...and as before, I thought Denzel Washington's performance was top-notch.
One thing that has struck me, watching the movie, and reading "The Autobiography of", is the moment in his life when he becomes disillusioned with the Nation of Islam. It is so familiar a feeling to me, and to a lot of people on this board:
Malcolm was a "true believer" in his religion in every sense of the word. It helped him kick a drug habit, change his criminal life style, and gave him an identity and a purpose. He was so devout that he was willing to lay down his life for the leader of the NOI, Elijah Muhammed. He became the primary spokesman for the group, he was sent out to open mosques throughout the country. And since he was such a charismatic speaker, he became THE face of the Black Muslims. He was "too good" at his job.
He also was unwilling to listen to the rumors and accusations about the leadership in the NOI:the use of funds for personal enrichment, the children that Elijah Muhammed had fathered with young secretaries in the organization. But he finally starts to investigate, and finds out it is true.
In one scene in the movie, one of the leaders tells him to read the Bible: David slept with Bathsheba, but he also was chosen as King of Israel; Noah was accused of drunkenness, yet he was chosen by God to build the Ark; and Solomon had 700 wives, but he was the wisest king of all. So the leadership uses these examples as an excuse for what they are doing.
At first, Malcolm tries to reconcile these things to his beliefs, but finally breaks away from the NOI. And from that point forward, becomes a marked man. Those in the leadership who were resentful of his popularity in the movement use this to their advantage. Former friends and associates shun him, or worse, threaten his life and that of his family. And eventually, he is assassinated (though there is still some speculation as to who really ordered the hit:NOI? CIA? Mafia?).
This story is so familar after reading things like Ray Franz's book, and experiences here on boards like this. Many "apostates" were not "disgruntled" or "half-hearted", but were "true believers" in the Organization and the beliefs of the JW's. Many were willing to die for their beliefs. But when things are revealed that cannot be ignored or excused, the disillusionment is pretty severe. How many time have we read in the literature that men are imperfect, just like Moses, David, etc., as an excuse for many serious wrongs (that the Organization won't admit to anyway!).
And of course, once these break away, they are branded as "evil Apostates, prideful, wishing to gain prominence for themselves, and liars."
I found the parallels quite striking!
Anyway, anyone else have an opinion? I think the movie is great. I'm not a big Spike Lee fan, but, aside from a few typical indulgences (Lee has a prominent role in the first half, as Malcolm's running buddy during his "zoot suit" days), I think it is one of the best bio-pics I have ever seen.