Review of Malcolm X (1992) by Flloyd B — 03 Jan 2008

Bridges the gap rather well between Spike's larger and smaller budget films, and gives meaning to Spike's quote that white Norman Jewison couldn't have done the man justice. While it's clear even three hours isn't enough to follow the book closely, and it perhaps throws its best focus into Malcolm's NOI years, the film is none the worse for it, as it isn't for creative license issues surrounding it.

Louis Farrakhan's role in the film (and Malcolm's offing) mysteriously disappeared after some threats from the man himself, and the fact that Malcolm's family couldn't play too large a part meant Spike had to invent a pivotal character (and for reasons known only to him, play it himself), but these are barely bad points that deflect attention away from the real vital, thrilling parts of the storyline.

And of course Denzel is rather excellent in the part. In short, genius. Even though the whole thing should've been short. Oh well.