I think Spike Lee does an excellent job of making us sympathize with the entertaining characters of the neighborhood. While they are often pinned against each other, the only people we really feel distaste for are the man with the expensive car and the police officers. I find it fascinating how effortlessly Lee makes the viewer fall in love with these rather rough characters, while dislike those one might typically idealize. There is such a diverse representation of perspectives, yet to me they don’t feel overwhelming but rather a unique opportunity to delve into issues and situations.
I also found myself thinking about the context of the time period. It is essentially modern, but yet before this current era of internet and technology dominating our lives. I think the film’s period fostered more dialogue and sense of community that is often lacking in our slightly more current society. Relating this to the Community Arts project, it is as though the internet has replaced these important face-to-face interactions.
However, I think what I love most about the film is that it is unapologetically bold. Perhaps this is over-analyzing its cinematography, but I find the intense close ups, bright reds and low camera angles very engaging. I also think the music choices are perfect. I’m sure I wasn’t the only one that walked out of the room with “Fight the Power” stuck in my head.
I don’t think you’re over-analyzing. The unique cinematography definitely struck me as well, especially the camera angles. And, tell me about it, I have “fight the power” stuck in my head to this day.
I dont feel distaste for the man with the expensive car, i think he got what he deserved. Instead of being polite he was mean and disrespectful to the kids, so they in turn disrespected him by soaking him and his car. He was basically asking for it, but this scene showed a lot about the film, such as the fact that hate is a cyclical trap, and if no one can show love and respect people will only continue to hate each other.
I totally agree with your idea that the movie depicted more of a “community” idea than today! I absolutely loved seeing the kids play in the street and gather together as a unified body. This is an idea that is lacking in today’s communities, especially in Brooklyn or New York in general. A part of me wishes for those days where everyone in a neighborhood would know your name and call you outside your house for you to come out. I also believe that the internet has replaced most of these interactions that were found in the past and that we can probably never go back to that sense of community that is seen in Do the Right Thing.