In many Hollywood movies, the topics of race and racism are often simplified or avoided. However, Spike Lee’s film Do the Right Thing takes a bold and insightful look at these issues. Released in 1989, the movie paints a vivid picture of a Brooklyn neighborhood, showcasing its lively and diverse community. The film’s intense climax, fueled by racial tensions and economic struggles, remains significant even more than 25 years later.
Spike Lee was already a well-known filmmaker at the age of 32, with two feature films to his name, when he started working on Do the Right Thing. The film was inspired by a tragic event in 1986, where Michael Griffith, an African-American man, died after being chased from a pizzeria. Lee drew from his own experiences growing up in Brooklyn to create a film that genuinely reflected the lives and racial dynamics of its residents.
The film is set during one scorching day in the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood. It follows a diverse group of characters dealing with rising tensions. The main character, Mookie, played by Lee himself, works as a pizza delivery guy for Sal’s Famous Pizzeria, a central spot in the community. Through Mookie, we meet various characters, including Sal, his sons Pino and Vito, and neighborhood figures like Da Mayor and Mother Sister. The film also showcases different cultural identities, such as a Korean grocery store owner, Latino kids, and a pair of white police officers, all adding to the neighborhood’s rich diversity.
Lee uses various filmmaking techniques to draw the audience into the film’s intense atmosphere. The oppressive heat is highlighted through cinematography and production design, with warm colors dominating the visuals. Heat lamps were used during filming to create shimmering effects, and characters are often shown sweating, increasing the sense of discomfort.
The film’s stylistic choices, like wide tracking shots and Dutch angles, add to its emotional depth. Lee’s decision to break the fourth wall at key moments allows characters to speak directly to the audience, deepening the exploration of racial tensions. The mix of light-hearted scenes with moments of growing conflict highlights the fragility of community dynamics.
Do the Right Thing explores complex themes of race and activism, presenting characters with different approaches to social justice. The film contrasts peaceful protest, as advocated by Martin Luther King Jr., with a more militant stance associated with Malcolm X. This duality is seen in characters like Buggin’ Out, who wants to organize a boycott of Sal’s pizzeria, and Mookie, who is mainly focused on his job.
Critics have debated the film’s perspective on race since its release. While some saw it as irresponsible, others, like Roger Ebert, praised Lee for fairly portraying the characters’ complexities. The film challenges viewers to examine their own beliefs about race and racism, especially through the character of Sal, who initially seems sympathetic but reveals deeper prejudices as the story progresses.
The film’s climax leads to a tragic confrontation resulting in violence and destruction. Radio Raheem’s death at the hands of the police and the ensuing riot serve as a powerful commentary on systemic racism and community conflict. Mookie’s decision to throw a garbage can through Sal’s restaurant window raises questions about justice and morality. Unlike traditional stories that offer clear resolutions, Lee leaves the audience with an uneasy ending, reflecting the ongoing struggles within the community.
Do the Right Thing remains a powerful exploration of race, community, and the complexities of human relationships. Its themes are still relevant today, sparking important conversations about race and violence. As the characters deal with their realities, the film reminds us that the fight for understanding and justice continues. In the next installment, we will explore Lost in Translation, a quieter film that delves into themes of connection and isolation in contemporary Japan.
Watch key scenes from Do the Right Thing and analyze the use of cinematography and color to convey the oppressive heat and tension. Discuss how these elements contribute to the film’s emotional impact. Consider how the use of Dutch angles and breaking the fourth wall affects your perception of the characters and their struggles.
Engage in a role-playing debate where you assume the roles of different characters from the film. Debate the merits of peaceful protest versus more militant actions, as represented by Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X. Reflect on how these perspectives are portrayed through characters like Buggin’ Out and Mookie.
Write an alternate ending to the film that explores different outcomes for the characters after the climax. Consider how changes in their actions or attitudes might lead to a different resolution. Share your ending with the class and discuss how it alters the film’s message about race and community.
Create a map of the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood as depicted in the film. Identify key locations such as Sal’s Pizzeria, the Korean grocery store, and other significant spots. Discuss how these locations contribute to the film’s portrayal of community dynamics and cultural diversity.
Research the real-life event that inspired the film, the death of Michael Griffith in 1986. Present your findings on how this event and the social climate of the 1980s influenced Spike Lee’s storytelling. Discuss the ongoing relevance of these issues in today’s society and how they continue to spark conversations about race and justice.
Race – A social construct that categorizes people based on physical characteristics such as skin color, often used in film studies to analyze representation and stereotypes. – In the film, the director uses the protagonist’s journey to explore themes of race and identity within a multicultural society.
Community – A group of people with shared interests or characteristics, often depicted in films to highlight social bonds and cultural values. – The documentary focuses on the tight-knit community of filmmakers who collaborate to bring diverse stories to the screen.
Activism – The practice of taking action to effect social or political change, frequently portrayed in films to inspire or document movements. – The film’s narrative centers around a young woman’s activism, as she organizes protests to demand environmental justice.
Tensions – Conflicts or strains between characters or groups, often used in film to build drama and explore complex relationships. – The movie expertly portrays the tensions between different social classes, highlighting the disparities in wealth and opportunity.
Dynamics – The forces or processes that produce change within a film’s narrative or character relationships. – The evolving dynamics between the two main characters drive the plot, revealing deeper themes of trust and betrayal.
Justice – The concept of fairness and the administration of the law, often a central theme in films that address social issues. – The courtroom drama delves into the intricacies of the legal system, questioning whether true justice can be achieved.
Morality – Principles concerning the distinction between right and wrong, frequently explored in films to challenge viewers’ ethical beliefs. – The film raises questions about morality as the protagonist faces difficult choices that test his integrity.
Diversity – The inclusion of different types of people and perspectives, often highlighted in films to promote understanding and representation. – The festival celebrated diversity in cinema, showcasing films from various cultures and backgrounds.
Techniques – Methods or strategies used in filmmaking to convey meaning or evoke emotions. – The director’s innovative techniques, such as non-linear storytelling and visual symbolism, captivated the audience.
Exploration – The act of investigating or examining a theme or concept in depth, often a central aspect of a film’s narrative. – The film is an exploration of human resilience, depicting the characters’ struggles and triumphs in the face of adversity.
