Death of a Prophet

Last updated
Death of a Prophet
Genre
  • Drama
  • History
Written by Woodie King Jr.
Directed byWoodie King Jr.
Starring Morgan Freeman
Theme music composer Max Roach
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
Production
EditorCharles Sessoms
Running time60 mins
Release
Original release1981 (1981)

Death of a Prophet is a 1981 television film, written and directed by Woodie King Jr., and starring Morgan Freeman as Malcolm X. [1] [2]

Contents

Cast

Reception

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette said that the film "will stimulate discussion, but it won't shed any light on the [assassination] itself... To say Death of a Prophet takes liberties with the facts is an understatement, but the degree to which it does can be a bit irritating at times... Still, the film manages to capture an essential truth — Malcolm X was perceived in some circles and our government as a dangerous man because of his eloquence, self-discipline and unswerving dedication to black liberation." [3]

Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide called the film a "low-budget but involving drama (with some documentary scenes) about the last day in the life of a black American leader. He's clearly supposed to be Malcolm X, though that name is not mentioned. Freeman is excellent, and the film's documentary style is effective." [4]

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References

  1. Goldberg, Lesley (22 August 2017). "Malcolm X Scripted TV Series in the Works". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  2. "Morgan Freeman at 80: Here are his best films". Deutsche Welle . 31 May 2017. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  3. Norman, Tony (February 24, 1992). "'Prophet' allegorizes Malcolm X slaying". Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . Retrieved 2 December 2020.
  4. Maltin, Leonard (2017). Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide: The Modern Era. Plume Books. p. 337. ISBN   9780525536192 . Retrieved 2 December 2020.

Death of a Prophet at IMDb