NFL
By: Matt Overton
Do the Right Thing became a cornerstone of film canon the day it was released to the public. Spike Lee uses his political artistry to depict a specific block in Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn, on the hottest day of the summer. It may have been released thirty-six years ago, but unfortunately, its themes are as relevant as ever. Racism, bigotry, prejudice, stereotypes—there are communities across the United States that are still fighting these ailments and for their own personal freedom. Do the Right Thing isn’t so much a call to arms as it is a reminder that sometimes, the right thing isn’t crystal clear.
Mookie may appear to be the protagonist of Spike Lee’s third joint, but it’s really Giancarlo Esposito as Buggin’ Out that drives most of the narrative. He do be buggin’ out on Sal over the lack of representation on the wall of fame at his pizzeria, and it is through him that all of the conflict arises. Plus, there’s the hilarious exchange over some scuffed Jordan 4’s. The heat might be influencing some tensions on the streets of Brooklyn, but Buggin’ Out most definitely will not let his shoes be disrespected.
The first third of this film is a funny, sharp, and witty comedy that can still trigger some passionate laughter at three decades old. Sam Jackson’s Mister Señor Love Daddy is the omniscient narrator who sees all from his perched radio studio. He warns the citizens of the block about the extreme weather, provides groovy tunes to bolster the damp morale, and remains a reassuring pillar of the neighborhood. Then there’s Da Mayor, who is one of my favorite Spike Lee characters, a bumbling drunk who never forgets his manners. All of these characters get wrapped up in some sweaty drama. Buggin’s grassroots smear campaign against Sal escalates tensions exponentially over the runtime as the block hangs on by a thread.
It’s hard to believe Do the Right Thing was Spike Lee’s third feature film, and it has remained one of his best and most important. Once it opens with Rosie Perez tearing it up to “Fight the Power,” it becomes immediately clear what kind of movie this is going to be. Spike pulls no punches as he dissects race relations in America, adding in a dash of biting humor to sweeten the deal. The picture features some stunningly gorgeous cinematography with striking colors and a sweltering heat that sizzles off the screen, too. As we all struggle to do the right thing, take comfort in knowing that the world isn’t black and white, but there’s never room for hate. And if you ever find yourself sympathizing with Sal or upset at Mookie for throwing that trash can, then go ahead and rewind this back to the beginning and try again.
