Malcolm X

In 1992, African American filmmaker Spike Lee wrote and directed a film that was based on a book that influenced him as a teen.  Malcolm X is a powerful and gripping movie-biography of the controversial Black Nationalist Leader of the same name.  It follows Malcolm's life through the events that shaped him as a human being and his beliefs in the Nation of Islam.

The intensity is brought to the starring role through Denzel Washington, who earned an Oscar nomination for his portrayal.  Washington's performance is reminiscent of Malcolm X in the way of his facial expressions, accent and hand gestures.  The movie does run a little long with an allotted time of 202 minutes, but the time is needed for the amount of depth needed to show who Malcolm X really is.  Despite what your opinion may be of Malcolm X, this movie might change your mind.

☆☆☆☆

The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X heavily inspired filmmaker Spike Lee to write the screenplay for the film.  Below he talks to Ebony Jet Magazine about the book and the movie.