As BLM protests and recent murders of African-Americans by the hands of corrupt, racist cops still continue to plague the U.S, I would like to review a film that continues to hold up to this day. It's the hottest day of the summer and a black neighbourhood in Brooklyn is experiencing it all. The colourful and unique residents of the block are either trying to make a living or have a good day. The title, "Do The Right Thing", is a piece of advice offered by the drunk, humble bum known as Da Mayor to the young pizza delivery boy named Mookie. However, as the day and film goes on, it appears that none of the characters, aside from Da Mayor, seems to want or do the right thing. There's not really a story per se. Yes, there are characters who have motivations and goals, but the narrative is tied brilliantly by the title and moral of the film, which is to do the right thing and always deescalate any conflict. It all boils down to the chaotic ending, which I won't spoil even though it can easily be figured out. The tone, for the most part, is actually quite upbeat and fun to an extent as the characters are very energized. However, the dark undertones rise when you realize both the flaws of the characters and how their ignorance and refusal to do the right thing spirals out of control. There's humour to be had, but there's also a strong message and severe consequences that will show up.
Although it seems like Spike Lee's Mookie is the central character, I actually think Ossie Davis as Da Mayor is the true protagonist of the film. Not only Davis is such a charming actor in making you want to spend time with Da Mayor, but the character is the only one to show some sense of morality and good will despite his reputation and sad past. It's also sweet to see Ruby Dee as the bitter Mother Sister who begins to open up to the Da Mayor and his good will, despite initial disgust. What really works about the cast and characters is that they are all relatable and human and aren't seen as good or bad, save for the otherwise despicable police. Mookie is a young man who works in a dead-end job and just wants to get paid and spend time with his nagging girlfriend, Danny Aiello's Sal is an arrogant business owner, but still likes being around his loyal customers and otherwise warm neighbourhood, Giancarlo Esposito's Buggin' Out is a customer-turned enemy due to poor service and wanting some African-Americans on Sal's "Wall of Fame", John Turturro's Pino is the racist son of Sal who simply doesn't like having to work in a neighbourhood that he's not comfortable in, Bill Nunn's Radio Raheem likes listening to his music on his boombox that people of his colour don't mind, but others do, the list goes on. There are so many side or minor characters that all have some sort of depth that I can't even begin to name or go over, yet they are all related to the theme that they can't do the right thing, aside of Da Mayor, Mother Sister, the mentally-challenged Sammy, and eventually a work-in-progress Mookie. Another thing I love about the cast are the multiple then-unknown actors and actresses from Espositio, Samuel L. Jackson, and Martin Lawrence. Overall, the characters are excellent in how they are connected to the overall theme of the film and although they can be a bit over-the-top, you can still get behind them as people.
Spike Lee is one of the most under-appreciated filmmakers in the industry, as only recently did he win his first Oscar for the screenplay of "BlacKkKlansman". Despite this being only his third film at the time, Lee shows that he's one of the most gifted directors working in the industry today. Using a few blocks of the Bed-Stuy neighbourhood not only makes the location have character in and of itself, but it also keeps the Brooklyn/New York setting low-key so that the events and characters feel like they can exist in your own community. The use of colour is also nice and subdued by the clothes and accessories of the characters, allowing the late 80's setting and summer weather to pop off the otherwise brown and grey setting. The cinematography by Ernest Dickerson is excellent in the ambitious tracking and panning shots that is seen throughout the film. Dickerson's best work is seen in the middle of the film as a long tracking shot following Mookie as he crosses the street to go to his apartment while capturing all of the major African-American characters that are featured in the film, whether or not they talk to Mookie or not. It's actually dumbfounding that he wasn't even nominated for an Oscar that year as he clearly put so much effort and time for some of the camera movement. The score by Bill Lee, Spike Lee's father, is on the more softer side as his son tends to not overpower the film with music in every scene. Bill offers some nice jazz pieces in the subtle moments, mainly for an establishing shot or when Mookie or Da Mayor is contemplating or talking with their loved ones. The soundtrack also includes a few licensed songs from the rap and hip-hop genre with Public Enemy's "Fight The Power" being the most frequent song played throughout the film as it's featured in the opening credits and is the only song Radio Raheem seems to play.
"Do The Right Thing" is an important masterpiece for such an often bleak world. The story is minimal yet universal thanks to its themes of racism and ignorance, the tone is both upbeat yet intense, the large cast of characters are reasonably portrayed and developed in regards to the film's moral, the actors/actresses involved are so engaging to watch by their talents and their early performances prior to stardom, Dickerson's inventive cinematography, Bill Lee's jazz score, the licensed songs and the use of "Fight The Power", and Spike Lee's direction allowing both warm colours and creative personality given to just a few blocks on a neighbourhood. Honestly, there's barely a flaw with the film, aside of a really long credit sequence and an odd edit or cut here and there. The film is both extremely entertaining and powerful at the same time, which makes its lack of Oscar buzz or nominations at the time both ridiculous and poetic.
Verdict: 10/10. Spike Lee's own timeless masterpiece. Check it out as it's the right thing to do!
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