacist beliefs, have attracted younger recruits searching for identity and purpose.
Their "leaderless resistance" model has made it challenging for authorities to dismantle the organization fully, allowing splinter groups to continue operating.
Reactions and Counteractions
Law enforcement agencies have increased resources for monitoring and infiltrating white supremacist groups in response to the New Aryan Order's activities.
Community organizations have launched education initiatives to counter the group's recruitment efforts, particularly targeting at-risk youth.
Some former members have become valuable informants, providing insights into the group's inner workings and helping to prevent planned attacks.
Anti-hate groups have used social media campaigns to expose and discredit the New Aryan Order's ideology, making it harder for them to operate openly.
