Storyline Biography of Malcolm X, the famous African American leader. Born Malcolm Little, his father (a minister) was killed by the Ku Klux Klan. He 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 realises the error of his mistakes. He is later on assasinated and dies a Muslim Martyr.
Writers: Alex Haley, Malcolm X
Cast: 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
Release Date: 18 November 1992
Filming Locations: 300 Wyckoff Avenue, Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York City, New York, USA
Box Office Details
Budget: $33,000,000
(estimated)
Opening Weekend: $9,871,125
(USA)
(22 November 1992)
(1 Screen)
Gross: $48,169,908
(USA)
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Did You Know?
Trivia:
James Baldwin's original screenplay for this film has been published, under the title "One Day When I Was Lost." It begins with Malcolm driving to the Audobon Theater, and then telling his life through flashbacks.
Goofs:
Anachronisms:
When Malcolm is in the jazz club with Sophia, there is a jazz ensemble with a vocalist and a trumpet soloist. The trumpet soloist is playing on a Monette trumpet. This unique line of trumpets was not produced until around 1983.
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 applause!
User Review
The Denzel Washington Show.
Rating:
A stunning performance by Denzel Washington (Oscar-nominated) carries this
film literally into cinematic excellence. He stars as the titled character,
the controversial Black Nationalist Leader who is easily one of the most
interesting people who lived during the 20th Century. Spike Lee's
uncompromising direction focuses on X's life. From his very early childhood
to his violent death, the audience is given lots and lots information on the
character as the film runs about 195 minutes. A good supporting cast helps,
but this is Washington's show from the very start. His performance is very
dominant and this is easily one of the best jobs that was never honored with
an Academy Award. Brilliant biopic. 5 stars out of 5.
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