Spike Lee is an award winning American film director, producer, writer, author and sometime actor. He is often credited as revolutionizing the role of black American's in film as by showcasing outspoken and provocative socio-cultural critiques that challenge assumptions not only about race, but also class and gender. Born in Atlanta, Georgia, to a jazz musician and school teacher, Spike Lee moved to Brooklyn, New York at a younge age. After graduating from New York University's School of Arts in 1982 with a Master in Fine Arts, Spike Lee went on to release his debut feature film with 1986's She's Gotta Have It.
Career Highlights
Do The Right Thing (1989)
Set in Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn, Do The Right Thing is a tale of racial conflict in a multi-ethnic community. Largely considered to be Spike Lee's masterpeice, Do the Right Thing
was released to controversary with many reviewers stating that it could incite riots amongst its audience. Confronting racial issues head on, Spike Lee manages to successfully blend drama and humour to tell a thought provoking story.
Malcolm X (1992)
Following Malcolm X's entire life, Lee's biography of the assassinated civil rights leader is as epic as they come. Featuring an astounding Denzel Washington in the lead role, Spike Lee manages to capture the icon as a complex and realistic man. Released to rave reviews, Malcolm X solidified Spike Lee's talents as a director aswell as being described by critics as one of the best films of the 1990's.
Clockers (1995)
Like many of Lee's movies, Clockers is set in New York and revolves around the story of Strike (Mekhi Phifer), a 19 year old 'clocker'; an around-the-clock drug pusher. Under the order of influential drug lord Rodney (Delroy Lindo) Strike agrees to kill a fellow clocker. When the hit goes down it is Strikes law abiding brother who confesses. Unable to accept the confession at face value, the lead detective on the case Rocco (Harvey Kietel) will not rest until he breaks down the story of the two brothers. Featuring Spike Lee's unusual visual flair, Clockers was also directed in part by Martin Scorsese.
When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts (2006)
Considered to be Spike Lee's least opiniated film to date, When the Levees Broke chronicles the disaster and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The documentary unfold in four parts, resulting in a step by step report of the hurricane's approach, the devastation, evacuation and the struggle to rebuild in the aftermath. Released to critical acclaim for highlighting a number of issues, When the Levees Broke: A Requiem in Four Acts is considered to be the quintessential documentary of the disaster.
In addition to his achievements in over a dozen feature films, Spike Lee has also directed a number of music videos for a diverse range of artists including Miles Davis, Chaka Khan, Michael Jackson, Public Enemy and Naughty By Nature. Lee has also ventured in to commercial work with his portfolio including work for Nike, Levi's, Philips and American Express.
Vdj 18/04/08.
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