Review of Malcolm X (1992) by Gregory G — 28 Dec 2010
Biographical epic on the life of black rights and nationalist leader Malcolm X, as directed by Spike Lee, is equally stirring and conventional. At more than three hours, Lee chronicles forty years in the life of Malcolm X, from his life as a young hustler in Harlem, eventually landing him in prison, to his spiritual transformation into a leading spokesperson for the Nation of Islam.
The early scenes have a lively jazz tone as Lee shows us Malcolm's aimless youth then shifts into a somber, serious tone in detailing Malcolm's emergence as an activist. Denzel Washington gives a commanding, beautifully expressive performance as Malcolm X.
He captures the charisma and forcefulness of Malcolm's oratory skills but is just as effective in the quieter scenes. Al Freeman Jr. is uncanny in his physical and vocal impression of Elijah Muhammad.
Gorgeously lit by the gifted cinematographer Ernest Dickerson. Some flaws: Lee glosses over Malcolm's pilgrimage to Mecca and spiritual awakening which was such a transformative experience in his life.
Malcolm's fractious relationship with the Nation of Islam has been minimized. The importance of wife Betty Shabbaz (well played by Angela Bassett) is diminished. The white characters are at times cartoonish villains.
The prologue and epilogue expose Lee's expected indulgences. Based on the phenomenal, non-linear "Autobiography of Malcolm X" as told by Alex Haley. This straightforward adaptation is by Spike Lee and Arnold Pearl.
With Albert Hall, Delroy Lindo, Spike Lee, Theresa Randle, Kate Vernon. Selected for preservation by the National Film Registry.
This review of Malcolm X (1992) was written by Gregory G on 28 Dec 2010.
Malcolm X has generally received very positive reviews.
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