Malcolm X by Juwan Sims

Malcolm X is a 1992 adaptation of The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley and Malcolm X. The film begins with the depiction of the young Malcolm X nee Malcolm Little (Denzel Washington) in Boston and Harlem, along with his friend Shorty (Spike Lee) , and their involvement in burglary, drug dealing and prostitution [although this may be true, was it either alluded to or explicitly realized in the film? The prostitution, that is]. In [through] flashbacks, the movie chronicles the life of Malcolm’s family before he was born and during his early childhood. His father was a preacher and adherent of Marcus Garvey killed by the KKK (while it was said - especially by the insurance companies - that he had committed suicide - this way they could avoid paying out life insurance claims) and his mother was sent to a mental center. He was then separated from his siblings.

This film was absolutely brilliant. Spike Lee is a genius. We're studying him in my film class and a lot of his works are controversial, but I think they're necessary [Yess!!!]. Malcolm X was beautifully acted by Denzel. He took Malcolm's mannerisms and passion into himself and carved this wonderful character. The film traced him from a young kid to his activist days to his death. His beliefs were different, but he never compromised himself. Considering where he came from and the time he grew up in, no one can really yell and scream about why he was the way he was. So many want to glorify King as the only leader of the time, but X was a leader in his own right. His ideas weren't that different from King's. His approach was honest and a response to the times. Denzel Washington shows every emotion in his face that seemed to formulate in his mind. Denzel Washington 'became' Malcolm X. It [is "it" his performance?] is still eerie and brilliant today. He really had to earn people's respect from the background he came from, and I liked that. Nothing was glossed over and no stone left unturned. Malcolm X is a great film and worth the watch!