Malcolm X

the_fusionist

Well-known member
I was watching this movie on HDnet Movies. I had been apprehensive to the film before because I thought that Malcolm was a radical aggressor but the story is about the journey of a man. It is a great story and nothing can compare to watching it on HD. I think Spike is a great director and sometimes because of his topics his genuis might not be realized by some.

I remember there was something about Denzel Washington not being given an Oscar for this film when he finally recieved one for Training Day. I think he might have truly deserved it for his proformance in this film.

What do you guys think about this movie?
 
AMAZING MOVIE! Notice the all caps. This movie is phenomenal. And Denzel channeled Macolm X. He lost out to Al Pacino for Scent of a Woman in 93. Hoo-Ahh! My ass! Denzel got robbed. And the movie didn't get nominated!!!!! That was the year Unforgiven won. Great movie, but I give the edge in terms of story, direction and execution to Malcolm X. But I can watch Unforgiven many more times cause it has action-film-replay-value.

Malcolm X has one of my favorite scenes of all time. This is why Spike is amazing in my mind. He know how to direct. Malcolm is outside the police precinct. He speaks with the police commisioner who gives in to his demands. The brothers from the Nation of Islam, in their suits, overcoats and hats, are behind him standing at attention. Behind them the crowd is going crazy. Malcom holds up his hand, they turn, he points his finger, they march, the crowd disperses deflated and confused. Damn that was one awe inspiring scene.
 
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Hands down this is a great movie embedded in the truth of Malcoms ideals. Read the book it is even better. Some radical aggressors need to take a leaf from Malcolms book and use it. i.e. it will promote better understanding.
 
I thought this was half of a great movie. The first half felt messy and all over the place for me. Once Spike settled down and just let the story unfold, somewhere around the point where Malcolm goes to jail, the movie began to work for me. I could have done without the ten minute extended coda, though. Memo to Spike and Spielberg; The movie's over when the story is over!
 
Batutta said:
I could have done without the ten minute extended coda, though. Memo to Spike and Spielberg; The movie's over when the story is over!

I have to agree. In both instances, it's as if the three hours preceding weren't enough, and they had to say "see! This guy was COOL!" Pretentious, because it's all about the director supplicating himself in front of an altar for all to see, and not a little insulting to the audience, who just might be able to pick up on the theme during the movie itself.
 
But seriously, I am not Malcolm X. And I agree about the unnecessary coda. I do think that the begining works to set up the transformation to the man he is to become.
 
This was one of the BEST movies of all time. I loved the ending. It was really a tribute to Malcom. Denzel Washington, man, I think noone could have played it better. After watching Malcolm X, I "hated" the guy who pretended to be Malcolm X in "Ali". Nowhere near the charisma of Denzel.

What I didnt like? That first half-hour or more that really felt like nothing was going on (and all the dancing! aargh). Then again, Youy have to remember that was all taken from the book (and yes, he does mention alot of dancing in the book). Also, that was perhaps necessary to make the audience appreciate the diverse and interesting life of such a great individual.
 
yes, YAS. I agree, read the book. i had read it(B.of MALCOM X) in my teens,along with Revolutionary Suicide(Hughey P.Newton story) Denzel is awesome and he didn't get it for HURRICANE another great performance, then they gave it to him for TRAINING DAY? he was good but the story was just okay.
 
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