Review of Malcolm X (1992) by David A — 20 May 2018

Malcolm X is the greatest biopic ever filmed!

Spike Lee directs his magnum opus with his 1992 movie Malcolm X. It is as poignant a movie and message as when it was first conceived. Lee brilliantly adapted Alex Haley's novel The Autobiography of Malcolm X thoroughly. Malcolm X is a wholly comprehensive look at the life of Malcolm X. We see his childhood, young adulthood, incarceration, reformation, epiphany, all the way up to his assassination. It is historically accurate, detailed, fair, and quite profound. I also continue to find this movie highly entertaining at all times. Please watch Malcolm X.

Spike Lee's direction and creative visuals persist as some of the most innovative and immaculate cinematography and framing ever committed to film. Every scene has an interesting angle or perspective. So many cool panning shots and intense sequences. There are brilliant quiet moments filmed in a more intimate style, then boisterous scenes shot in a more wild style. Spike Lee proves his mastery as a director with Malcolm X.

Notably, Denzel Washington delivers his absolute peak performance as an actor. Watching Washington embody the look, tone, complexity, and wisdom of Malcolm X is a delight. He captures every type of personality that Malcolm represented, while simultaneously demonstrating Malcolm X's bold presence. Washington plays him calm, cool, and collected. Malcolm X starts out misguided, but evolves into the ultimate orator, verbose in vocabulary, passionate in faith, and engaging in speech. It is a pleasure to witness Washington's acting as Malcolm X.

A number of brilliant supporting performances are contained within Malcolm X. I love Angela Bassett in this movie as Betty X. Delroy Lindo is excellent as the mobster Archie. Albert Hall is captivating as Baines. Al Freeman Jr. is truly haunting in his take as Elijah Muhammad. I actually really love Spike Lee's portrayal of Shorty. He gives as good a performance as Lee does in Do the Right Thing. Every gives their career best here. It's an impressive ensemble to say the least.

In all, Malcolm X is an important film for society's conscious, film history, Denzel Washington's career, and Spike Lee's filmography. It is also the most engaging and comprehensive biopic ever released. I think people everywhere will relate and understand Malcolm X more deeply than what they previously knew before watching the movie. I highly recommend this cultural classic of cinema. Malcolm X will astonish you!