Spike Lee on "Malcolm X" & How Hollywood Almost Prevented Landmark Film from Being Made
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- Опубликовано: 25 май 2023
- May 19 marked what would have been the 98th birthday of Malcolm X. The director Spike Lee gave the keynote address at an event marking the day at the Malcolm X and Dr. Betty Shabazz Memorial and Educational Center, which is housed in the former Audubon Ballroom in New York where Malcolm X was assassinated in 1965. Lee discussed the challenges of making his acclaimed 1992 biopic of Malcolm starring Denzel Washington, and how he overcame funding shortfalls and studio indifference to get the film made. "We knew that we had to keep going," Lee said.
Transcript: www.democracynow.org/2023/5/2...
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I'm a fat old white oldster... Read "The Autobiography" in my late teens or early 20s and went on to read probably almost all of Malcolm X's speeches. He is a Great American Hero. Love the movie. Saw it in the theatre and have it on DVD. Malcolm Little. Malcolm X. Al-Hajj Malik Al-Shabazz... he totally illustrates the idea of Americans remaking themselves. Totally an example of self-education. Totally an example of a person of truth, honor, integrity and existential authenticity and good faith. Got a poster of him on the wall I can see right now. It is right next to my poster of that painting of Socrates taking the hemlock.
A righteous testimony. Appreciation from a skinny old white guy.
I’m 22. I read the autobiography last year. It’s really challenged a lot of what I thought about Michigan, and about America.
Well written and moving.
Well said, Sir.
True, but brother Malcolm X didn’t identify himself as an American rather a HUMAN BEING. He’s respected by everyone from his brothers and sisters in the Islamic world to the rest of the world.
May Allah continue to BLESS him as well as all of us in this life and hereafter.
Never forget my dad actually keeping me and my brothers home from school the day this movie premiered so we could see it in the theatre. I was in 6th or 7th grade at the time and it still remains my favorite movie ever and was integral to my evolution of consciousness.
You're dad is a real one.
We had to drive across town to see it...to the black side of town. 🙄
Spike Lee didn't do anything with all that extra money he received. He just made a 3hr film instead of a 2hr film, not a better film. I remember so wanting the movie to be great (the promotion and subsequent hype around it were extraordinary) only to end up disappointed for getting exactly what I had predicted to friends.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X was also my favorite book so I was equally as concerned as Spike Lee that the story should be handled right and to this end, I wrote a paper expressing my concerns about Spikes Lee's making of the move and called it "SPIKE!... DO THE RIGHT THING" where I stated all my concerns about why I did not feel that Spike Lee was going to do the film justice. This is because I'd seen his other movies and was always left feeling that he may be a decent (and Iconic) moviemaker but not such a good storyteller.
Casting himself in one of the leading roles as Shorty, only served to distort the true facts and true significance of the role the Shorty character actually played in Malcolm's criminal life, whereas Malcolm's close friend and associate Sammy, who helped school Malcolm to certain points of street hustling and whose inclusion and storyline would have better aluminated the life of Malcolm the street hustler, scarcely gets a mention.
Why??...
It's simple, Spike Lee was better suited to depict the diminutive character of Shorty the musician, than the taller, suave-looking Sammy the Pimp. I'm pretty certain none of the other potential directorial candidates would have done this just to receive an acting credit in the movie. Spike often lets his Ego get the better of him highlighted by the fact that you only ever see Spike Lee the actor in movies where he is also the director and or producer.
Spike Lee with the credit card made "SHE GOTTA HAVE IT" practically rebirthed the black film industry (after the somewhat misguided and short live black exploitation era of the early 70's), but in my opinion, he made a pig's ear of Alex Haley's amazing Autobiography of Malcolm X.
@@beyondthepage9389 you think Jewison would've done a better job? Spike is not perfect (who is??) but I still think it was the right film at the right time with the right director.
@@zapatasghost Do I think that Jewson would do a better job???... You must be saying that because I'm certainly not. All I am saying is that with all the love and passion that Lee had for Malcolm X and the making of the movie, it was not the powerful story that it could have been. And that inserting himself into one of the lead roles was a little narcissistic.
Denzel should have gotten an Oscar for his performance as X
@michaelhodge2104 I said the same thing but you know the white elites in Hollywood would've never allowed that.
Hollywood owe Denzel for playing Malcolm X, Movie will bring you to tears.
I was so irritated they did not give him the Academy Award for his portrayal of Malcolm X. They waited to award him for Training Day where he plays a violent, corrupt cop.
@Jan96106 they like seeing us play the villain, not the hero
I’m a Scot of Pakistani background . Martin Luther King was taught to us in in school but Malcolm X we had to discover for ourselves . This film has certainly made that so much easier
They will never teach Malcolm X in schools!!! He teaches anti establishment and eye for an eye , he believed in revolution!!!!
They’re scared of brother Malcolm!!! But there are in thinks about Martin they won’t teach as well. Martin was for reparations!
I'm glad you got to hear the stories
The difference between wanting to be educated vs. educating yourself. When you are being educated, you are being told about a journey. When you are educating yourself, you are taking your own journey.
Yes indeed.
Me Too, they taught us what they wanted us to know, I found Malcom X later in life, it changed my political ideas, he saw what was coming and he saw it 50 years ago, there was a reason they didn’t teach us about X and still today the media still ignores him, 🤔
I was born on the 19th of May...and ever since i read the autobiography of Malcolm X and learn of his date of birth. I forever ♥️ feels that connection with Brother Malcolm X...you'll forever live in our hearts 💕 Shalom 🙏🏾
The scene of Malcolm driving to his final speech while Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come" is playing has to be one of my favorites in film history. Malcolm, May Allah bless you in the After life because he sure did test you in this life.🙏🤲
That 3 letter agency took out several great leaders
@@SaintPatrick1970 after all these years his words ring even more true today than they did over half a century ago
InshaAllAh Jannah brother 🙏
Who’d they take out? CIA I believe your referring to.
This was NOT a documentary as the opening credits tell you! Or did you just blank that part out? This was a propaganda piece, and full of intentional lies! How we gonna romanize over a pack of lies? The people who produced that garbage was the abject enemies to Malcolm X!!
Malcolm X was an impeccable, honorable MAN. I LOVE him...We need MORE Real MEN like him.🏆
We have Dr Umar Johnson for now!!!!
@@milestone_achiever4634 Hahahahahaha. Umar Johnson? You're kidding, right? He's been effing up trying to open his school for about EIGHT YEARS.
What about Malcolm X teacher The Most Honorable Elijah Muhammad?
@@milestone_achiever4634 What about Minister Louis Farrakhan who is a 100 times smarter and more principled than Malcolm X? I knew older brothers in the NOI who personally knew Malcom X and spent lots of time with him and Malcolm X had a trusting relationship with some of them. I was told some things by them that I dare not reveal!
@@CribNotes Evidently you don’t know that the NOI had University of Islam schools systems in many cities throughout ameriKKKa? We had our own farmland growing our own food and our own markets to sell our products in. We taught that we don’t need albinos! The albinos psychologically needed the dependency of Black people in ameriKKKa to make themselves feel superior.
Malcom X is a masterpiece. I have watched that movie so many times. Denzel embodied Malcom X 100%. Thank you Spike.
No lies spoken here
The movie opens up by saying “characters and events have been changed for dramatic purposes “, which means that it is NOT a documentary and they take the freedom to lie, for dramatic effect! It is NOT a true depiction of true events! These devils know how Black folks think! They know when Black people see a “movie” about someone like Malcolm, we automatically equate it with something true, in spite of being told otherwise? I cannot count the Black folks I have had to clarify this point to who had taken the movie as true events!
This was not a true to life portrayal of Malcolm X , neither was it intended to be, but most who do not think critically have deified this narrative of Malcolm!
WAKE UP SHEEPLE!!
@@cactusqltr The movie was based on the autobiography of Malcolm X as told to author Alex Haley. I'm inclined to trust Malcolm's version over those he sought to protect Elijah Muhammad. Unchecked power is unchecked power.
$]
💐💐💐💐🥀📿🙏
When Black Folks Truly Pull Together We are Unstoppable...
Spike and Team .
In Swahili..
Ubarikiwe..
( Bless You )..
All of them were negros. the people he named were all descendants of chattel American slavery.
I read your comment then checked my watch.
Spike Lee in the 80s/90s was INCREDIBLE. GOAT 🐐
Malcolm X film will never be forgotten!!! It was spiritual!!!
it was media
@Magma Raymaker . Kween Kleokatra media that made us feel his spirit in an unbelievable way!
That cry Angela Bassett let out still does something 2 me
Spike is the 🐐!!! Always for his people and telling our black American stories. Thank you Sir! Denzel was robbed badly on that academy award that year!!! He literally became Malcolm. You two are jewels & are appreciated. ✊🏾✊🏾✊🏾 👑
Amen blessings we r chosen ones y dey haters but vegence is mine says Yah!
Don't recall Spike Lee exposing his beloved KKK Planned Parenthood being the reason the black population is declining while Hispanics are twice the population that black Americans are.
You're right! He did become Malcolm.💯%
I totally agree, He got robbed !!!
Yes, Denzel was robbed
RIP Malcolm.
Thank you Spike for that masterpiece of a movie. 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
Yes indeedy
Gotta love Spike!! Rest in peace to Malcolm X.
Denzel should've won an Oscar fo sho.
Most definitely
Most Definitely.
Frfr frfr frfr frfr!!!!! 💯 I'm glad he finally got it for Training Day, but he should have won it for The Hurricane tooo
TRUE FACTUAL ACTUAL
Without a doubt 💯
Man I loved that movie. Educated a whole bunch of people, including me. To this day I say "by any means necessary". 😊
That's one of my most memorable phrases from the LATE GREAT HONORABLE MALCOLM X AL-SHABAZZ. There's so so many others but that was the at UC Berkeley for me on my last straw the feeling of giving up was an option after that"BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY " And I graduated 7 months after the movie after feeling like giving up not just school but life, that one phrase sat my soul and fire and put fire beneath my feet and the seat was to damn hot to be steal. Until this very day i think of that when feeling wiry i can't won't stop, I forget who sings that but that's another saying i live by and until this very day my husband and I have 5 adult hell middle age adult 2 of them but only God fix and heal the broken outta my 5 children I've got 5 success stories 4 of my children are doing exceptional well 1 of them are fighting his demons and I've nearly lost my mind trying th o fix him but God keeps telling me to get outta his way and currently my son is in jail and again I'm powerless he's well rounded educated young man just has to find himself he's not a thug he's really not a criminal his crime is crime of drug addiction so im sharing all that to say just the other day i had to tell him everything we think may be a bad thing may just possibly be the good thing we needed and said that God may be saying he's going to save my sons life by any means necessary because fentanyl is killing all those children and again I'm powerless but i see as well as think i can relate to his pain because so many times in college, after the birth of my first child i unknowingly had what they call after birth psychosis and again felt like giving up but i once again because of my mom cause my dad wasn't a church type of man so my mom would always wake give him that we'll be gone all day kiss i learned how to pray the hard part is letting go and allowing God to be God and getting the heck outta his way. My son today showed a wil of"BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY " and as a result of power the power in prayer my son has yet another chance at life because as well educated as i tried preparing all my children i forgot alone the way to take them to church, teach them how to pray but it's never to late and there has to be a balance in life and today by any mean necessary God is yet again teaching us both how the should look and be. I've got 5 adult children and 1 adult G-daughter and no matter their struggles in life they're all perfectly made by God and he did that BY ALL MEANS NECCESARILY.
@@lorrainehawkins123 very inspirational mum... you're story is breathtaking....
Has no one picked up on the fact that this movie is as full of LIES from beginning to end!??? They even admit so in the opening credits!! But, the enemies of Malcolm and Black people knew you would overlook that important point!! THIS MOVIE IS NOT A HISTORICAL DOCUMENTARY!! IT IS PROPAGANDA!!!
Spike Lee didn't do anything with all that extra money he received. He just made a 3hr film instead of a 2hr film, not a better film. I remember so wanting the movie to be great (the promotion and subsequent hype around it were extraordinary) only to end up disappointed for getting exactly what I had predicted to friends.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X was also my favorite book so I was equally as concerned as Spike Lee that the story should be handled right and to this end, I wrote a paper expressing my concerns about Spikes Lee's making of the move and called it "SPIKE!... DO THE RIGHT THING" where I stated all my concerns about why I did not feel that Spike Lee was going to do the film justice. This is because I'd seen his other movies and was always left feeling that he may be a decent moviemaker but not such a good storyteller.
Casting himself in one of the leading roles as Shorty, only served to distort the true facts and true significance of the role the Shorty character actually played in Malcolm's criminal life, whereas Malcolm's close friend and associate Sammy, who helped school Malcolm to certain points of street hustling and whose inclusion and storyline would have better aluminated the life of Malcolm the street hustler, scarcely gets a mention.
Why??...
It's simple, Spike Lee was better suited to depict the diminutive character of Shorty the musician, than the taller, suave-looking Sammy the Pimp. I'm pretty certain none of the other potential directorial candidates would have done this just to receive an acting credit in the movie. Spike often lets his Ego get the better of him highlighted by the fact that you only ever see Spike Lee the actor in movies where he is also the director and or producer.
Thank you, Spike Lee for letting us know!
You're one of a kind!!
Condolence on the transition of your Pa!
May he Rest Easy in Peace and Power!💐
Continue to make us proud, brotha!!
Blessings!!
🙏🏿🖤💯
Aameen.
Bill Lee (RIP) ...condolences to the fam n friends.
What a blow! Harry Belafonte, Jim Brown, Tina Turner and Bill Lee all gone within days & weeks?!? This loss is unspeakable.
Heart failures. Hmmph
Admirable people. We will never see their like again. May they Rest in Peace.
Thank you, Spike Lee for being the man you are and the film Malcolm X was brilliant. I remember seeing you speak about this production and how you got it done. Denzel Washington did have Malcolm X's spirit in his entire body and soul.
With the deepest appreciation and respect for all who participated to get Malcolm X done and all the films of artistry you do. ❤
Malcolm X may we all remember him and all those that walked in boots of truth.
RIP 🙏 Harry Belafonte and those spirits for social justice.
Norman Jewison directed a soldier's story and hurricane.
Denzel got robbed on that academy award that year!! He literally became Malcolm X 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾💯
Love this dude, he has never forgotten where and who he comes from.
Absolutely was
👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
Spike Lee inspires me to do a Malcolm X deep dive. I loved hearing about the double dolly shot floating scene origins & Denzel channeling Malcolm. Amazing! ❤️
And then you find that Spike Lee is the political dingbat that Malcolm X warm us about.
Harry Belafonte, respect for that man and his family.
That’s how Black folks gotta do it. “Togetherness” and self reliance. Amen. Good for your Spike. May God continue to bless you to tell our stories.
Bless this man and his vision… Malcolm X was the truth!!! Denzel embodied Malcolm X in spirit and in truth!
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington brought that film to life, i loved it, Malcolm X would have been proud!
I never get tired of hearing the story of how Malcolm X got made. To create we have to fight and overcome 🙌🏾
Thank you Mr. Spike Lee. RIP Brothers MalcolmX and Jim Brown.
Spike Lee is a treasure. I'm sorry for his loss.
This was a treat to hear about the challenges in creating a dynamic film about Malcolm X. And it's also great to know that Denzel Washington's portrayal of Malcolm was an epiphany to his relevance. Thanks Spike...
Spike Lee is Brilliant and a True American Literary Icon. Thank you our Brother for bringing the voice of Malcom X and the Black American Experience before the world. Thank you to the our Black American Stars, who assisted with gifting the diaspora. Denzel is our Jewel. We love ❤you all!
Heartfelt condolences to Spike Lee and his family
Malcom X will always be my most favorite movie of all time
First I want to say this film Malcolm X is by far my top 2 films forever. Yes Denzel Washington should have won several academy awards for this film. 2ND funny to hear Spike say the spirit of Malcolm came through with Denzel bc I have always felt this. It was if Brother Malcolm was right there. Great speech Spike Lee. I was so very happy all the Black family supported you and this film. Thank you Denzel Washington your crew and all fir this beautiful history.❤ 📷 😊👊🏾
I love Spike Lee he's a very deep intelligent producer, writter, director multi talented gentleman. I love the majority if not all his authentic original work.
Thank you Democracy Now for taking the initiative and time to bring us this speech. It wasn't required, but you did it anyway. This is why I have so much respect for your show.❤❤
So glad that I supported the film and Spike by taking my family and encouraging all around me to attend this excellent movie. It was a spiritual connection for me with my black community.
The only people who use, or think in terms of, racial communities, are racists. There is no 'white community'.
However, if you like, we can make one.
@@FuckFeminists Sounds like something a Christian Who Votes Republican and is Totally Not Racist might say.
Truly Powerful! Spike I felt every word and I am overcome with emotion at the power of the truth! Bless you!
To listen to Spike Lee talk about how all of those brothers and sisters came together to make sure that iconic film got made, almost brought tears to my eyes.
That is the first time that I've ever heard that all of those black celebrities cut checks to help make this movie. It does my heart well to know this even 30 years later❤❤
Powerful, Bill, Tracey, Janet, Prince,Magic, MJ.
I'm kinda shocked Michael Jackson wasn't involved
Damn...kill a revolutionary...NEVER the revolution...Malcolm is TWICE the giant today...than he was back then...thank u ancestor☝🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿
You Black peoples, that have been bless to have Educated and professional people in your family, don’t take it for granted. we don’t have many educated people in my family. I have a lot of criminal in my family. to no fought of their own. this is just what slavery produce. I did accept Islam not go to prison, got a job, got off drugs and got my life together. as a student of Black history. Music was one of the first occupations. That allowed black to stop cleaning up behind white’s. and do something they love and for better pay. even though a lot of people got rip off for a lot of their work. Music has changed a lot of people’s economic lives. To bad we haven’t had the for sight. To take control of the gift and build a new Black Wall Street. That would be dope. All praise be to Allah and that is a Blessing.
Never knew that about his Father helping him in the industry. He looked just like him.Thank you both..
Good to see Mr. Spike Lee in tribute of Mr. Shabazze birthday.
The crime of racism and slavery is very hard to forgive... 😢😢😢
Facts it is the most egregious crimes on our planet.
Impossible for me
Reparations would ease the pain : a tad bit 👍
Yes. However, they forgiven this racist, and made a celebratory film about him.
Yes, indeed, slavery is/was EGREGIOUS!!💯
it's a blessing that the film even got made.
Children will be learning about Spike Lee and Denzel Washington in history books in the 22nd century and beyond.
Not if that devil ron desantos has anything to do with it!
I read the autobiography in middle school. The best book my dad gave me. The movie was epic as well.
Thank you so much for airing this. I really needed to hear this today and appreciate the work you all do to provide us valuable information.
Wonderful talk.
Love you Spike Lee💙💜💚🇺🇸😊✨
So He wins his second Oscar for playing a Dirty Cop in a movie but not for playing one of the greatest Human Beings ever, Damn Hollywood
The movie came in a 3:21. For me it went by in 20 minutes. As a highschool kid I read the autobiography. In my (white) family we were 'up to our eyes' in the Civil Rights movement - freedom riding... the whole nine yards. Most days I take my inspiration from Dr. King; the only true American hero of my teens. But I still have my "Brother Malcolm" days. Mr. Lee, your film is a great service to American history. It should be required viewing for every High School student in the Unted States. Dr. King was once asked whether public school students should be required to recite the Lord's Prayer. His relpy, "They should recide the Bill Of Rights!" Amen to that!
Spike Lee didn't do anything with all that extra money he received. He just made a 3hr film instead of a 2hr film, not a better film. I remember so wanting the movie to be great (the promotion and subsequent hype around it were extraordinary) only to end up disappointed for getting exactly what I had predicted to friends.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X was also my favorite book so I was equally as concerned as Spike Lee that the story should be handled right and to this end, I wrote a paper expressing my concerns about Spikes Lee's making of the move and called it "SPIKE!... DO THE RIGHT THING" where I stated all my concerns about why I did not feel that Spike Lee was going to do the film justice. This is because I'd seen his other movies and was always left feeling that he may be a decent (and Iconic) moviemaker but not such a good storyteller.
Casting himself in one of the leading roles as Shorty, only served to distort the true facts and true significance of the role the Shorty character actually played in Malcolm's criminal life, whereas Malcolm's close friend and associate Sammy, who helped school Malcolm to certain points of street hustling and whose inclusion and storyline would have better aluminated the life of Malcolm the street hustler, scarcely gets a mention.
Why??...
It's simple, Spike Lee was better suited to depict the diminutive character of Shorty the musician, than the taller, suave-looking Sammy the Pimp. I'm pretty certain none of the other potential directorial candidates would have done this just to receive an acting credit in the movie. Spike often lets his Ego get the better of him highlighted by the fact that you only ever see Spike Lee the actor in movies where he is also the director and or producer.
Spike Lee with the credit card made "SHE GOTTA HAVE IT" practically rebirthed the black film industry (after the somewhat misguided and short live black exploitation era of the early 70's), but in my opinion, he made a pig's ear of Alex Haley's amazing Autobiography of Malcolm X.
Even 30 years later, Malcolm X film is a true masterpiece
In solidarity
This film is my favorite movie of all time❤️ A masterpiece and the greatest performance by Denzel Washington…
I have to disagree Carmen. Spike Lee didn't do anything with all that extra money he received. He just made a 3hr film instead of a 2hr film, not a better film. I remember so wanting the movie to be great (the promotion and subsequent hype around it were extraordinary) only to end up disappointed for getting exactly what I had predicted to friends.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X was also my favorite book so I was equally as concerned as Spike Lee that the story should be handled right and to this end, I wrote a paper expressing my concerns about Spikes Lee's making of the move and called it "SPIKE!... DO THE RIGHT THING" where I stated all my concerns about why I did not feel that Spike Lee was going to do the film justice. This is because I'd seen his other movies and was always left feeling that he may be a decent (and Iconic) moviemaker but not such a good storyteller.
Casting himself in one of the leading roles as Shorty, only served to distort the true facts and true significance of the role the Shorty character actually played in Malcolm's criminal life, whereas Malcolm's close friend and associate Sammy, who helped school Malcolm to certain points of street hustling and whose inclusion and storyline would have better aluminated the life of Malcolm the street hustler, scarcely gets a mention.
Why??...
It's simple, Spike Lee was better suited to depict the diminutive character of Shorty the musician, than the taller, suave-looking Sammy the Pimp. I'm pretty certain none of the other potential directorial candidates would have done this just to receive an acting credit in the movie. Spike often lets his Ego get the better of him highlighted by the fact that you only ever see Spike Lee the actor in movies where he is also the director and or producer.
Spike Lee with the credit card made "SHE GOTTA HAVE IT" practically rebirthed the black film industry (after the devious and short live black exploitation era of the early 70's), but in my opinion, he made a pig's ear of Alex Haley's amazing Autobiography of Malcolm X.
this is a fantastic speech! Spike is one of the GREATEST artists and human beings of our time. God Bless this Courageous Soul!
This movie was a prime example of what we can do as a community if we work together and stand by each other.
True talk
Much love and respect for this iconic film director, Spike Lee.
Nobody else in the universe could have done that movie justice the way Spike and Denzel did. Timeless MASTERPIECE! Miss you dearly Brother Malcolm. 🖤
The great Spike Lee knows how to tell a story 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽 I'll always support his movies ❤
He shares that in common with most New Yorkers that I have met over the years.
Spike did a masterful job with the MalcolmX movie. l remember when the movie premiered in theateres back in 1992 and seeing the scene at the beginning of the movie where the beating of Rodney King to place and the flag burning into the letter X and Denzel who portrayed the great African leader talking about the 400 years of oppression experienced by people of African descent in America. Also another favorite scene was of Malcolm driving up to the Audubon Ballroom to give his final speech to the Sam Cooke tune "A Change Gonna Come" and the song "Shotgun". Denzel should definitely have won an oscar for his very spellbinding performance of this iconic leader.
Denzel should got a Oscar for that role not training day
Don't forget " John Q. Public'. Thar role and subject was timely and relevant to many. The studioes released so it wouldn't be current for the Oscar's nomination. I am sure the Healthcare Industry did it's dirty dealings to silence the notoriety of that great film.
Both roles and films were way better than the " Dirty Cop" he r we relieved his Oscar for ( Training Day).
That movie CHANGED MY LIFE and the vision I had of the world … Malcolm X is a HERO 👑
This man inspired me so much in my youth! He was my superman! Much respect to this legend! What is the norm now was not the norm back then! This man was one of a kind!
Denzel best performance by far this was such a masterpiece
THE MASTERPIECE 👌💯❤
I watched X just the other day, again, again, again…
That was a outstanding movie. Spike Lee did a amazing job making the movie and Denzel Washington did a phenomenal job playing Malcolm X.
The movie was excellent. X was a great man. Yes. When people work together they can achieve great things. It's nice to have friends who can give you a few dollars when you need it. That's so beautiful.
Spike. Thank you for all your work. And most of all your sense of humor
SPIKE LEE IS THE GREATEST PRODUCER OF MOVIES EVER!! GREAT STORY BY THE WAY , SHOWS WHAT WE CAN DO IF WE JUST UNIFY AND COME TOGETHER AS A PEOPLE !! WE CAN HAVE EVERYTHING WE NEED AND WANT!!
Thank you Spike Lee. I'm sorry for your loss. You have been an inspiration for many people.
TIMELESS👑 MUSIC!!!💥
And Telepathy Ton!!!🙄🐜🐝
Im an avid movie lover! As an artist who grew up in the arts! - By a parent who was employed in the Arts and the institution! At a level which allowed me to embark and embrace so many tbings. Which i thank them always for the exposure! ... So i love the elememts it could create into a world of visual curiosity that should be aroused in the mind - what is our fascination within creation!
But the part Denzel did in [Malcolm x] ! It transported! That Was his REAL Oscar winning moment! Whether that movie was 1 to 9 hours long! Its was Genuine Genius work! Ive noticed time after time! Weird wins to people who got so lucky? Or connected! Casey Affleck! Please explain his win? Im Shocked he works. Sorry!... but Hollywood punishes those they cant control or makes them feel away about their own self worth! Im still shocked over legends not winning anything! Robert Redford and paul Newman, unless im mistaken!? What gives ..... as for Denzel, i feel Training day was a digging Type of a win all to place demographics standards to a head , to understand how they are betrayed and seen as a type that needs to know their place in life! You become a cop , well you'll be a dirty and villainous one! As they hide all the truths! And their centering on [There always has to be a face of evil! ] as it is deflected away from what the world is really seeing now!
Movies (and most forms of creative creation)helps tell the story of life as is its intimated by and through the arts!
I have to disagree Carmen. Spike Lee didn't do anything with all that extra money he received. He just made a 3hr film instead of a 2hr film, not a better film. I remember so wanting the movie to be great (the promotion and subsequent hype around it were extraordinary) only to end up disappointed for getting exactly what I had predicted to friends.
The Autobiography of Malcolm X was also my favorite book so I was equally as concerned as Spike Lee that the story should be handled right and to this end, I wrote a paper expressing my concerns about Spikes Lee's making of the move and called it "SPIKE!... DO THE RIGHT THING" where I stated all my concerns about why I did not feel that Spike Lee was going to do the film justice. This is because I'd seen his other movies and was always left feeling that he may be a decent (and Iconic) moviemaker but not such a good storyteller.
Casting himself in one of the leading roles as Shorty, only served to distort the true facts and true significance of the role the Shorty character actually played in Malcolm's criminal life, whereas Malcolm's close friend and associate Sammy, who helped school Malcolm to certain points of street hustling and whose inclusion and storyline would have better aluminated the life of Malcolm the street hustler, scarcely gets a mention.
Why??...
It's simple, Spike Lee was better suited to depict the diminutive character of Shorty the musician, than the taller, suave-looking Sammy the Pimp. I'm pretty certain none of the other potential directorial candidates would have done this just to receive an acting credit in the movie. Spike often lets his Ego get the better of him highlighted by the fact that you only ever see Spike Lee the actor in movies where he is also the director and or producer.
Spike Lee with the credit card made "SHE GOTTA HAVE IT" practically rebirthed the black film industry (after the somewhat misguided and short live black exploitation era of the early 70's), but in my opinion, he made a pig's ear of Alex Haley's amazing Autobiography of Malcolm X.
We were all denied Malcomb X’s brilliance, black and white alike. Every time I hear him speak, I know I am listening to a person who could see things others could not bear even recognize. I am glad his family is finally being told the truth and given compensation. Lord knows they deserve it.
RIP Malik el Shabazz peace and blessings be upon him. May Allah grant him Jennah.
Ameen 🤲🏼
Spike Lee, GOD BLESS YOU & YOUR TALENTS! THANK YOU FOR THE EDUCATION OF THIS MOVIE! YOU ARE A BLESSING TO ALL OF US! I saw the movie! Now it is even better!
It was Malcolm who warned us in his lifetime about the damage being done to the Palestinians, before any other African American leader or civil rights organization, just as he would take on the Vietnam War before anyone else would. He would be the lone popular leader to support Yuri Kochiyama in her quest for justice after the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Today they would have called him a Russian bot, but he was a true patriot, in the sense he actually believed in the principles of liberty and justice.
I’ve loved spike lees work thruout the years. Keep on keepin on.
This was very inspiring, thank you Amy
Education is important. From our Slave history to now, sad, the air of slavery is well alive. You have to work hard at living, thanking God. My Parents made sure we got our Education and I am very proud of my accomplishments, especially with the G! I thank God every day for my parents, wonderful inspirational folk who helped me along the way to continue to be the best that I can be! I am deeply inspired by the Honorable Malcolm X, his teachings, his preaching the truth of the Lord for everyone to be happy and live productive lives. Praise God! Peace!📿📿🤲🏾🤲🏾❤❤
POWERFUL!!!
"Education is the Key." Words of wisdom from Mr. Spike Lee, a great American filmmaker!
I read it in 7th grade too. No paper but it opened my eyes. That is what being woke means.
Absolutely. They have taken the phrase and twisted it into a pretzel
My favorite filmmaker/director! 🖤💚❤
That book changed my life too!
Thank you Spike Lee
Peace n Blessings to all our Ancestors in the struggle. I lived next door to a chapter of Blk Panther Party and borrowed the Auto Bio of Malcom x and changed my conciousness.
I AM MALCOM X I AM MALCOM X!!!
I remember watching that as a kid and standing up and saying that in my home my mom was looking at me very proudly. That movie had a big impact on me. Made me a thinker also made me an enemy of any and everything racist.
Long Live Brotha Malcolm
A true solider in the fight 👳🏾♂️✊🏾
Complete respect and admiration! 🙏🙏...Total inspiration...love your humbleness, articulation, and Realness! 💕
This movie is one of my top favorite five Spike Lee films.
Remarkable look back at a remarkable film. Spike is looking good!
I remember my father having the 2 VHS tapes of Malcolm X...We would watch it all the time. Rest In Power Pop ✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
LOL at Spike Lee, he starts out saying he doesn't like giving speeches, but, then proceeds to talk for 15 minutes. i guess some people once you get them rollin, then they like to talk. He overlooked Oprah though intially with helping fund the Movie Malcolm X. I saw it in the theater when it came out, great movie (I don't like all of Spike Lee's movies, but I did enjoy Malcolm X and also Inside Man). What fascinated me was hearing how Malcolm X was illerate as a young adult, and other prisoners helped him learn how to read/gain knowledge by reading/writing down words from the dictionary, its a great starting point learning a foundation in a language. People raised with the internet (and access to book stores like Barnes & Noble) don't realize how it was years ago for getting access to a good education if you lived in a rural area (or poor areas of a city), it wasn't easy to gain knowledge (unless you already showed apptitude at a young age AND you were lucky enough to have a teacher that helped inspire you).
Hollywood owes Denzel an Oscar, for his performance in "X."
Denzel Washington is the greatest and best character actor ever. No one can act different roles like him. No one is better than him when it comes to acting different roles. And i will always love Spike Lee.❤️😘
This movie and book profoundly changed my life while I was in the Air Force I accepted Islam then studied African American history at the University of Maryland then I lectured at Howard University then moved to Egypt etc . Many thanks Spike Lee for making this film. Growing up in Alabama , I’d never heard of Malcolm X or Islam until you made the movie.
Thanks for sharing. Hes a legend in my heart ❤️ 💙
This was easily the best movie of 1992. This is one of Spikes best.
Good to hear Michael Jordan's name. He is low key giving back...Slam Dunk!
I was shocked lol
Wonderful speech Spike Lee! wow! 👍👍