Recently, Spike Lee celebrated his 67th birthday on March 20th, marking a significant milestone in his storied career. As 2024 unfolds, it commemorates the 35th anniversary of his ground-breaking film "Do the Right Thing," a pivotal moment that propelled Lee to critical acclaim and mainstream recognition. Prior to this milestone, Lee had already left an indelible mark on cinema with earlier works such as "She’s Gotta Have It" (1986) and "School Daze" (1988), establishing himself as a leading figure in Black cinema. While he was not the first Black director to gain mainstream recognition, his influence cannot be understated, as his films have resonated with audiences worldwide, addressing issues of race and identity in a profound and impactful manner. However, amidst his well-deserved acclaim, a controversy lurks, inviting further exploration into the complexities of his legacy.
"Do the Right Thing" chronicles the collision of two Brooklyn neighbourhoods, Bed-Stuy and Bensonhurst, through the perspectives of Mookie (Spike Lee) and Salvatore (Danny Aiello) on the hottest day of the year. Bed-Stuy, portrayed as a victim of economic disparities and gentrification, nonetheless exhibits cultural resilience rooted in the Civil Rights Movement and African American culture in New York City. In contrast, Bensonhurst represents an Italian American neighbourhood. The film's significance extends beyond its narrative, serving as a precursor to the themes echoed in the Black Lives Matter movement in 2013. Spike Lee adeptly utilizes his platform as both director and protagonist, frequently breaking the fourth wall to address issues of race and identity, further solidifying the film's impact and relevance.
As the writer of the movie, Spike Lee drew inspiration from the Howard Beach incident, which occurred on December 20, 1986. In this tragic event, a group of twelve angry white men pursued and assaulted three black men after they exited a pizzeria in a predominantly Italian-American neighbourhood. Regrettably, during the chase, one of the victims, Michael Griffith, was coerced onto the Belt Parkway, where he was fatally struck by a vehicle. Spike Lee, through behind-the-scenes footage of "Do the Right Thing," recounts Reverend Al Sharpton's subsequent protest and the resulting call for African-Americans to boycott white-owned pizzerias. This historical incident served as the impetus for a pivotal scene in the film, where the character Buggin’ Out initiates a boycott against Sal's Pizzeria.
However, controversy arises regarding the movie's originality. Spike Lee's genius appears to be a direct emulation of the precursor to Brazilian Cinema Novo, "Rio, 40 Graus" (directed by Nelson Pereira dos Santos, 1955). In this Brazilian film, on the hottest Sunday, five boys from the favela embark on journeys to sell peanuts across various parts of the city. Zeca, Sujinho, Jorge, Paulinho, and Xerife's paths intersect as they visit five iconic tourist destinations: Copacabana, Sugar Loaf Mountain, Corcovado, Quinta da Boa Vista, and Maracanã Stadium, which are the surroundings are considered upscale or high-end. Amidst their efforts to earn a livelihood, they unite in a mission to pool their earnings to purchase a soccer ball, with one of them needing to sell enough to buy medicine for his sick mother. The film provides commentary on race intertwined with class in Brazil, where poverty carries a distinct colour, despite the country being home to the largest Black population outside of Africa. The narrative includes police chases and escorts involving minors, one of whom is struck by a vehicle, while another is named "Lil Dirty." As the movie near approaches its 70th anniversary, it continues to depict a reality entrenched in white privilege, socio-economic inequality, and racism. Beyond that, they are paper citizens: numbers in the statistics, subject-matter in the news, subject-does-not matter in society and ghosts haunting distracted gringos with the “exotic” beauty.
Their approach may differ in terms of Spike Lee's break of the fourth wall and the portrayal of Brooklyn culture compared to Carioca culture. However, it is worth highlighting another recent addition to this list: "In the Heights" (directed by Jon M. Chu, 2021), which focuses on Washington Heights. This film employs unique techniques, including immersive oral storytelling with flashbacks, narrator, and musical numbers, subtly commenting on the characters' situations in the country and representing local culture. Washington Heights is renowned for its rich Hispanic heritage, particularly its Dominican population, which has significantly influenced the neighbourhood’s identity and culture.
I agree that the films mentioned hold significant importance as they shed light on stories from minority groups, with creators utilizing their platforms to address present-day issues and engage with a socio-politically aware audience. However, as a Brazilian, it's frustrating to witness the omission or neglect of our rich cultural heritage, beyond the shallow stereotypes often associated with Brazil such as favelas, Carnaval, football, and the Amazon rainforest. Cinema Novo played a crucial role in Brazil's history, providing a platform to address various social issues even before the American civil rights movement in the 1960s. It's disheartening how foreign films are often overlooked in the anglophone mainstream. As Bong Joon Ho eloquently stated in his 2020 Oscar acceptance speech, "Once you overcome the one-inch-tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films." Fight the power!
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