Fantastic Movie

Rating: 8/10 (8 December 2014)

Malcolm X captured the true feeling of what it was like during his era. Using lighting techniques such as soft focus and low light creates this mysterious feel. Personally, I had no idea about Malcolm's hustling past. The film does focus on his hustling past for most of the movie and explains how he wound up becoming a Muslim. The film emphasizes the feel of Malcolm's hustling life very well. Dull/darker colors, up- tempo jazz music in the background are just to name a few. While you follow Malcolm through his hustling life, Spike Lee does a great job of trying to intrigue you and bring you into the movie physically and emotionally.
In one scene, Malcolm sits in with West Indian Archie. Spike Lee does a great job of showing both Malcolm's progression and the progression through the times. Brighter suits began to stand out more and darker, neutral suits began to be the standard. Malcolm sports his bright red suit and Archie's henchman begin to mock him for it.
Malcolm's transformation into a Muslim is very intriguing through the movie. Lee integrates Malcolm X's real speeches into Denzel Washington's speeches and they just turn out beautiful. Denzel really sells his part and just pulls you into his emotions and thoughts. Because Lee focuses on Malcolm's hustling past a little more than Malcolm's Muslim life, you begin to feel very connected with Malcolm. It just leaves you hanging on the edge of your seat. You want to know what happens next.
Overall, Malcolm was a great movie. The only downfall of the movie was that it could've been made a little bit shorter. But if you're willing to sit through and watch all of it, it'll be worth it. Lee's use of lighting, color, and camera positions immerse you in the film. Denzel does a great job at becoming Malcolm X and I don't see anyone else portraying Malcolm better than him. I highly recommend this movie to anyone trying to learn about the great Malcolm X.