By Any Means Necessary: Spike Lee & The Making of Malcolm X 

Cinema can change attitudes, englighten ignorance, strengthen understanding and faith. In 1992 director Spike Lee would partner with star Denzel Washington and long-time cinematographer (and NYU schoolmate) Ernest Dickerson to bring to the big screen the life of one of the most important firgures of the 20th Century, Malcolm Little to become "Red" to become Malcolm X, to become el-Hajj Malik el-Shabazz. In an expansive narrative that covers over four decades and - could be argued - encapsulates the experience of Black life in the history of the United States, Spike Lee's Academy Award ignored film (save Denzel Washington's Best Actor Nomination that was lost to Al Pacino for Scent of a Woman) is certainly one of the great artistic, social, and political achievements of the 20th Century. What started out as a reflection on this thirty-three year old film quickly revealed itself as a subject that would demand two episodes to truly understand Lee, Washington, and Dickerson's masterpiece. This week Mr. Chavez & I dive into the history of the films production (a 27 year odyssey that would see a change of directors, misunderstanding, financial complications, and controversy within the Black Community). This discussion took us to some emotional and thought-provoking places. We are honored to share this with you. As always we can be reached at [email protected]. Many Thanks.

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