movies
MALCOLM
Through the tireless efforts of Spike Lee, "Malcolm X" once again takes the nation by storm.
- El-Hajj Malik El-Shabazz
"We declare our right on this Earth to be a man, to be a human being, to be respected as a human being, to be given the rights of a human being in this society, on this Earth, in this day, which we intend to bring into existence by any means necessary."
In 1905, this prominent and often misunderstood speaker of Black America was cut down by assassins' bullets, silencing the voice that served as a warning of change to much of white America and made young African Americans take pride in themselves.
Now, in 1902, the presence of Malcolm X is felt in the United States once again, thanks to director Spike Lee's latest release "Malcolm X."
Filmed on location in New York, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and South Africa, the $42 million movie may soon be regarded as Lee's best work. The movie was based on the novel, "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" as told to Alex Haley.
review
The three-hour 21-minute epic opens with the videotape beating of Rodney King in Los Angeles, switching repeatedly to the U.S. flag with Malcolm speaking on the state of Black America in the background.
Born Malcolm Little in 1925 in Omaha, Neb., Malcolm's story begins with his days in Boston when he was known as Detroit Red. Denzel Washington, complete with bright, rust-colored hair, portrayed the Muslim leader from his days as Red to his death at age 38 as El-Haji Malik El-Shabazz.
After being introduced to the fast life and colorful dress by his best friend, Shorty (Spike Lee), Malcolm moved to Harlem where he became involved with every vice on the street including drugs, pimping and hustling. Returning to Boston, Malcolm learned a hard lesson about racism in the U.S. justice system. He and Shorty were sentenced to five to 10 years each in the state penitentiary on 14 counts of burglary they conducted with their white girlfriends. The women received two years in a women's reformatory.
These scenes of Malcolm's life are fast-paced and colorful, a reflection of his life at that time. But for each predicament Malcolm came across, Lee shows flashbacks of Malcolm's childhood, including a scene from Malcolm's elementary school days when he was the top student in his class. After being told by his teacher that his ambition to be a lawyer "isn't a realistic goal for a nigger," Malcolm focused his energy in the direction that landed him in jail.
Although these scenes reflect aspects of character development, they appear out of sync and without introduction.
During the scenes of his incarceration, the audience feels the transition of Malcolm's character into a mature intellectual. This is ultimately personified after he is introduced by a fellow inmate to the teachings of Elijah Muhummad and the Islamic faith.
Again, Lee involves the audience with quick-moving scenes, camera flashes, newspaper front pages and talk-show;s; all showing Malcolm's rapid ascent to a national spokesperson for the Nation of Islam. This was the time of Malcolm's controversial statements calling white people blue-eyed devils and non-violent Black leaders, Uncle Tom's.
Following his release from prison, the Malcolm X revered by some and decried by most came to prominence.
While showing many speaking engagements where these statements were made, Lee also shows Malcolm's compassion to fellow African-Americans, his wife and his devotion to his religion and mentor Muhmudman.
The last change occurred when Malcolm returned from the Mecca where he wrestled alongside Muslim who were in exile.
Although his speeches were forceful in nature, never once was Malcolm shown to use force. Instead he let his speeches of African-American independence and self-pride mobilize Black America into its own plan of action.
This movie is a definite must for all as many of Malcolm's speeches are still pertinent messages today. Through the quick pace and passionate scenes, Lee manages to immerse his audience into the saga of Malcolm X, whetting the appetite for many about this man that made the United States hold its breath.
The life and times of MALCOLM
By J.R. Clairborne
1925
Born Malcolm Littie in Omaha, Neb. at various times known as Detroit Red, Satan, El-Hajj Malik, El-Shabazz and Makinan Y.
1946
While imprisoned for burglary, he adopted the beliefs of the Black Muslims.
1952
Upon his release from prison, he became a leading representative for the Black Muslims
1964
Following a dispute with Elijah Muhammad, leader of the Black Muslims, Malcolm X formed a rival group called the Organization of Afro-American Unity.
1965
Assassinated Feb. 21, in New York City; autobiography by Alex Haley published
Source: Knight Ridder Tribune Sean M, Tevis / KANSAN
Spike Lee plays Shorty in his epic movie "Malcolm X." In this scene, Shorty and Malcolm are arrested for theft.
"X's"message rings true
By J.R. Clairborne
Kansan staffwriter
- After numerous obstacles including protests, lawsuits and a money shortage, the movie, "Malcolm X," debuted yesterday.
While Malcolm X himself caused much alarm in this nation with his controversial statements, the movie attempts to show the human side of the slain Muslim leader.
Having read the novel twice, Eddie Williams, producer at WDAF-TV Channel 4 and Kansas City, Mo., senior, said he wondered if Spike Lee, the movie's director, would stick to the autobiography without adding his own poetic licensing.
"I was pleasantly surprised it followed the autobiography," Williams said. "When I went to the movie, I went to see Alex Haley's story about Malcolm X, and that's just what I saw, I loved it."
Noting the way the film covered the various phases of Malcolm's life, Williams said it was incredible to watch the story of Malcolm X on
"Each scene had a purpose," he said. "Each scene showed how his character was built. All previous experiences of his youth helped to develop his strengths and disgust in the justice system."
"I felt like I was literally watching the life of Malcolm X unbound before my death."
Prince said he hoped the movie would spark debate and raise consciousness about Malcolm X and the state of the nation today.
Richard Prince Jr., Wichita junior,
said the movie was outstanding and
an enlightening experience as Malcolm's character developed.
Brenda Vernier, of Chicago, who spoke to the Black Student Union Tuesday, said she was afraid young voters may feel too focused on aspects of Malcolm's speech.
"I think we should all look at this but
know that this is not the hub of black
smoke."
David Lee / Warner Bros
Denzel Washington plays Malcolm X in the Warner Brothers release of "Malcolm X," which opened yesterday at 1:200 theaters nationwide. In this scene, Malcolm addresses an audience of Harlem residents outside the legendary Apollo Theatre.
"Malcolm X" opens nationwide
The Associated Press
"I wouldn't change a thing about this movie," said 16-year-old Tahirah Duncan, who left the theater in tears after watching the film biography with her Afro-American studies class from Montclair, N.J.
NEW YORK — They took Spike's advice yesterday, and the director of *Malcolm X* was right: His new movie was worth taking a day off from school to see, according to students who did just that.
Duncan was one of about 300 students from Manhattan and Montclair who filled the Victoria 5 movie theater in Harlem to see the latest Spike Lee film — with school permission — instead of heading to class. The movie opened yesterday at 1,200 theaters nationwide.
"Malcolm X was a hero. He supported black unity. There are so many Malcolms dying at the hands of other black men, too many Malcolms. It has to stop," she said.
The theater, located between the Apollo Theater and Malcolm X Boulevard, held a special morning screening for the group. A night earlier, the cast and crew of "Malcolm X" watched the movie in the theater.
Lee, speaking before the movie's release, had encouraged students to see the film as a school assignment. "Some With the Wind" was in school.
Several New York City schools, including Lee's alma mater, Junior
High School 113 in Brooklyn, sent groups of students to the movie on its opening day. Non-student crowds were heavy in Manhattan, with several剧院 reporting first-night sell-outs.
Newspaper critics were full of praise, and the reviews from the mostly black crowd were unfailingly upbeat for the 3 hour, 21 minute epic starring Denzel Washington. "I had mixed emotions between tears and anger. I was caught in between the two," said Coltrane Curtis, 16, wearing a black "X" visor. "This showed the human side of Malcolm.
Lumumba Bandele, 20, who accompanied students from the Manhattan Valley Youth Center to the screening, said the film delivered the same message Malcolm was preaching on Harlem street corners three decades ago.
Jesse Jackson, speaking Tuesday in Alabama, agreed with Lee that young people should see the film. "For our youth, 'X' must shift from a clothes style to a lifestyle." said Jackson.
The movie follows Malcolm X from his days as a street stuber through his association with the Nation of Islam and the Warrior in Harlem's Audubon Ballroom.
"The main thing of the movie is it's time for all African Americans to drop the Negro mentality that theyre inferior, second-class, don't have ability," he said. "The movies usus a challenge."
Group asks for ban of 'X'
The Associated Press
DETROIT — The Michigan chapter of a group founded by for mer KuKlaus Kansman David Duke wants theaters to ban *Maclomd X.*, saying the film about the slain civil rights leader will incite racism and violence.
"The National Association for the Advancement of White People of Michigan sent about 45 letters to theaters, mainly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries."
"With the growing racial tensions in the Detroit area, this move can only serve to inflame racial hatred toward our people," chapter director Richard Hayward said in the letter, sent last week.
Hayward denied his group was racist, saying it is against policies that put any race above another.
"Malcolm X" was released nationwide yesterday.
The Nov. 5 police beating death of 35 year-old Malice Green is the compelling reason why the movie should not be shown in metropolitan Detroit, Hayward said. Detroit's population is about three-fourths black.
Charges are pending against six white officers and one black officer in Green's death
The NAAWP, founded in New Orleans by Duke, a former KluKi Xlue leader and failed presidential candidate, has about 300 members in Michigan, Hayward said. He said he did not know the group's membership nationwide.
A man who answered the phone Saturday at Lee's New York City production company, Forty Acres and a Mule, said there was no one there to comment.
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
NOVEMBER 19.1992 PAGE 5
Real KU Life begins on the weekend.
calendar
Nightlife
1601 W. 23rd St.
Tonight - The Hollowmen
Friday and Saturday - Milhous Nixons
Sunday - Turquoise Soul
The Bottleneck
Dracom magnet, Hangdog Willie
Monday - Open Mike
Tuesday - Billy Goat
73/1 New Hampshire St.
Tonight - Buttermilk with Cosmic Giggle Factory
Friday - Salty Iguanas
Saturday - Nic Cosmos with Groovehead
Sunday - Douglas County AIDS Benefit with
Cicada Rhythm Group,
Brass Apple Sports Bar & Restaurant
3300 W.15th ST.
Features 10 televisions with satellite dish &
Monday Night Football
Congo Bar
520 N. Third St.
Friday - Southwind Express
Dos Hombres
Bos nombres
815 New Hampshire St.
Tonight - Jeff n-Jeff
Down & Under
801 New Hampshire St.
Tonight - Carnival of Souls with Mulch
Friday - Hangdog Willie
Saturday - The Cows with Season to Risk &
Chain Drive
Gusto's
925 Iowa St.
Tonight • Open Mike
Friday • Trademark
Saturday • Cry Out
Henry T's
Henry T's
3520 W. Sixth St.
Karaoke every Thursday night
Hockenbury Tavern
1016 Massachusetts St.
Tonight - Cry Out
Friday - John Paul and the Hellhounds
Saturday - Mountain Clyde
Sunday - Acoustic Open Mike
International Club 21
106 N. Park St.
Continued on Page 6.