Do the Right Thing
Can someone tell me whyyyyyy Spike Lee insists on casting himself in major roles in his movies? He is a fine director but he cannot. Act. As soon as he's in any scene requiring--well, anything--I'm jerked out of the movie and reminded "oh yea, Spike Lee vanity casting." He embarrasses himself. I just watched Do the Right Thing--great movie as far as visuals, angles, theme, directing, great acting--except for him. He's HORRIBLE. Every time I see him I think "why did he take away that great part from a capable African-American actor? There're few enough parts for black actors--why does he cast himself when he's not an actor?"
Other than that, very interesting movie. Dan Aiello is TERRIFIC--he's really strong. Ossie Davis is the awesome. I LOVE the visuals--his use of color is just...perfect. You're drenched in that heat, it's unavoidable. I even liked Joie Lee although she's not much of an actor either. For all Lee's nepotism, I gotta say his father sure knows how to compose--the score's amazing.
ETA:
Upon watching it again (God, I love commentary tracks), it impresses me more--Spike really takes so much care with each shot. There's almost a loving quality to the shots--it is obvious he enjoys moviemaking, he cares about his pictures. I guess that's one reason I like them--I'm not too crazy about Spike himself, but I do like his movies, even if I don't agree with them. I feel they're idealistic movies, they're trying to say something, they're not cynical. It's refreshing.
I like the portrayal of the community. There's a tight, "known" quality to the block--these people know and like each other. It all feels familiar, the bodegas, the stoops leading up to those old, old brownstones with their faded and peeling interiors and dusty moldings.
And damn, those Lee kids are some skinny dudes! Spike's actually kind of cute, all 110 pounds of him.
Other than that, very interesting movie. Dan Aiello is TERRIFIC--he's really strong. Ossie Davis is the awesome. I LOVE the visuals--his use of color is just...perfect. You're drenched in that heat, it's unavoidable. I even liked Joie Lee although she's not much of an actor either. For all Lee's nepotism, I gotta say his father sure knows how to compose--the score's amazing.
ETA:
Upon watching it again (God, I love commentary tracks), it impresses me more--Spike really takes so much care with each shot. There's almost a loving quality to the shots--it is obvious he enjoys moviemaking, he cares about his pictures. I guess that's one reason I like them--I'm not too crazy about Spike himself, but I do like his movies, even if I don't agree with them. I feel they're idealistic movies, they're trying to say something, they're not cynical. It's refreshing.
I like the portrayal of the community. There's a tight, "known" quality to the block--these people know and like each other. It all feels familiar, the bodegas, the stoops leading up to those old, old brownstones with their faded and peeling interiors and dusty moldings.
And damn, those Lee kids are some skinny dudes! Spike's actually kind of cute, all 110 pounds of him.