On November 18, 1992, The Spike Lee Directed Movie, "MALCOLM X," Was Released To A Nationwide Audience. The Film Was Based On The Book, "The Autobiography Of Malcolm X," Written By Alex Haley, In Collaboration With Malcolm X, And Published In 1965.
The Controversial Film Starred Oscar-Award-Winning Actor, Denzel Washington In The Lead Role. It Also Featured The Talents Of Angela Bassett (As Betty Shabazz), Al Freeman, Jr. (As Elijah Muhammad), Delroy Lindo (As West Indian Archie) Lonette McKee (As Louise Little) And SpikeLee (As Shorty).
The Movie Chronicles Malcolm's Life -- From His Days As A Young Hustler And Criminal -- To His Rise As The Most Visible And Outspoken Figure In The Nation Of Islam During The 1960s. The Film Ends With His Assassination At New York's Audubon Ballroom, In 1965.Warner Brothers Originally Selected Canada's, Norman Jewison ( "In The Heat Of The Night" Director, 1967) To Direct “MALCOLM X,” Spike Lee Felt Strongly That A Black Director Should Tell The Story Of One Of History‘s Most Influential Black Leaders. Public Outcry Over The Selection Of Jewison Pressured The Studio Into Finally Giving The Project To Lee.
When The Studio Refused To Give Spike Lee The More Than $30 Million He Requested To Complete “MALCOLM X,” He Used $2 Million Of His Own $3 Million Salary. He Called On Other Prominent Black Personalities For Financial Help As Well. Those Who Donated Money Included: OprahWinfrey, Bill Cosby, Prince, Michael Jordan, Janet Jackson And Magic Johnson.
“MALCOLM X” Grossed $9,871,125.00 On Its Opening Weekend. The Film Made $48,169,610.00 -- Making It One Of Spike Lee's Most Successful Film Projects. Many Critics Consider Denzel Washington's Portrayal Of Malcolm X His Best Performance To Date.
SPIKE LEE TALKS ABOUT MALCOLM X MOVIE E
MALCOLM X MOVIE SPEECH
"In Order For Black History To Live, We Must Continue To Breathe Life Into It." -- Hubert Gaddy, Jr.
