Review of Malcolm X (1992) by Joshua R — 10 Mar 2013

Directed by Spike Lee, this was a passion project for both him and producer Marvin Worth, the latter had been trying for over 25 years to do a film based on The Autobiography of Malcolm X. After director Norman Jewison left the project due to script problems, Lee signed up, and it was his most epic film to date, while Lee's films have an angry voice about them, this is a very respectful biopic, and the only angry voice is that of it's title character.

Malcolm Little (Denzel Washington) was a small time drug pusher and pimp in Boston in the 1940's known as 'Detroit Red', however Malcolm was sentenced to 8 to 10 years in prison for robbing the home of a rich white couple.

In prison, Malcolm reads the bible and becomes a follower of the readings and teachings of black American religious leader Elijah Muhammad (Al Freeman, Jr.), who takes Malcolm under his wing upon his release.

Malcolm converts to Islam, and becomes Malcolm X, and he encourages blacks to stand up against the whites, but he soon becomes disillusioned with Elijah's teachings, and opts for a more peaceful activism.

It's a very powerful film, and Lee captures the time period well, and Washington gives off a powerful and enigmatic performance. It might be a bit overlong, but it's a really captivating and is a good screen protrayal of one of the great activists of the 20th Century.