Malcolm X
Spike Lee
Mentioned 2 times across 2 shows · first heard Oct 2025 on IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson.
The general take
Ryan Coogler reflects on Malcolm X as a formative film from his childhood, grouping it alongside other influential movies like Beauty and the Beast and Jurassic Park that shaped him in early elementary school. He treats it as one of the biggest films that impacted him growing up, suggesting it held significant meaning alongside other major cinematic experiences.
About
One of Time ’s 10 most important nonfiction books of the 20th century. Experience a bold take on this classic autobiography as it’s performed by Oscar-nominated Laurence Fishburne. In this searing classic autobiography, originally published in 1965, Malcolm X, the Muslim leader, firebrand, and Black empowerment activist, tells the extraordinary story of his life and the growth of the Human Rights movement. His fascinating perspective on the lies and limitations of the American dream and the inherent racism in a society that denies its non-White citizens the opportunity to dream, gives extraordinary insight into the most urgent issues of our own time. The Autobiography of Malcolm X stands as the definitive statement of a movement and a man whose work was never completed but whose message is timeless.
Who said what
Ryan Coogler👍 Recommends
…transformative films from childhood that influenced filmmaker's approach to directing
“But then, but then Beauty and the Beast. And then, and then Malcolm X. All of these was like kindergarten, first grade. And then I would say, I would say probably one of the biggest ones was Jurassic Park.”
Good Hang with Amy Poehler — Ryan Cooglerat 20:15- IW
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson👍 Recommends
…the book that profoundly changed fela's political consciousness and worldview
“Sandra says at some point in her rant, she went to her bookshelf and pulled out the autobiography of Malcolm X. She told him, you need to read this. And over the next few days, he did. Fela would eventually tell his biographer Carlos Moore, this book, I couldn't put it down. This man was talking about the history of Africa, talking about the white man. I had never read a book like that before in my life.”
IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson — Introducing Fela Kuti: Fear No Manat 43:10
Listener reviews
Bought Malcolm X after hearing about it? Tell everyone how it went.
