Malcolm Lee - director Malcolm Lee is finishing his first film, 'The Best Man'

American Visions, Oct, 1999 by Nasser Metcalfe

As Malcolm Lee sits in the midtown Manhattan editing facility where the final touches are being administered to his debut film, The Best Man (Universal, October 22), it becomes apparent that the young director knows what he wants. Dressed casually, yet stylishly, in matching earth tones--Nike hat, Phat Farm jersey, no-logo shorts and sneakers--he speaks with determination, almost as if he were reciting a personal manifesto.

"I want to make entertaining and thought-provoking films," Lee declares. "I want people to think, and I want people to laugh and enjoy themselves when they watch my movies. I want my films to be consistently good. I want to continue to raise the level of excellence. I want to influence other filmmakers. I want people to be inspired by my work."

Such goals did not always seem attainable. During the early 1980s, huge productions, such as Star Wars and Raiders of the Lost Ark, were the favorite films of the prepubescent Lee. He absorbed these fantasies but could not imagine that any black person, much less anyone in his family, could create such wonders. Then one day his older cousin Shelton moved in.

Shelton--or "Spike," as he was affectionately known--was attending the prestigious New York University (NYU) Film School. When young Malcolm learned that his cousin intended to make movies, he was puzzled. "For the theater?" asked the inquisitive youngster. Spike's reply that day was as startling to Malcolm as She's Gotta Have It's "Please, baby; please, baby. Baby, baby, please? would be to audiences several years later. But Malcolm's biggest surprise of all would come when he realized that he wanted to do the same thing.

While chilling in the editing room, it is now grown-up Malcolm Lee who stands at the threshold, preparing both to complete his first commercial release and to secure his place within his illustrious family. Yet another native of Brooklyn is poised to emerge with his own unique voice.

With The Best Man, Lee's talent registers loud and clear. The film's previews have created a buzz in the industry. His approach to on-screen story telling cleverly samples different genres: his comedic view causes audiences to laugh hysterically one minute; his dramatic tensions have them twisting in their seats a few moments later.

The film, which stars Taye Diggs (How Stella Got Her Groove Back) and Nia Long (love jones and Soul Food), is the story of Harper Stewart, portrayed by Diggs--a talented young writer whose soon-to-be-released first novel, "Unfinished Business," has hoisted him to the brink of success. Harper had dedicated the book to his best friend from college, Lance Sullivan, and to Lance's fiancee, Mia. Harper had brought the pair together while they were all in undergraduate school.

As the story opens, Harper is preparing to depart from his home in Chicago--and from the loving attentions of his girlfriend, Robin--to visit New York City, where he is to stand as the best man at Lance and Mia's wedding. Upon arriving in the Big Apple, he is reunited with his college running buddies, all of whom he has characterized somehow in his book.

Harper is alarmed to discover that an advance copy of the novel is making the rounds within his circle and that not everyone is pleased. All is well, however, as he gets reacquainted with Jordan (Long), the beautiful, proverbial one-who-got-away. Bringing bro'hood to the mix are Quentin Spivey, the charming ladies' man with a penchant for brutal honesty, and Julian "Murch" Murchison, whose heart is always in the right place, but whose awkward style sometimes keeps him out of the loop.

As the friends enjoy their reunion, several revelations about their past and present lives are exposed. Tension mounts as it becomes clear that the best man's novel is a thinly veiled account of his long-ago betrayal of the groom. When the ugly truth roars forth at the bachelor party, all bets are off. Lance explodes. The wedding is canceled. The other characters are left to pick up the pieces.

Are they successful? Does the wedding take place? Is there forgiveness? Redemption? You'll have to pay the price of admission to find out, and this movie is worth it. Lee's screenplay and direction are a refreshing departure from the shoot'em-up, in-the-hood films all too common in recent years. The film's characters are less-than-perfect individuals, but you can't help wanting to know them better. They are educated, career-minded professionals who give back to the community. Their predicament is layered with enough humor, suspense and sentiment to lure audiences into their lives.

As a director, Malcolm Lee has learned a lot from Spike Lee (The Best Man's executive producer), but he dares to communicate by using his own individual style. Do not expect to see many of the unorthodox camera tricks that have distinguished his cousin's work. Malcolm selects more conservative camera angles, allowing the actors' performances to propel the story. At the same time, The Best Man--Malcolm's fifth completed screenplay -- exhibits his firm hold on the writer's craft.