Malcolm X
Posted by martinteller on October 2, 2010
Stunning work, I really didn’t expect to enjoy this as much as I did. Most biopics tend to feel like a greatest hits parade of anecdotes, but Lee describes X’s life as a true journey of discovery: emotional, political and spiritual. Although I don’t agree with all of his preachings (especially the ones he retracted later in life), I don’t think Lee does either, although he rarely tells the viewer how to feel. Only in the final minutes does the film come dangerously close to hagiography. Needless to say, Denzel Washington is magnificent, the man has a commanding screen presence like few others. Also noteworthy is Ernest Dickerson’s brilliant cinematography, outdoing even his work on Do the Right Thing. Most importantly, I found the narrative exceedingly compelling, and for the entire 3+ hours I was never bored. Very engrossing film with terrific camerawork, I might have to buy the Blu-Ray when it comes out in January. Rating: 9
