Writer/Director: Spike Lee
Starring: Samuel L. Jackson, Spike Lee and Turturro
‘A Meaningful Masterpiece’
Not many actors have achieved praise of Samuel L. Jackson. Ever since his rise to praise in the 1990’s, Jackson has become a beloved icon. Whether it is cruel gangsters, slave owners or political leaders, Jackson has portrayed many strong characters. Arguably, Jackson’s strength as an actor has always been his strong commitment to his craft. He is one of those rare actors that has always had a talent for stealing the show in supportive roles which have limited screen-time. Even if he isn’t the main focus of a movie, Jackson has always left a strong impression. An actor with commitment to his craft, Jackson has become a beloved icon in modern-day entertainment. Throughout a lasting career, Jackson has made several movies that are worth talking about without a doubt.
I’m a huge fan of Jackson and adore al the films he has made. However, “Do the Right Thing” is my personal favourite. Released in 1989, Spike Lee’s movie offered a powerful portrait of racist neighbourhoods. Packed with breathtaking production, spellbinding storytelling and phenomenal acting, it’s one of the best films ever made about racism. At the centre of it all is a fantastic performance by Samuel L. Jackson, who portrays a radio show host which faces tension. Ultimately, what makes “Do the Right” Thing” a classic is its appeal. Unlike most Spike Lee movies, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. A captivating masterpiece about racism, there are many strong reasons why “Do the Right Thing” is a commemorated film that’s worth watching.
Set in a Brooklyn neighbourhood, “Do the Right Thing” tells the story of a community struggling to do good. Spike Lee portrays Mookie, a black pizza owner that seeks to find his identity. Mookie is a compassionate man that has often showcased admiration for his neighborhood which he loves dearly. However, Mookie’s life drastically changes when he witnesses racism in his small town causing a disaster. Confronted by the pizza store owner Sal (Danny Aiello), Mookie soon questions abilities to survive in a town which causes sorrow. Facing with obstacles which prove to be challenging, Mookie questions if it’s possible for him to anymore do the right thing.
Spike Lee has always been fascinated with themes of racism causing adversity. A bold filmmaker, Lee has often crafted engaging movies about racism’s causing disaster. His iconic movie “She’s Gotta Have it” offered a powerful portrait of women that experience racism that causes a fit. With “Do the Right Thing”, however, Lee made his first ever film about racist neighbourhoods. It was Lee’s first attempt to capture the lives of people in a community facing racism adversity but he succeeded tremendously. Using captivating cinematography, Lee captures a community affected by racism adversity. Inspired with Robert Mulligan’s “To Kill a Mockingbird”, Lee effectively uses point of view shots to capture tensions racist neighbourhoods are facing. For instance, POV shots enhance the racist confrontation scene. During this tense scene, Mookie witnesses a racial riot in his local neighborhood causing tension. Using POV shots, Lee crafts a portrait of racism that’s engaging. POV shots are a complex technique. As Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” suggested, POV shots enhance gangster films. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Using breathtaking visuals, captures tension that detectives are facing.
Another admirable aspect of merits praise of storytelling. The film is beautifully written, and uses silence to capture neighbourhoods that are affected by violence. For instance, silence enhances the neighbourhood fight aftermath scene. During this meaningful scene, Mookie faced an attitude of silence following a racism riot in his neighbourhood. Through silence, Lee created a portrait of murder that audiences can easily relate to. Silence is a tricky technique to use in films. As Quentin Tarantino’s “Django Unchained” suggested, silence enhances movies about slavery. Nevertheless, it works immensely in this movie. Through a fantastic screenplay, Lee captured racist neighbourhoods facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Samuel L. Jackson delivers one of his best performances as Mister Daddy. Jackson first earned appreciation for playing bold gangsters in crime dramas. With “Do the Right Thing”, however, he took on his most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a radio show host facing adversity but he succeeds tremendously. This is the actor unlike you’ve ever seen him before: intense, charming and emotional in his most complex role. Jackson has often excelled playing characters with a sense of humour, and “Do the Right Thing” showcases his strengths as an actor. It’s a phenomenal performance from one of the most commemorated actors that’s working today.
While the movie is mainly a showcase for Samuel L. Jackson, the supporting cast is also amazing. John Turturro is fantastic, capturing the sorrow experienced by an Italian restaurant owner in a high pressure scenario. Danny Aeillo is dazzling, bringing authority to an Italian restaurant owner that faced adversity. Lastly, Spike Lee deserves recognition. As a black man facing racism, he is unforgettable.
Finally, “Do the Right Thing” would earn the recognition of everyone for capturing racism causing tension. Unlike most movies about racism, it tackles strong themes everyone would relate to. It discusses strong themes including ambition, bravery and guilt that would resonate with everyone. It delivers a meaningful message about discrimination which would truly resonate with everyone. Therefore, “Do the Right Thing” is one of those rare films about racism everyone will adore.
Fans of Samuel L. Jackson would definitely enjoy “Do the Right Thing” and so would audiences seeking intense entertainment. A captivating drama about racism, it honours an actor that has achieved as stardom.
Nearly 40 years following the release of an iconic film about restaurant owners facing racism in neighbourhoods seeking to do the right thing, it’s a riveting reminder about an actor that has built a lasting legacy through his abilities to portray compelling characters in memorable films that are definitely worth celebrating.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 