Malcolm X Movie Review

Malcolm X (1992)

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Written by: Alex Haley & Malcolm X (Book "The Autobiography of Malcolm X") and Arnold Perl (screenplay) and Spike Lee (screenplay)
Directed by: Spike Lee
Starring: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo
Rated: R
Watch the trailer

Plot:
The epic tale of Malcolm X, from an orphan to a gangster and his time in jail where he joins the Nation of Islam. After his release from jail he becomes a prominent minister but his success breeds contempt among his peers.

Verdict:
Malcolm X is a history lesson. It's worth seeing for the education alone. While it's a bit long it also has a big story to tell. Denzel Washington does an excellent job in a demanding role.
Watch it.

Review:
This starts as a gangster film. Malcolm (Denzel Washington) is a small time thug with slick backed hair and brightly color suits. This contrasts with his rise as a civil rights leader. He becomes more introspective and reserved. Washington really had two different roles and completely inhabits both. He goes from comedic and swagger to serious and reserved.

Malcolm X's passion helps him rise as Nation of Islam minister. Those around him begin tearing him down. Malcolm clings to his faith as those around him abuse it.

I don't agree with what the character is saying, but I respect the underlying idea. His goal is to empower the community. While his ideas could be perceived as militant, he's opposed to violence.

This is a epic movie in scale and scope, clocking in at over three hours long. We see Malcolm's childhood, his time as a gangster, his imprisonment, and his social activism after prison.
It could have been trimmed down. A lot of the scenes with Spike Lee as Malcolm's gangster friend seemed overly comedic and unnecessary. The movie really begins once Malcolm emerges from prison.