But he never meant shit to me you see
Straight up racist that sucker was
Simple and plain
Mother fuck him and John Wayne
Cause I'm Black and I'm proud
I'm ready and hyped plus I'm amped
Most of my heroes don't appear on no stamps
Sample a look back you look and find
Nothing but rednecks for 400 years if you check
Don't worry be happy
Was a number one jam
Damn if I say it you can slap me right here
(Get it) let's get this party started right
Right on, c'mon
What we got to say
Power to the people no delay
Make everybody see
In order to fight the powers that be
So sings Public Enemy in what becomes the unofficial theme to Spike Lee's hugely successful and hugely controversial 1989 film. People talked and raged about this movie (as you see more of it, you'll see why). Pro-violence? Anti-white? Designed to get black people to attack white people? Movies like this don't get made anymore, not even by Spike Lee. Lee was 32 when he made this movie, shooting on location in Brooklyn. The street on which he shot still had active drug dealing on it, so he got security from Louis Farrakhan's Nation of Islam. Imagine a Hollywood film made today with security provided by a group of severe looking black men in suits and bow ties? Then again, Lee was clearly making a film that was not anything typical for mainstream Hollywood. The credits with Rosie Perez fighting and dancing and thrusting? A cast of mostly unknown black actors? The language? Lee's first film, She's Gotta Have It, was an indie hit, while his second, made by a major studio, School Daze, was a critical and commercial disappointment. Do The Right Thing was designed to make a splash, to get people talking...and it did both.
So let's get this party started right.
1. What do you think so far? Like? Dislike? Mixed reaction? Why?
2. What scene or moment really struck you in what we viewed today? How so?
3. Which character appeals most to you right now—and why?
Tomorrow: give me your outline for your paper. And we'll keep watching. Just to get you excited for it, watch the scene below from what we'll see tomorrow. It's one of the most famous scenes in the movie.
1. I like this movie so far. Although it is delving into some deep topics, it's fun to watch and in some scenes is making light of the situation. The movie is finding away to make fun of the racism coming from all races. I can't help but mention the clip that you just showed. The clip is showing the disconnect between all of these races. We aren't accepting each other as just people, but we're forcing each other to see the differences and stereotypes and nothing else.
ReplyDelete2. I was struck by the scene with Sal and his sons and the mayor. I thought it was really sweet how Sal is giving a lonely man a chance to make a dew bucks, and how that contrasted to his sons' lack of caring. Sal's sons seem to be much more concerned with race than he does which is interesting because I would think that Sal's generation would be more likely to have a problem with it.
3. I guess Mookie appeals to me the most. He's the most level-headed and seems to be the mediator within the neighborhood. I don't feel like I know the other characters as well as him which might be why I gravitate to him. I'm interested to see more of the other characters and how the story plays out.
1. I am really enjoying this movie so far. While there are times when I'm left curious of what I watched (the intro) the movie has an interesting mix of humor and racial commentary, which are two things that it's rare to receive, especially from a somewhat dated movie. There is very little to complain about so far. The only issue I could have is keeping track of the characters as the movie progresses, but I suspect you gave us a cast list specifically for that reason. All of the characters are extremely well done, and I look forward to watching the rest over the next few days.
ReplyDelete2. I think the scene that stuck with me most was the hilarious yet serious nature of Buggin Out's interaction with Clifton. While the entirety of the scene was seemingly intended to be funny with such a large group of people egging Buggin Out on, the fact that it brought serious race issues into a movie already teeming with racial tension was interesting.
3. So far, in terms of like and dislike of characters I have very few complaints. The only character i truly dislike at this point in the movie is Pino. But Pino is clearly played in such a way that the viewer is inclined to side against him and his combative personality. I have no way of knowing how my opinion of these characters will change over the next couple days, but at this point even the characters with distinct flaws, such as Da Mayor's permanent drunken state, have some redeeming quality. There are a huge number of actors in this movie, and it would be difficult to cover my opinion of each of the characters they play individually. They fall into several general categories though. Some I dislike, some I like, some I sympathize with, and a few we haven't seen enough of yet to get a feel of their character. Two of the characters who I enjoy a particular amount are Mother Sister and Sal. Mother Sister, while she clearly has her own opinions about Da Mayor, seems like a caring character who supports her community in her own way. On the other hand my reasoning for liking Sal is simply based on his treatment of Da Mayor as well as his way of running his store. While I do agree with Buggin' Out that there are some issues with the shop as a whole, all in all Sal runs it well.
1. So far I like the movie for a couple of reasons. Although a lot of people see this as a movie against white people, it seems like it is more of a movie against hatred and racism as a whole. It isn’t singling out any specific race, but making a comment on race in general, about how the world of race has become so fucked up (especially in 1980s Brooklyn). That being said, I think the movie still applies to all walks of life, not just Brooklyn. Even though I don’t often see the outright racism featured in the movie when I walk down my street, subtle racism is still prevalent. For that reason, I think that this movie is still very current and not out of date. Its message still has power today.
ReplyDelete2. So far my favorite scene is in the street when the white biker walks through and scuffs the shoe of a black guy on the street. The following scene is really powerful, all about the hostility between whites and blacks. It shows the underlying animosity and rivalry between the two characters, all of which is solely based off of the fact they are from different races. They both live on the same street and were born in the same city, but because they are different races they hate each other.
3. I feel like everyone is going to say this, but my favorite character is the main black guy. He is one of the very few characters so far who isn’t racist. He understands racism and doesn’t fall for it. He knows how fucked up it is to judge someone by their race.
1. I like this movie. I think it's really different and the dialogue is up front and in your face. the characters are hilarious and it seems there are small vignettes going on at once that i feel will somehow come together in the end. It does ad a touch of humor, but it obviously addresses a lot of tough issues as well.
ReplyDelete2. The one scene that struck me was when the two policemen were driving by the street corner trio and they were all shaking there heads at one another, saying "what a waste". It is funny, but at the same time the two groups are stereotyping the other and making a judgement without actual knowledge. It was interesting to me.
3. I love Samuel Jackson's character. His dialogue is hilarious and he is always around on the radio or in the background. It is interesting to see him in such a role and I laughed a good bit.
1. I have enjoyed the movie so far. It places the issues at hand right in front of you but has comic relief at unexpected corners. The characters are well developed and the struggle within each character is apparent. The issues are shoved in peoples faces, but not all stands against racism can be gracious and completely non-controversial. Nothing would happen without different angles in the delivery of the message of the effects of racism. I also like how the story unravels and I am curious to see what happens next. Many different issues besides racism are intertwined into the plot and everything seems to have meaning.
ReplyDelete2. The scene that stuck out to me was the scene where people used the water of the fire hydrant to cool off and it sprayed all over the open top car of a white man driving through. Though the scene was somewhat funny it also held significance in the theme of racism in the movie. It showed the lengths that the people living in Brooklyn to go to to cool off. The scene goes from light hearted and funny to becoming a little bit darker. It showed the characteristics of the policemen of the area and also shows the prejudice that many people who drive through Brooklyn have. Also it is an example of the intertwining relationship between racial statements and humor.
3. So far I like Mookie and Smiley. Mookie is a likable guy who does his jobs and doesn't take derogatory comments lying down. I liked that he tried to help Vito out with his problems with Pino. He won't let Pino get away with his snide remarks towards everyone and Mookie has a strong moral character. I feel sorry for Smiley, but I admire his drive to make a stand even with his mental disabilities. He tries to help people even though nobody will help him. He gets pushed aside, but it doesn't stop him from making himself heard.
1. I really like the film so far. The portrait Spike Lee paints of this community is vivid and absorbing. The pizzeria and the Korean grocery store and the radio station are all fully realized. While this community is far from perfect, I felt like I was watching some sort of fairy tale. There are definitely struggles and difficulties in this community, but it feels very fanciful. From the colors of the buildings to the sounds of the neighborhood to the personalities, everything just feels fanciful. The scene with the fire hydrant shooting water everywhere and everyone is playing in it is a scene in particular that just feels very magical. There are issues and racism in this community, but there’s an element of joy and goodness too.
ReplyDelete2. The scene that stood out to me was the scene when Buggin’ Out was eating at the pizzeria and asking Sal why he only that white people on the “wall of fame.” As goofy as his name is, I was struck by Buggin’ Out’s point that the customers are primarily black but they aren’t represented on the wall. I thought it was interesting how in this primarily black, there still is a bit of oppression and people telling them to look up to white people and portraying them as heroes.
3. My favorite character so far is Mister Senor Love Daddy because he’s ridiculously hilarious. He also seems like a real voice in the community, as they wake up to him and listen to him throughout the day, and I like that element and the idea that radio DJ is a prominent figure in the community.
Good point, Jenny, about the exchange between Buggin' Out and Sal. Buggin' Out may be annoying and silly, but he makes a valid economic observation. If Sal makes all his money off black people in the community, doesn't he owe them something? Not legally, of course, to take us back to The Paper Chase, but in terms of being part of the community—if he is, actually, part of the community. The film presents a truly multi-cultural view of the neighborhood—black, white, Latino, Korean—but as Jake pointed out, there isn't a whole lot of neighborly love going on here, even between Clifton and Buggin' Out—both Brooklyn natives.
Delete1. So far, I like this movie. I like how all of the characters have their own separate personality and you can really get the sense that this community is filled with all types of personalities and people. I like how everyone is connected one way or another and how we are able to see this web of people from different angles every few minutes. I also like how realistic the dialogue is, I think that Spike Lee made a good decision in having the characters talk like normal people do, and not all censored. I think it adds a nice touch to the movie and really stays true to the feel of Brooklyn.
ReplyDelete2. What struck me was the same as Amanda, when Sal gave Da Mayor the broom and money to sweep his sidewalk. I think Da Mayor gets a lot of grief (as we saw with Mother Sister) for being a drunk and just shuffling around looking for work to supplement his alcoholism, but I still like that Sal gave him the opportunity. I also liked how Sal, despite the protests from his sons, said yes to Da Mayor. While his sons are grown, I still liked that he was trying to teach them something and trying to show them what the right thing to do is.
3. My favorite character is Smiley. I think a lot of people joke about him, and he is a laughable character, but I feel really badly for him. I think he gets written off really easily like when Mookie tells him he’ll buy one of his card things after work and then later he tells him to leave. I think hes a really sad character because he is outcasted by his differences but I also like him because no community is perfect, everyone has people like Smiley within their community.
1. I really like the movie so far. I think it is a nice mix of humor and serious topics. I also really like how it is filmed. It follows a lot of different stories, but they are clearly connected. I just think the film is really interesting and engaging, and the actors do a great job.
ReplyDelete2. I think my favorite scene was with the fire hydrant. It was just a really happy and sweet scene. And then I thought it was really interesting how the police acted. They obviously weren't looking out for the black kids, but they also didn't care about the guy's car. I expected them to be more willing to find the guys who did it, but instead they just laughed at the guy with the car. It was just a weird contrast between the last scene we saw where the policemen were staring down the men on the corner.
3. I like Mother Sister and Mookie. Mookie is very smart and level headed, while at the same time being funny. We also just know the most about Mookie so far. But I like Mother Sister because she seems to look out for everyone in the neighborhood. Her name suits her well, because she is there for everyone. But she isn't too nice, she has a sassy side, which is equally as compelling.
1. I love this movie. I feel like this is something I could come across on my own and still watch it and enjoy it. I just love the life and the colors and the mood that the neighborhood paints. During the scene with Tina and her mom, and all the Puerto Ricans, it just took me back to visiting my Cuban relatives in NYC and Brooklyn and Queens and Spike Lee really just has the vibe perfectly shown here. It's amazingly realistic and yet it seems so magical as Jenny said. There also really seems to be a sense of community between most of the neighbors in the neighborhood where the movie takes place.
ReplyDelete2. The scene that stood out to me was when the fire hydrant was opened up to cool everyone in the neighborhood off. Doesn't matter who, just as long as they were civil, they could come and get cool. I loved the image of the fire hydrant being opened on a hot day in New York. I honestly thought only happened in movies, but this summer, I was walking through Harlem on one really hot day in july to go see a movie and I saw a man with a wrench, just like in the movie, opening up the fire hydrant for everyone to play in. there were a ton of kids around and tons of adults waiting for him to open it up. I waited a little bit and watched while they opened it up and it was just so sweet to see everyone playing together in the water on that tiny little street. This scene reminds me so much of that moment. Even though everyone knew that the police would come eventually to turn off the water, they still wanted the enjoyment they could get in the moment.
3. My favorite character is Sal. He just reminds me of New York. He's funny and he's willing to help someone out in need. He's also very brash and straight forward about what he thinks, which to me, fits right in with this neighborhood. He seems to care about his neighbors to an extent, while also knowing that his business comes first and so does his family.
1. I like this movie. It's very raw and fresh. I feel as though it's a very realistic movie and depicts each of the characters' every day lives very well. I also like the little humor in this movie, but it does show the race divides and stigmas at that time. I liked this clip above because it shows the race stereotypes of that time and what one race thinks of the other.
ReplyDelete2. I like the scene when Buggin Out is "bugging out" and upset about the hall of fame and the pictures on Sal's pizzeria wall, because there's only white people on the wall. I thought this was a little ironic because Mookie was wearing a Michael Jordan and Jackie Robinson jersey, two of the greatest black athletes, and Mookie works at Sal's. I think this just shows how sensitive and dramatic Buggin Out is. It was also kind of humorous.
3. I like Mookie the most, because he's not overly dramatic about race, but he does strongly defend himself and his race. He respects most of the other characters. He is not unnecessarily loud about racism and defending his race, but he doesn't defend and speaks up when necessary.
I really like this movie so far. Like Zoe said I like that we are shown all these different clips of characters and their own lives, and yet they are all connected in some way. Also what is intriguing is that although there are obvious issues of stereotypes and lack of understanding and communication in this community, there is also a certain aspect of it that flows and seems to function well; because in the end all these people want the same things, like to live comfortably, have fun, and be around people they like.
ReplyDeleteI liked the scene with Moookie and his sister, Jade, in the beginning. It reminds me of my relationship with my brother. I like the goofy to more responsible dynamic in their relationship.
I am excited to see how Rosie Perez is connected to the story. However, the character I enjoy watching the most right now is Mookie. As most people have pointed out he seems to be the most reasonable and balanced character, but he is also enjoyable to watch because he is lively, confronts people if he thinks something is wrong, and we see he is caring as well (in the first scene, with his sister). Mookie, keeps a good rhythm/pace in the movie and connects people who cannot see eye to eye because of stereotypes.
1.
ReplyDeleteI'm really enjoying the movie so far. While many controversial issues appeared in the section we viewed today, it was very entertaining and enjoyable to watch. Many movies that deal with such topics have a rather dark tone to them, but this movie draws you in with its humor rather than drama.
2.
The scenes (there are a few) that stuck out to me the most all occurred in Sal's restaurant. The first being when Sal gives Da Mayor a dollar and a broom to sweep the front sidewalk. While his eldest son might not follow his father, Sal is a man of the community, and understands the value of such a community. The other was when Mookie's friend was causing trouble over the wall of fame in Sal's. Mookie acted in a very political, almost practiced, way, by instead of defending Sal telling his friend that he was screwing his job up.
3.
Right now it's very difficult to say. Each character is unique in her/himself. Right now, I would have to say Sal. He's just the classic New Yorker, from appearance to accent to occupation. Not only is he almost New York incarnate, but to me he seems to have a certain wisdom concerning the state of affairs.
1. I liked the movie so far. Spike Lee did a nice job at intertwining humor with the seriousness of racism. The key scenes that highlight both humor and racism seem to make this play so great. Each character seems to have his own attitude and carries himself differently. I thought this adds a wonderful flash of style that helps the movie show how unique each individual is. I enjoy how real it feels. Like something you could still see out on the streets today if you looked in the right places. It has a very lively feel.
ReplyDelete2. I thought the scene when the entire neighborhood was out playing in the street with the gushing fire hydrant was an amazing scene. Mixing humor and racial tension this scene had such style. When the men were pulling the women into the water was very funny and seemed to show a close bond within the entire neighborhood. While when the white man drove his car down the road and got hit by the water from the hydrant the scene got escalated. The fury of that man was clear but no one in the neighbor hood would come forward and say who the boys were that shot him with water. This scene stood out to me the most because of this clear distinction of trust and pride between the people living in the neighborhood.
3. Definitely Love Daddy. He just seems to have such a powerful voice in the community. He is so funny and I love how he incorporates his everyday life in the radio broadcast, such as when he was dying of hunger but Mookie had come in and saved him from him hunger. I also enjoy how he is right there on the street giving the feeling that he is truly one with the people on the streets, that he sees the same things and deals with the same things they do everyday. I like him because he gives a strong sense of community.
So far, I think the movie is ok. I don't necessarily love the movie with all of my heart, but I do really enjoy the humorous approach to something that really is an issue and no laughing matter. It makes it easier for people to swallow and in many ways easier for them to comprehend. Or that's how it is for me, at least. I also really like how it is not, a Jake said, focused on one individual race. It takes just about all of the races that are the most prominent in the United States I would argue, and represents them through multiple characters. It is, to simply put it, a potpourri of races and characters. Even within the separate races, you have characters that really stand out as individuals, not just members of their races, falling into a category. There are differences, disputes within those races that we have seen, and it makes the movie all the more human.
ReplyDeleteThe moment that really struck me from today's part of the movie was when Buggin Out starts making a scene in the pizzeria about how there are no black people on the wall of fame, only Italian Americans. What stuck out to me was how angry, how defensive Sal (the dad?) became. Just a comment from Buggin Out and we see just how prideful Sal is in who he is and his race. This scene shows just how important these character's races are to them, Sal who picks up a bat because someone merely questions his Italian wall of fame, and Buggin Out who makes a scene simply because he sees no black people on the wall of a restaurant. I think one of the reasons for this is that from what we've seen, most of the characters are in the same financial situation and it's not necessarily a solid position. So what these characters have left to be prideful about, what makes them stand out among people basically all in the same situation, is their race. And so, obviously they are very adamant about it, and because of that you have scenes like these.
The character that appeals to me the most right now is definitely Mr. Señor Love Daddy. I just think he's upbeat, he's simply got a great sense of humor and for that I think he's a great character. Plus, I think on top of his humor and easygoing-ness, something must be said for the fact that he is seated at the window all day, commentating. He sees all that is going on, and I have a hunch he will watch something huge unfold in front of his eyes, if it is not doing so already. A case could be made that he knows better and more than any other character because he is not necessarily involved, but just to the side, watching and piecing together.
1. I like this movie a lot so far. It touches, in a way, on so many of the themes we've talked about in class, yet in an entirely different fashion. I love the medley of characters and story lines. It is such a fascinating glimpse into such a different life. Seeing the differences and similarities between not only our lives and the lives of the characters, yet also the lives of the characters in the novels we've read is so interesting. I am very excited to see how the movie unfolds.
ReplyDelete2. The scene that stuck out to me was when the guy on the bike ran over the other guy's shoes. That scene and the hydrant scene together were very interesting. Both the explicit and the implicit racism are ever present. Whether it is the white/Italian-American population to the Black population or the black kids telling the guy on the bike to "go back to Massachusetts", racism is so much a part of the culture. This scene was so striking because of it's stark contrast to many scenes of the same scene we have read this year.
3. Like Jessica, I am interested in seeing how Rosie is connected to the pot line. She was the one dancing at the beginning and, from the short glimpse we had into her life, she seems so much less carefree than all of the other characters. I am very interested in learning more about her child, the child's father and her entire story.
1. The movie is very easy and enjoyable to watch, and I liked how it addresses the issues in our society while somewhat lightening the importance with humor, just like the Youngers. I don’t have a lot to say about the movie yet, but the acting is very good and the message the movie is trying to convey comes across nicely.
ReplyDelete2. The last scene that we saw, with the cops and the three guys sitting, captured the attitude towards the police (or “the power”). Both sides hate each other and the constant tension between them is bound to explode.
3. I like the Mayor. He seems like a good enough guy; an alcoholic, but otherwise a pretty good guy. I feel bad that Mother Sister is so mean to him, especially since he is so polite to her (the politeness may be sarcasm, but she could be nicer). The Mayor is very easygoing, and I like that about him. He doesn’t have any responsibility, unlike the rest of the people, so he is free to do whatever he pleases.
1. I enjoyed watching this movie a lot and it seems that it's headed towards becoming one of my favorite movies. I like it especially because it's not your typical [white] boy meets [white] girl beginning. There is a ton of diversity and although very stereotypical, it's full of youth and color. I like the comedy too because it keeps me focused. I guess so far I like everything about it especially because I just went to New York for the first time this summer and I was in Brooklyn and all the different neighborhoods.
ReplyDelete2. I think the moment that struck out at me the most would be the scene with the Puerto Rican mom and daughter fighting. I think for the most part the introduction to every scene portrayed a dysfunctional relationship. But for some reason this one stayed the most I think because it was simply more powerful than the rest of them. It just seemed intense.
3. I am not quite sure how to feel about Pino but he definitely has a a magnetic vibe. Maybe it's because he's italian and he's kinda hot or maybe because he's a good actor. I just get the feeling that he's mellow. He won't fight back except with his brother but he's not violent. It seems that he has potential to be the hero of the movie because he's pretty balanced.
1. I like the movie so far. It’s really quirky, and that’s always fun to watch. At this point there doesn’t seem to be a main plot. It’s more like snapshots of different people in this neighborhood getting through the day. It’s also interesting to watch them deal with these complicated issues like race, racism, and poverty that’s over the top enough to be funny, yet serious enough to be believable.
ReplyDelete2. The scene that struck me the most was when Buggin Out was yelling at Sal about his Wall of Fame. It’s interesting because Sal is clearly not racist. If he is he hides it well. He does a nice thing for Da Mayor because he knows the guy’s poor and could use some help. He also employs Mookie and seems like a pretty good boss. He also, as Buggin Out stated, has mostly black customers. On the other hand, he seems unusually touchy about the subject raised by one of his most frequent customers. It makes me wonder whether he really only wants Italians up on the Wall because he feels Italian pride, or whether he’s clinging to a small shred of superiority and resentment towards these people. Maybe he only opened his shop up in this neighborhood because he had not choice financially. I’ll be interested to see how Sal’s character develops.
3. I like Buggin Out the best. He may not be as calm or diplomatic as Mookie, but it’s fun to watch him (over)react to different situations. One of my favorite images from the movie is Buggin Out and the crowd of black people behind him throwing their hand up in disgust as the white biker tells them he’s from Brooklyn. Also, Giancarlo Esposito is doing a great job. I was able to stop thinking of him as Gus from Breaking Bad whenever he was on screen.
1. I personally think that movie is great. It is a great mix between humor and serious racial tension. I love the diversity in this movie but I think that the purpose of the movie is to switch the tables in favor of groups that felt oppression towards one particular race or ethnicity. I think that the movie's 'white-hate' is still very present. In my opinion, the movie brings out a point, which we struggle with today as well. Is it okay to be racist to white people simply because we are a minority? Of course my answer is no but many people do not think like me and this simply turns into a cycle of hate.
ReplyDelete2. Like some before me, I find the scene between Buggin' Out and Clifton very interesting but for different reasons. I agree that there is a great racial tension between them two but what struck me was how everybody came together to back Buggin' Out, both Latinos and black, and they gain up, not physically, on the white man. It reflects what I mention before of different races thinking it is okay to be racist and even attack them. It shows that there is a tension waiting to explode.
3. I particularly like Da Mayor (not simply because of the name). I think that he is a good example of an old man that is alone and has struggle through life. I can see some wisdom in him but nobody takes him seriously. I think he is the sad character in the story that everyone ignores, right next to Smiley. He is a character to which everyone relates because nobody wants to be like him.
1. I like the movie so far. I think that its shot in a very interesting way. It's hard to get a grasp of exactly what its message is so far because there is so much grey. Races intermingle, but there is so much tension even in the small conversations. There are so many moments where people easily misunderstand each other, but they take that initial misunderstanding or interaction and apply it to an entire race of people, which is terrifying but true. What does that say when movies like this aren't made anymore? It seems that people like to turn a blind eye and say that there isn't anything wrong with the society we live in today.
ReplyDelete2. The scene that really struck me was when Buggin' Out started talking about the pictures on Sal's wall and how there should be "black brothers" on the wall also, and Sal took it so personally and acted so violently. Even Pino had to restrain him. This scene struck me the most because Sal, at first, seemed like the most fair and level headed character. He kept his sons in check with their manners towards blacks (like with Mookie and Da Mayor). I was surprised by this scene.
3. My favorite character is Vito. I can totally sympathize with him. He enjoys Mookie's company and having someone who actually listens, but he seems so out of place walking around the neighborhood. He isn't really welcome anywhere. Even when he jokes around with Mookie, people stop and wonder at why they talk. They assume the worst, which is the saddest thing about this movie so far. Do these people really want to have an equal society? Or do they just want to be on top, not caring about the other minorities?
1. So far, I really like this movie. It is really interesting, and as Aldo said, it is humorous but also serious. Humorous in the way some characters are ridiculous, like Buggin’ Out. And that scene where the kids washed down the guy in the convertible. But then, it goes to a scene such as the one with Buggin’ Out and Sal, where there is a fight about racial equality.
ReplyDelete2. Like I mentioned earlier, and as other people have as well, the scene with Buggin’ Out and Sal in the pizzeria really struck. If I remember correctly, it was the first time that discrimination was addressed. I really can’t tell what Sal’s position on this is. After all, he is generally nice, sometimes nicer to Mookie than his own sons. He gives money to Da Mayor. Most of his customers are African Americans. But he says he only wants Italian Americans on the wall. It is a little hard to gather exactly what his position is.
3. I like Mister Señor Love Daddy. Mainly because he was so funny, in the beginning just repeating what he had just sad, but backwards. He was very interesting, and a very lively character. I also liked how in that clip, he was like “You guys need to chill out.”
1. I really like this movie so far. This idea of community that we see immediately as the movie begins, how all of the characters interact and know each other, whether for better or for worse. This idea that they are all struggling together, and one persons fight is another persons fight. When Buggin outs shoes get messed up and suddenly all of the kids on the street are right behind him cheering him on. Everybody seems to be working together, and then we see Sal's Pizzeria, an italian family in the middle of Harlem trying to make a living, and how we see the own flip flop a little bit from being empathetic and helpful to rude and scary. We see him give 1$ to the neighborhood drunk to sweep his porch, even though it is not worth one dollar, and then we see him kick someone out when they question the people on his wall, I am interested to see how all of the characters continue to "be" together.
ReplyDelete2. One of the scene that struck me was with the Police officers and frank. It stuck with me because I am still having trouble figuring out what side the police officers were on. I could not tell if they wer supportive and understanding and friends with the black community, or just found a common hatred with the community against frank. The way they basically blow him off and say and do nothing about the damage to his car, and then the way to officers says to them this better not happen again,or you will have to deal with me. I feel like they could go either way and I want to know because I think officers and the government have a lot to do with racism and I want to see how it is reflected in the movie.
3. My favorite character is Smiley. First of all I just want to go up to him and give him a hug! I want to be his friend and tell anyone who messes with him to FUCK OFF! I am truly interested in what he is saying and what he is trying to tell people People seem to pass him off, and look right through him, he is hard to understand and he can be quite pushy when it comes to trying to talk to people, but I still want to know. I want to see MLK and Malcolm X through his eyes, why are they sooo important to him? What about those pictures makes smiley so agitated? I really want to know what is going through his mind.
1) I've really liked the movie so far. I've always been really interested in film so to see the roots of Spike Lee's work is also pretty cool. But in terms of the movie itself, it balances entertainment with dealing with real issues very well. I like the language and the roughness of this movie in that is feels genuine to New York culture. This is no hollywood movie, it is almost like a documentary on Brooklyn life. My favorite part of what we have seen so far are the little subplots with each character in the movie (The mayor, radio announcer)
ReplyDelete2)I really liked the fire hydrant scene. The way that the entire community united over such a playful ittle action made you love the neighborhood. Heat is reiterated throughout the movie as a theme that these people have to deal with and to see everyone drop everything and go play in the street was almost refreshing to watch. I also love any scene with Samuel L. Jackson, he owns every scene he is in.
3) Mookie appeals to me the most so far. He is the clear main character in this movie and it feels like we are following him around his everyday routine. It seems like he plays a significant role in the lives of those around him as well. Whether it be The Mayor or the man that sells the Malcolm X pictures, the people of the neighborhood see Mookie as a leader. He is clearly capable of doing things outside of the pizzeria, but is wise enough to work through it.
I have really enjoyed the film so far and am glad to finally see it. I had seen part of it but never got aroun to watching it. I like how Spike Lee combines the themes of race and class, even thought everyone is kind of in the same class there are stills some differences to me. Like Ben said it balances entertainment with serious issues that still go on today. I also always enjoy it when I can connect and relate to moments or themes in movies. Being a minority at Paideia and in the States I have similarities with various characters.
ReplyDeleteMy favorite scene is when the white guy in the Larry Bird jersey steps on the dudes new Jordan's and then stuff is about to go down. I thought it was hilarious that everyone backed Buggin out and they intimidated the white guy. It showed how they are united but at the same time rowdy. I think it shows how close the black community is and how they have each others back.
My favorite character is the DJ played by Samuel Jackson. I love his humor and the way he speaks and sets the time of the film from the beginning. Jackson is just as good as having Morgan Freeman narrating. He adds vibe and just lightens the tone in my opinion. I also like Mookie and think Spike lee does a great job of portraying this young male from the Bronx. I like how he is calm and chill and is very friendly and is connected to mostly every character so far.
1. I agree with what pretty much everyone else has said about the movie so far; it feels pretty funny and light-hearted, but also touches on serious issue like race, class, gender etc. I appreciate Lee's commitment to humor in the movie, it really keeps me interested and keeps everything moving nicely.
ReplyDelete2. The scene I enjoyed the most was the scene with the white guy in the Bird jersey. When he stepped on the Jordan's, I thought of a quote from the Boondocks where Huey says "A new pair of shoes are like $200 landmines." I liked this scene for the same reasons that I listed for liking the movie so far; the scene shows racial tensions in the city but also lays humor over it.
3. As the obvious protagonist, I like Mookie a lot right now. It is pretty apparent already that he is the good kid on the block, compared to everyone else. He is out delivering pizzas while everyone else his age is sitting on stoops with beer and boomboxes. I'm excited to see what kind of crazy stuff he has to deal with in the movie.
I like the film so far. It makes a nice change of pace from all the reading we've been doing about racial tension and actually seeing it on the screen helps to visualize it.
ReplyDeleteI thought the boom-box battle between the Puerto Ricans and the serious black guy was kind of ridiculous, but also funny to watch. It's interesting how just a lot of races other than African American are represented in the part of New York the film takes place in. There are the Korean grocery store guys, Sal and his family, and one of the "corner guys" sounds a bit African to me. Each race has their own views about the other.
I like Sal- he seems fair and impartial, yet ready to defend his values. He gives Da Mayor a job sweeping the sidewalk, but then throws one man out of the restaurant when he asks why he doesn't have and black people on the wall. Although his reaction might be construed as overly protective, I think he was in the right.
1) I can't decide how I feel yet. I did not like the intro which made me think I would dislike the rest of the film but I've actually enjoyed the rest of it I think.
ReplyDelete2) i really liked the scene when the fire hydrant was opened. I liked the cops' reaction although I can't explain exactly why. They treated it as such a nonevent while the man who's car was ruined was, I think, over reacting a bit. I think it shows the face that many people think one should not even have good expectations when living or being in that part of town.
3) I really like mother sister. She has an oddly calming presence and I find the way she treats the mayor very amusing.
This first part is impressive. I'm not the best person to say, but I would assume that the intro is innovative for the time. I like the creativity and the playfulness of the movie. The cinematography is remarkable and adds a whole level of personality to the characters. Spike Lee does a stellar job of depicting the community and the problems it faces without making it feel heavy or in your face about it. I don't think it would've worked had it not been for the comedic exaggeration of stereotypes.
ReplyDeleteMore than a particular moment, I was struck by the repeated emphasis on the heat. Im not exactly sure what it could be trying to say, but it is obvious that Spike Lee wants us to pay attention to that. Even when Mr Señor Love Daddy starts off the morning with the forecast it is setting up the movie for the kind of day its going to be.
The big guy with the radio intrigues me the most. He seems respected but reserved and doesn't get involved with anyone in particular. He probably has a back story different from those of the other people on the block, but the movie probably won't go into detail that much about it. Most of all, I just want to know why he carries around that oversized boom box everywhere.
1. I like this so far! I think that the plot and setting in a very hot summer in Brooklyn are very interesting. I really like the way Spike Lee directs as well. There is one scene where the camera goes straight up to individuals faces as they speak racial slurs directly to the camera. For parts like this, the filming almost makes it seem like an interview or documentary. The one thing I am a little mixed about is all of the yelling and 10 people trying to talk at the same time. However, this is meant to be a stressful and realistic film.
ReplyDelete2. The scene were the white guy stepped on Buggin Out's shoe and left a mark. It was a great scene because it showed his realization of what had just happened and then him chasing the guy, gradually getting a pack of followers at his side to yell at the man. It really showed to me how much of a community they have there. While although I think it was a bit much to yell that much at the guy, I thought it showed how everyone is there for each other and showed a great example of the role of a white man in a profoundly black and hispanic neighborhood.
3. Mr Senor Love Daddy is a very intriguing character to me. He seems like the God figure of the neighborhood, watching over everyone and all of the conflicts that occur. I like how the film shows his reactions to conflicts with people outside of the studio. I am interested to see if he develops into a different character during the rest of the movie.