Review of Malcolm X (1992) by Jelani D — 08 Mar 2010

This movie is the first "Spike Lee joint" that I have seen. As far as the movie itself, I can't say I enjoy Lee's style of filmmaking. It felt like he was trying too hard to be artsy at times. It made the first half of the movie, where we learn about Malcolm's delinquent days, drag on forever. There were many scenes I felt could have been cut, but still get the point across about what he was like before he turned to Islam.

The second part of the movie is what I enjoyed best. I knew very little about him, and so it was interesting to learn who he was. I admire him for coming out after his trip to Mecca to take back some of the things he had said in the past. I don't recall any other person in history ever doing the same. It is really too bad that such a soul was taken from us so soon. I truly believe this country would be a different place had he had the chance to continue on his mission. I also especially enjoyed the documentary that came in the Special Features. It goes a little more in depth on what Malcolm actually went through with the Nation of Islam after he left. What a sad story. It broke my heart to see a trying man have such evil enemies. Denzel did such a great job portraying this great figure. Cheers to him.