Malcolm X(1992) : The R R & R Review

This is a biography of the controversial black leader directed by Spike Lee and starring Denzel Washington in the title role. It is mostly very good, involving and educational. It runs about 200 minutes and the first hour or so is kind of slow going, tracing his childhood and early life as a burglar, pursuer of white women, etc. It really picks up when Malcolm Little is imprisoned and is introduced to the Muslim faith by a fellow inmate. He is transformed into a charasmatic leader when he gets out, even able to lead several people marching down a street, in a memorable scene. On the personal front, his wife is played by Angela Basset, who I always like. But please tell me, who proposes marriage over the phone??? and who would accept over the phone... :>)

Malcolm X believed in separation for blacks and whites until he made a pilgrimage to Mecca, in a great sequence, where his beliefs are softened, and comes to realize Muslims come from all races. This change in his views eventually leads to his assassination while he's giving a speech, in front of his wife and little girls. If you can keep a dry eye while Ms Basset wails over her brutally murdered husband's body, you have a lot more restraint than I do. The film ends with actual footage of Malcolm X... Ranger Brad recommends... as long as you have 3 and a half hours in your schedule...

More later...