The author argues that, while Spike Lee's "Malcolm X" can be interpreted as an expression of African-Americans' desire to
demonstrate that they powerfully stood up for their
rights and demanded equal treatment, it cannot be considered an
historical reference or source for the era, the rise of the Nation of Islam, or the emergence of Malcolm X as a nationalist symbol for black Americans. It explains that the film neither presents facts accurately nor comprehensively. In addition, it offers a mythical, not realistic, image of Malcolm X. The writer concludes that there is a need to establish certain standards of accuracy for historical films while accepting the director's right to creativity.