X
(1992) (a.k.a. Malcolm X)
"Malcolm can be a metaphor for an entire generation
that is lost." - Betty Shabazz the widow of Malcolm
X
With this film, Spike Lee's sets out to make a sweeping
epic about the life and times of the assassinated black
leader. However, with a running time of about 3 hours
and 20 minutes, only one adjective adequately describes
the film: Bloated.
Lee misuses the entire first hour of the film after
a brilliant opening sequence which juxtaposes a Malcolm
X speech over the images of the videotaped Rodney King
beating. After this opening, Lee takes us to the early
life of Malcolm Little (Malcolm X's white name), and
exposes him as a con artist, thief, drug abuser, zoot
suiter etc... The worst of all of this: Lee devotes
about 7 or 8 minutes to a pointless dance number. It
is impossible to determine the purpose of all this flash
and mirrors. Lee could have definitely used the celluloid
more constructively. Most of it belongs on an editing
room floor.
Theresa Randle plays Little's girlfriend Laura. Before
her character is even introduced Little promptly dumps
her for a white woman. In an interview Randle claims
that Little later discovers that she is a drug addict
and a prostitute. I certainly didn't discern that from
watching the film. it slips right past you.
Denzel Washington is the saving grace of "X." His
performance is flawless and worthy of an Oscar nomination.
It is unfortunate that he is never given a chance to
be stellar. No scene measures up to his superb craftsmanship
as an actor. His talent is basically wasted as he is
never allowed to make Malcolm X human. Throughout the
film he is portrayed as a messiah and then, at the film's
climax, as a martyr.
When Lee finally does come to the scenes at the meat
of "X" he lets his ego get the best of him. Wanting
so desperately to make an epic, Lee forgets to make
a film. The scenes come across as stilted and stages.
Never once is the script or cinematics convincing. This
is disappointing to say the least.
As a white man who grew up in the 1970's I know very
little of Malcolm X. After seeing Spike Lee's autobiographical
film I know more. I still do not know enough.
Notes:
The "X" stands for all the lost African names that
blacks were stripped of when they became slaves
Considered to be one of "The 10 Best Films of 1992"
by Joe Leydon of "The Houston Post."
For more info, read "The Autobiography of Malcolm
X" co-written by "Roots" author Alex Haley or one of
the several books about the man.
Academy Award Nominations: Best Actor (Denzel Washington),
Best Costume Design
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