Malcolm X
Despite my oppositional reading towards Spike Lee’s films, I must say that this is extraordinary. I find it hard to understand why “Do The Right Thing” is always regarded as his best work because compared to this, it is rather mediocre. The cinematography, the metaphorical choices reach the peak of quality.
As far as biopics go, this one is one of the greatest. It is a shame it doesn’t get recognised as much as it should. Regardless of your opinion on Malcolm X, you cannot argue that this film isn’t an outstanding representation and by separating the art from the artist or inspiration, it is still a standalone masterpiece.
Every emotion that is felt by the actors and by the audience is perfectly demonstrated through clever visuals especially Mise en Scène.
Denzel Washington was certainly the perfect casting and it gives a nostalgia for when Hollywood used to care about the actor’s ability and the films overall quality but I digress. How Pacino beat him at the Academy Awards I do not know for Pacino couldn’t hold a candle to this performance. The best quality Washington portrayed was the character building and dynamic shift throughout the film representing the change of ideology Malcolm went through which was supported through the genius cinematography.
“A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke playing during that particular scene will forever hold a place in my heart. As well as the reference to an earlier scene of the “KKK” riding off towards the moon and Malcolm looking at those five bullets. I cannot even comprehend the intelligence that goes into giving a film such compelling representation and meaning.