Malcolm X

Spike Lee's 1992 film covers a life running from street crime to political leadership. He begins reading in prison. His views change after the pilgrimage to Mecca. The film gives three periods in three visual registers; the narrative makes transformation its real subject and turns to documentary footage at the close. Denzel Washington leads and was nominated for an Academy Award. It is adapted from the autobiography. Budget trouble was overcome with donations from Black artists. Who it's for: those who like political biography. Who it's not for: viewers wanting something short; the running time is over three hours.