Malcolm X is one of my favorite historical figures. For a long time I idolized him and his ideals. When I went to my arts high school, we took a field trip to Towson University to watch "X / Julius Ceasar". They showed us these two plays so that we would be able to draw some connections between the two historical figures.
I was excited to watch "Malcolm X" directed by Spike Lee, with Denzel Washington because he is one of my favorite actors. I felt his voice was absolutely perfect for the role. After seeing him in August Wilson's "Fences" (the film adaptation), I figured this role would suit him well. Of course, I also love anything Angela Basset.
Now to get into the actual film, I loved that it opened up with real videos and speeches. I think it's a great way to start off telling the story of someone's real life events. One of the first scenes opening up with them dancing and seeing all of the color was stunning to me. When you see photos of that time period everything is in blackened white or sepia. So, seeing them in these bright colors doing these elaborate dances was fun and entertaining.
I also want to bring highlight to the scenes when he was put in solitary confinement. Being a lover of theatre, I think it was a solid choice when putting him in the hole, having it pitch black dark until a window or hatch was opened. I think this was very dramatic but so well executed that it really ropes us in to him being in confinement and the loneness he may of felt.
In all I think that the tempo of the movie was really strong. The way the tempo sort of slowed down when he went to jail to me highlighted this idea of a transformation when going to prison for Malcolm, as that is where he converts to Islam and has his sort of awakening.
The last thing I want to mention is the scene when the brethren are marching outside the police station, and Malcolm dismisses them and then the crowd follows. From a directing point of view I thought that it was really solid choice to have it so in sync. It creates this dynamic look that Malcolm had a lot of power in this community.
Overall, I enjoyed watching the movie. I sometimes have a hard time watching movies from older decades. But I really enjoyed it. The theatrical elements, the music, the costumes, the lighting, I could really see the attention to detail. Of course, the power house actor did phenomenal to me!
10/10, would so recommend!
Hi Daymon.
Nice to take a break away from the class topic and look at something different. I really enjoy anything I learn about Martin or Malcolm. They are two very special men to me. As a young girl at Morgan State University, I had Professor Brazley in Philosophy and we studied Martin in depth. And that led me to want to learn more about Malcolm. Dr. Dorsey who teaches communications currently working on this very film here that you mention. She has credits on a lot of films that you may know including one with Tupac! She described Tupac as a genius when working with him!!!
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