Malcolm X (1992)

The biopic of the controversial and influential Black Nationalist leader.

Director:

Spike Lee

Writers:

Alex Haley (book), Malcolm X (book),

Stars:

Denzel Washington, Angela Bassett, Delroy Lindo

Nominated for 2 Oscars. Another 19 wins & 7 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Denzel Washington	...	Malcolm X
Angela Bassett	...	Dr. Betty Shabazz
Albert Hall	...	Baines
Al Freeman Jr.	...	Elijah Muhammad
Delroy Lindo	...	West Indian Archie
Spike Lee	...	Shorty
Theresa Randle	...	Laura
Kate Vernon	...	Sophia
Lonette McKee	...	Louise Little
Tommy Hollis	...	Earl Little
James McDaniel	...	Brother Earl
Ernest Thomas	...	Sidney
Jean-Claude La Marre	...	Benjamin 2X (as Jean LaMarre)
O.L. Duke	...	Pete
Larry McCoy	...	Sammy

Storyline

Biopic of Malcolm X, the famous African American leader. Born Malcolm Little, his father (a minister) was killed by the Ku Klux Klan. Malcolm became a gangster, and while in jail discovered the Nation of Islam writings of Elijah Muhammad. He preaches the teachings when let out of jail, but later on goes on a pilgrimage to the city of Mecca, there he converts to the original Islamic religion and becomes a Sunni Muslim. He changes his name to El-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz and stops his anti-white teachings, as he realizes the error of his mistakes. He is later on assassinated and dies a Muslim martyr.

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Plot Keywords:

jail | gangster | african american | islam | religion | 

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for a scene of violence, and for drugs and some language

Details

Country:

USA Japan

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 November 1992 (USA)

Also Known As:

X

Filming Locations:

300 Wyckoff Avenue, Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$33,000,000 (estimated)

Gross:

$48,169,908 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Largo International N.V., JVC Entertainment Networks, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks

Technical Specs

Runtime:

202 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital (35 mm prints) 70 mm 6-Track (70 mm prints)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Spike Lee removed any mention of Louis Farrakhan from Malcolm X after receiving specific, direct threats from him.

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Goofs

The phone that Malcolm uses in his hotel room appears to be the correct vintage - except for the modular plug connecting the handset to the base.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Announcer: In the name of Allah the merciful, all praises due to Allah, Lord of all the worlds. The one God to whom praise is due forever. The one who came to us in the person of Master Fard Muhammad and raised up the Honorable Elijah Muhammad. Amen.
[pause]
Announcer: Asalaamalaikum!
Crowd: Alaikum-salaam!
Announcer: How do you feel?
Crowd: Good!
Announcer: Who do we want to hear?
Announcer: Malcolm X!
Announcer: Are we gonna bring him on? Yes, we gonna bring him on. Well let us hear from our minister, Minister Malcolm X. Let us bring him on with a round of ...

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Crazy Credits

At the end of the credits the film is dedicated to Alex Haley, author of the book the movie is based on. There is also a picture of the book and a special note that says: "Read 'The Autobiography of Malcolm X'"

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Connections

Featured in The Last Party (1993)

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Soundtracks

"The Honeydripper"
Written by Joe Liggins
Performed by Joe Liggins and the Honeydrippers

User Reviews

One of the Best Films In History

Malcolm X is one of the most influential, positive, and empowering movies I've ever watched. I knew little of Malcolm X before watching this film. Now, I've seen it a total of 10 times. I've also downloaded and read many of Malcolm's greatest speeches, " Ballot or the Bullet" is an example of one. As is visible, this movie has touched me in many ways. Denzel Washington's performance of the ex-Muslim leader is amazing. The only thing more amazing is the fact that he lost out in the Oscar race to Pacino, who portrayed a less important figure, by far. Angela Bassett, a beautiful black actress, plays his wife, Betty Shabazz, in a magnificent role. Delroy Lindo, Albert Hall, Al Freeman Jr., Theresa Randle, and Spike Lee himself all play great roles in the movie. Spike Lee was right. I found this movie to be more informative than two six hour days of any school, grade school, middle school, high school, and/or above.