“Do the Right Thing” was one of the most open, honest and realistic discussions of race in America upon its release. Although the movie pits white vs. black, it truly examines race relations on a universal level. There is a
“Do the Right Thing” was one of the most open, honest and realistic discussions of race in America upon its release.
Although the movie pits white vs. black, it truly examines race relations on a universal level. There is a famous scene in the movie where a young (unknown) Samuel L. Jackson says “chill.” We need to.
I don’t like racism, period. I don’t like hearing the white/black argument, the local/haole argument or anything that doesn’t acknowledge we are all people on this planet.
I have a unique perspective on this film, because I’m Caucasian and Mexican. In California, I am accepted. If I have a tan (or a beard), elderly women roll up their windows and scowl at me.
This was the breakout film for cinema great Spike Lee (“Malcolm X”).
In “Do the Right Thing” he places the entire film on one street block of the neighborhood in the film. Spike borrows the one-location style from the late Sidney Lumet (“12 Angry Men”), who was a fellow NYC master director.
The story occurs set against the backdrop of the hottest day of summer. As the temperature rises, so do racial tensions. This is timed perfectly with lighting, editing and character change.
The story is multi-faceted with the smallest incident in the film inciting the biggest problem. I can tell you there are fantastic performances from then-unknown actors Martin Lawrence (“Big Momma’s House”), Rosie Perez (“White Men Can’t Jump”) and Bill Nunn (“Mo’ Better Blues”).
The film is carried by Danny Aiello (Sal) who runs Sal’s pizzeria, an Italian restaurant in an all black neighborhood. There is also a wonderful performance by Spike Lee himself as Mookie, the guy who is on both sides of the coin within the movie. He is black, but works with and respects the Italians.
I relate most to Mookie, because I love hanging with anyone. I don’t care if you’re purple from Mars; if you’re a good soul, let’s hang.
However, Mookie is at heart a black man who must follow his convictions when they are tested in this movie. I’m exactly that. Let’s hang, but don’t start calling me “haole” when you don’t know me.
The movie pushes the envelope and throws the viewer over the edge, but Lee justifies it by showing all sides of the story. The power of “Do the Right Thing” is that the film leaves you thinking long after the credits have rolled.
My father let me watch this film when I was about 12 years old. He wanted me to see that racism is wrong and there are consequences for it.
My father and uncle ended generations of racism towards blacks that existed in my family (my father is from Missouri). It’s another reason I don’t like racism — I’ve seen what it does to others via family stories. It’s sad, and ultimately I used to feel shame for the injustices my family probably caused.
I admire that Spike Lee went out on a limb so early in his career (his third film). He was robbed of a Best Director nomination at the Oscars. Lee claims it’s because he’s black.
“We’re all human” is the movie’s moral. I’m not standing on a soapbox, I’m just saying we’d better wake up. The past is the past and we can create a bright future as brothers and sisters, or we can drudge up our ancestors’ wrong-doings and keep the war going. It’s up to us.
Year: 1989
Director: Spike Lee
Starring: Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee
Oscars: Nominations for Best Screenplay, Supporting Actor(Aiello)
1. Malcolm X
2. Mo’ Better Blues
3. Clockers
4. 25th Hour
5. Jungle Fever
6. Summer of Sam
7. Get on the Bus
8. Crooklyn
9. She’s gotta have It
10. School Daze
