Malcolm X (1992)
(Spike Lee, US/Japan 1992, 202 min., 35mm print)
Malcolm X presents its titular hero less as an icon or symbol than as a man capable of great change as he navigates through a racially turbulent America, and it is the film's willingness to present all sides of his character that makes it so persuasive as biography. The passion in Denzel Washington's performance perfectly translates Malcolm's body language and power as an orator at the same time as it gets to the soul of the man. Director Spike Lee had to prevail over financial conflicts with Warner Bros. and criticism from segments of the African American community in order to complete this epic biopic, a film he has stated he was born to make.
Introduction by Tula Goenka, professor at Syracuse University and First Assistant Editor on Malcolm X.