Subway Scriptures...

A Malcolm X quote in mosaics at the subway station on 110th St. & Malcolm X Blvd (aka Lenox Ave)

Malcolm X's famous Ballot or Bullet Speech, 1964

Spike Lee's Malcolm X , 1992

I don't know the technical name of Spike Lee's signature shot. I call it the conveyor belt shot because that's what it looks like. He didn't invent it, but he popularized it, and it is certainly attributed to him, at least in the modern era. Here it is towards the end of this montage scene in Malcolm X; the camera shoots Denzel Washington (who appears to be eerily inhabited by the spirit of Mr. X) from below while his static body is moved forward on the conveyor belt. Though Lee (over)uses the shot in several of his other films, I think it is best utilized here. It really gives the impression of impending doom. He doesn't want to die, but he knows it's inevitable. He is not an eager martyr, but there is nowhere to go but forward where the momentum of the Civil Rights Movement propels him. I think my running into Spike Lee in NYC is inevitable, especially once I can afford to go to a Knicks game and participate in Linsanity.

"He may be a real contender for this position should he/ Abandon his supposed obedience to white liberal doctrine/ Of non-violence...and embrace black nationalism/ Through counter-intelligence it should be possible to/ Pinpoint potential trouble-makers/ And neutralize them and neutralize them, and neutralize them, and neutralize them/ Wake up! Wake up! Wake up! Wake up!" --Rage Against the Machine, Wake Up