How did a 4-star biopic with Denzel Washington push a celebrated director to the brink? The trail runs through perilous shoots, vanished funds and a partnership that still refuses to break.
Spike Lee revisits the tumultuous making of Malcolm X with candor at the Red Sea International Film Festival, revealing how close the project came to unraveling. From shooting amid the Hajj in Saudi Arabia to scrambling for cash when funds ran dry, the production teetered on a knife-edge. An unlikely lifeline arrived from a constellation of artists and athletes, while Denzel Washington anchored the film with a searing performance. Decades later, their partnership is still generating fresh work, including a Kurosawa-inflected reunion now on Apple TV.
A biopic, a partnership, and a daring journey
In 1992, Spike Lee tapped into uncharted territory with his masterpiece Malcolm X, starring Denzel Washington. The biopic, chronicling the life of the legendary civil rights leader, was not just a project for the filmmaker; it became a test of resilience, creativity, and determination. For over 3 decades, Lee and Washington have remained a striking duo, shaping the landscape of cinema together. This ambitious film once nearly derailed Spike Lee’s career.
The trials and triumph of a visionary biopic
Producing Malcolm X was no ordinary undertaking. The film demanded authenticity on an unprecedented scale, including scenes involving Malcolm X’s pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj. Shooting in Saudi Arabia presented unique challenges, with logistical hurdles and cultural complexities testing the crew’s endurance. The most daunting obstacle came from the film’s budget. Spike Lee faced mounting financial difficulties even as production was underway, and Warner Bros.’ reluctance to provide additional funds left him stranded, and the stakes could not have been higher.
The director turned to influential friends for help, rallying a remarkable group of artists and athletes to save his vision. Iconic names like Bill Cosby, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Janet Jackson, Prince, and Tracy Chapman stepped in with generous contributions. This unlikely coalition ensured that the biopic reached the finish line, defying seemingly impossible odds.
The legacy of Malcolm X
The impact of Malcolm X resonated deeply across audiences and critics. Denzel Washington’s portrayal was mesmerizing, earning him an Oscar nomination and cementing his reputation as one of the greatest actors of his generation. For Spike Lee, the film became a cornerstone of his creative legacy. Reflecting on the experience at the Red Sea International Film Festival, he emphasized its enduring significance, noting how it pushed boundaries in American cinema while honoring an essential historical figure.
The challenges faced during its creation only heightened its triumph. Despite fears that it could damage Lee’s career, Malcolm X emerged as a beacon of what relentless determination can accomplish, and its powerful storytelling continues to influence filmmakers around the globe.
A dynamic duo, 33 years later
Fast forward 33 years, and Spike Lee and Denzel Washington are still redefining collaboration. Their latest project, High and Low, is an Apple Original Films production inspired by the work of Akira Kurosawa, fusing cross-cultural elements with their signature depth. Lee’s ability to reinvent his artistry while sustaining meaningful partnerships like the one with Washington reflects his enduring commitment to storytelling.
Whether tackling historical giants or experimenting with fresh perspectives, Spike Lee continues to defy expectations. The risks taken on Malcolm X proved pivotal, opening the path for bold new projects and cementing a legacy built on bravery and brilliance.