Spike Lee has never been afraid to speak his mind, particularly when discussing the art of filmmaking.
The monolithic, hard nose director has spent two decades making movies that challenged the consciousness of humanity (see “Do the Right Think,” “Jungle Fever,” “Crooklyn”). More so, his approach to film making has arguably created dialogue for hot-button topics, such as race.
Which is why it's interesting that at age 52, Lee has, at least for the moment, become a little less intense.
Known for being outspoken and sometimes controversial, Lee is mostly polite and mellow during the interview. He answers questions about a wide range of subjects happily, albeit somewhat briefly. For the first few minutes of the conversation, it's tempting to think that time, age and his work on children's books (he and wife Tonya Lewis Lee have co-written two, including "Please, Puppy, Please") have softened his edges. Even he confirms at one point, "I speak out a lot less than I used to."
EBM: There have been several natural disasters in our country, but with the Hurricane Katrina disaster it really seemed to hit home with you. Was that because of the way in which it was handled?
Spike Lee: Of course! The disaster was horrendous and like any natural disaster you feel for the victims, but with Katrina in particular it was the response-or should I say lack thereof-that sent me over the top. Never in the history of our country have we failed to respond or respond in such a way as we did during the Katrina crisis. That is a permanent stain on our nation’s psyche.
Even more disturbing is to see how much of the media has tried to erase that moment as if it didn’t exist, yet we’re constantly reminded of other atrocities in different regions that deal with an entirely different demographics. Hurricane Katrina is no less relevant than any other crisis our country has faced. And to ignore the impact it has had on the lives of the people from that region is un-American.
EBM: And there is enough blame to go around; however, in your documentary (see “When the Levees Broke”) you suggest almost a conspiracy theory. Several of the residents said they heard an explosion made by the government, blowing up the levees. Is that what you’re leaning toward?
Spike Lee: That’s a bit inaccurate! My focus for that documentary was to allow the victims a voice. In many ways the media didn’t accurately depict the extent of what was happening. But by being at ground level I was able to capture the true feelings of those most affected by the disaster. The emotions ran rampant and understandably so considering the circumstances.
Therefore, in the film you learned of several different perspectives regarding what happened. More importantly we still need to address the real reason as to why it DID happen.
EBM: Meaning they weren’t telling the truth?
Spike Lee: Just that it was much worse then they led us to believe. I mean, there were children walking in swamp infested water, chest high. We’re talking about American citizens! A country of vast resources that is willing to extend itself abroad, but slow to respond to the needs of those domestically. It’s unfortunate to say the least!
Imagine being in swamp infested water in New Orleans, with various forms of wild life roaming freely beside you, along with the diseases contained in the water. And we’re not talking about adults but there were children in those waters, in some instances babies.
EBM: A sore eye for the Bush administration?
Spike Lee: To say the least! However, I’m more disappointed with Condelezza Rice. We knew what to expect from Bush but for her to stand by and allow this to happen is hugely disappointing.
Out of the bunch I expected more of her. She was clearly the most intelligent, and you would think she would be more sympathetic. But the ball was dropped across the board, and still they try to down play or quiet the situation when hundreds of people are still displaced.
EBM: Are you pleased with what President Obama has done thus far?
Spike Lee: So far so good. He seems to be making a difference, if not for simply restoring hope. We just have to wait and see. He inherited a mess so it will be awhile before we notice any significant change, though I am comfortable with the selection.
EBM: And hope is good?
Spike Lee: Hope is good! It produces motivation that will “hopefully” make people comfortable with spending again, and just getting back to normal.
EBM: Your film “School Daze!” was critically acclaimed and for the most part it changed the way in which Hollywood viewed black film makers. Suddenly they realized that there was an untapped audience. Did you know it was creative enough to challenge the way in which movies would be made? What was your mindset when creating the movie?
Spike Lee: When I started in film I just wanted a voice and a vehicle to express myself and while attending Morehouse I was able to channel that voice. In that kind of setting you experience such a strong sense of pride and the opportunities to experience different things are there. And in “School Daze” I tried to bring those experiences to life.
It worked out. But I didn’t expect the critics to get it.
EBM: You’ve consistently made “type” films. The sort of film that either reflects a time period in history or one that focuses on hot button issues facing our nation. Would you say your films are anti-American?
Spike Lee: Absolutely not! I am a filmmaker and my job is to challenge the viewer and allow them a different perspective. But as a movie maker I also have an obligation to my audience and I’ve made a conscious decision to push the collective thoughts of the viewer, without compromising the quality of the film, of course.
The difficult part in making films that connect with your audience is challenging them at the same time. This is done by carefully creating your story and solidly building the story’s premise as told by the director, even more so moving the story in various directions all while holding on to your viewer.
In my movies I try to enlighten my viewers but at the same time making sure they’re being entertained. And I think that’s the responsibility of any good director.
EBM: Your production company 40 Acres and a Mule houses much of your work, and has been instrumental in developing the careers of people like your cousin, Malcolm Lee. What kind of advice have you given him?
Spike Lee: Malcolm has built his own name by doing good movies and being dedicated to his craft. The only real influence I had on him was maybe allowing him to be my production assistant on some projects but other than that he has been his own man. In terms of advice, I just told him like I would tell anyone else is to remain dedicated and passionate about what you do and he has done that. Malcolm has the ability to be one of the great movie-makers of his generation. He is very well trained and has really good instincts.
However, if my production company has been a catalyst for him and others like him, then good.
EBM: There was a period in your career when you were more associated with controversy than film making. You came under attack from many different groups yet you showed little concern in how your words would be received and remained solid in your position on whatever the issue was at the time, almost refusing to apologize. Have there been any regrets for something you may have said?
Spike Lee: I’m sure there have been, but I am careful when choosing my words and like the Hurricane Katrina debacle I may have said a lot of hurtful things about our government but anything I said, was me simply repeating the obvious. I am not a politician but I do believe in our political system and along with my citizenship I have modest expectations of our government, therefore I have a right to voice my concerns.
Just as my audience has the right to expect more of me as a film maker, and the right to voice their opinion about my films. But I do think as a public figure I have a higher degree of responsibility and we as celebrities should be mindful of that.
EBM: You’ve worked with Hollywood’s leading actors. Is there any one actor that you haven’t worked with but would like to?
Spike Lee: I’ve been fortunate in that I’ve worked with the best: Denzel Washington, Jodie Foster, Wesley Snipes, Danny Aiello, and many others. But in working with these artists you can ask just about anyone in the film business for a list of actors they appreciate working with and these individuals’ names will come up. And it’s not so much their star quality but their willingness to want to get better and help you make the best film.
And that’s what you get from these actors. That kind professionalism is what makes great actors.
EBM: There has been a war-of-words with arguably the two most powerful {black men} in Hollywood, between you and Tyler Perry. How did that come about?
Spike Lee: Firstly, I’m not Hollywood, I’m New York (laughter). But I think our situation has been blown well out of proportion. I respect Tyler’s accomplishments it’s just that some of his subject matter is disconcerting.
EBM: You called it buffoonery, Amos ‘n Andy like?
Spike Lee: I just think that he could add more complexity to his characters as well as his story lines. But there’s no question he’s talented and has a unique ability to capture comedic timing on film. It’s just that we have to evolve as a race and in some ways his films hinder that.
The window of opportunity is open for only so long and during that time we have to use our influence productively, and showing African-Americans in bright colors, big breasted and jive talking is just counter productive. We are so much more than that; we are business owners, educators, Presidents!
EBM: But he has an audience, a very loyal one. And in fairness he has done other films that have dealt with other subject matters, like relationships?
Spike Lee: And he has. I guess we have to wait and see but whenever I feel like we’re being misrepresented I’m gonna address it. Therefore, my issue isn’t necessarily with him (Perry) but with how we’re portrayed on film.
We have a slew of films depicting us as weak and inarticulate but we have since learned that all of those depictions were inaccurate. Yet very little has been done to correct the damage that those films have created and the bigotry that it has promoted.
EBM: Although New York is not your birth place you’ve been a major part of the re-popularization of New York, being called by some as Mr. New York. A sports aficionado! Have you considered ownership in a team?
Spike Lee: I enjoy being a fan and I think ownership would take from that experience. However, a GM position maybe. (Laughter) I’m a film maker and that’s as far as it goes for me. Slash advocate. (Again, laughter)
EBM: What’s next for Spike Lee? You’ve left your mark and made shoes that will be very hard to fill. What more is there?
Spike Lee: Filling my shoes should be the least of anyone’s concern. Film making is very difficult and shouldn’t be taken lightly. With that being said, I just want to keep creating and making movies that people respond to. How they respond, is to be determined!
EBM: Thank you for your time.
