Do the Right Thing; the Dirty Truth

While a 180 from in the Mood for Love, I could not resist Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing (1989) as we slowly enter summer (spending the last week in Brooklyn also nailed it down for me).

On the surface, there couldn't be more apt a commentary and exploration of racial tensions in the US. Deeper layers provoke philosophical genius, timeless archetypes, masterful storytelling, and innovative/trend-setting cinematic prose.

Spike Lee’s capacity to engage an entire community to create a film about the community in which it was filmed is awe inspiring. Considering this film was shot on location over eight weeks, though the story takes place in one day, is a production feat in and of itself (after you watch the film, see Making of Do the Right Thing) .

This one is surely to raise some rich discussion, both cinematically and philosophically:

"I think it would be false of me to provide answers for stuff I don't have answers for. I think it would be me abusing the media of film" .- Spike Lee

Please come to this discussion group having watched this film. I may offer some discussion prompts before the event. If others want to add to the discussion thread feel free to do so.

We will meet at the Dirty Truth in downtown Northampton. Wednesdays they have wine flights so we can taste through a few wines by the glass and see where we get to! RSVP required (capped at 8)

**Please note this will be our last formal Meet Up until September 2025***