One of Denzel Washington’s Most Important Films Is Now on Paramount+
Denzel Washington is such a versatile actor. In fact, I can’t think of a single part he couldn’t successfully pull off. Washington can bring the comedic energy or play a villain, and he is easily able to step in as the hero. The decorated actor is additionally quite skilled at playing public figures. He scored an Oscar nomination for his turn as Rubin “Hurricane” Carter in The Hurricane. Not to mention, Washington also picked up an Academy Award nom for his turn as the titular character in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X.
Speaking of Malcolm X, I have good news. The celebrated biopic is now available to stream on Paramount+. If you haven’t seen the flick or you’re due for a repeat visit, head over to Paramount+, where the critically acclaimed feature is streaming (as of the publication of this post).
What is the setup for the Malcolm X biopic?
A tribute to the controversial Black activist and leader of the struggle for Black liberation. He hit bottom during his imprisonment in the ’50s, he became a Black Muslim and then a leader in the Nation of Islam. His assassination in 1965 left a legacy of self-determination and racial pride.
Arnold Perl and Spike Lee shared screenwriting duties on the project. However, Lee wasn’t Warner Bros.’ first choice to direct. The studio initially wanted Norman Jewison (The Hurricane) to helm the project. Jewison is white, which rightfully led to backlash. Spike Lee was vocal in his criticism of the studio’s designs on having a white director helm and ultimately stepped in to bring the project to life when Jewison bowed out. Lee performed a rewrite of the script, promising that he wouldn’t compromise his vision.
It’s clear that Lee was the right man to direct. His vision is uncompromising (just as he promised), and the biopic provides a thoughtful portrait of a trailblazer in the civil rights movement.
Denzel Washington stars alongside Angela Bassett, Albert Hall, Delroy Lindo, and Al Freeman Jr. Spike Lee also makes an appearance as the lead character’s childhood friend.
Make sure to stay tuned to the site in the near future for more exciting updates on which films are available to watch on your favorite streaming platforms. If you fancy the idea of keeping tabs on me via social media, you can find me on Threads as @FunWithHorror.
Categorized:News
