‘Malcolm X’: Denzel Washington Became a Generational Star in This Timeless Classic Movie

Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Malcolm X in Spike Lee’s 1992 film of the same name – based on Malcolm X’s autobiography as told to Alex Haley – is considered a career-defining role. Washington recently discussed the enormous pressure he felt while playing such an important historical figure. Though the film is highly rated by both critics (89% on Rotten Tomatoes) and audiences (91%), it wasn’t universally praised upon its release. Initial reviews were mixed; Todd McCarthy of Variety found it slow and overly long (the film is over three hours), while Vincent Canby of The New York Times hailed it as a bold, thoughtful, and complex biography.





