Biographical epic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader ('25-'65), from his early life and career as a small-time gangster, to his ministry as a member of the Nation of Islam.
Writer/Director: Spike Lee
Writers: Alex Haley (book), Malcolm X (book), Arnold Perl and SL (screenplay).
Stars: Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Delroy Lindo.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0104797/
Very effective biopic, well scripted, acted, directed, filmed, scored. Oscar noms for DW & costume design.
Great opening, set in 1940s Boston, with SL & DW in zoot suits, leading to a musical number at a dance hall with Lindy hoppers including DW & SL.
Good c.track, making of doc'y and vintage '72 doc'y on Malcolm X (El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz after his pilgrimage to Mecca.)
BTW, the idea that Napoleon shot off the Sphinx's nose with a cannonball is debunked on Wikipedia. They claim a nose-less sketch of the Sphinx was published before Napoleon's birth. Supposedly the vandalism dates back to AD 1378. Too bad SL didn't have Wikipedia when he was writing this script.
distr. Warner, dir. Lee; 9
