Assassinated in 1965 at the age of 39, Malcolm X remains an iconic figure in African-American identity politics. Spike Lee’s biopic is less inflammatory than expected but is a gripping account. (102 minutes, U.S.A.-Japan, 1992, Biography/Drama/History)

Dr. Harvey O’Brien, who has written extensively on the action hero, will consider Denzel Washington’s towering performance as the controversial yet iconic figure and how Lee’s patient storytelling allows meaning to emerge with more nuance than the somewhat ham-fisted ending (featuring a cameo from Nelson Mandela) suggests.

This event is taking place as part of the IFI Evening Course, Heroic Gestures (February 4th – March 11th). Full course price: €60 (€55 concessions), including tea/coffee. Please book your place by calling Sharon Corrigan on 01 679 5744 or emailing scorrigan@irishfilm.ie (Individual tickets for films on this Course are not available.)

Please note that the start time for this film will be 18.00 and not as stated in the February printed programme. The other films in the course will start at 18.30.