Search - The Directors - Spike Lee on DVD

THE BADDEST FILM MAKER IN TOWN

Bonita L. Davis | 06/21/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Shelton Jackson Lee, better known to us as Spike Lee is the most provocative and controversial African-American film maker of our time. In this one hour video we get an opportunity to hear Spike's philosophy of his craft as he looks through his entire body of work. Actors such as Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Wesley Snipes and others also give comments and share their insights about this remarkable young man. Who is this Spike Lee? Although this video is a profile it doesn't go into the details of Spike's life. Its focus is on his works and how he views it through the course of time. He was born in Atlanta, GA but grew up in Brooklyn, NY. He of course went to college and then went onto acquire a MFA in film in New York. Spike won a prize for a film he produced in graduate school and thought Hollywood would come knocking at his door because of his brilliance. It never happened and Spike learned how to become an independant film maker. "She's Gotta Have It" was Spike's first commercial success which garnered him notice and from there he turned film making upside down. You will see scenes from his works where he shattered the myths regarding race, sexuality and class in all of his films. No topic was too sacred for Spike to explore and expose it for what it was worth even when the mainstream film industry said he was making a mistake. Spike exudes an aura of confidence (some would say arrogance), takes risks, and is at the top of his game in his craft. Listening to this man critique his films and sharing what he perceives to be their impact on culture is great. Spike is determined for African-American film makers to have a voice in how they are portrayed in the media. Enjoy this profile of one of the greatest African-American film makers of our time."