Spike Lee on 'Highest 2 Lowest,' Filming in NYC, and Denzel Washington

Spike Lee's Latest Film: Highest 2 Lowest

• 🎬 Spike Lee discusses his new film, "Highest 2 Lowest," starring Denzel Washington as a wealthy New York City music executive.
• 💰 The plot centers on a ransom plot where the mogul must choose between paying for his child or saving his business.
• 🎥 The film is described as "Wealth, Class, and Privilege with a little extra Spike Spice," and was filmed in New York City.

Artistic Inspirations and Collaborations

• 💡 The story is loosely based on a Kurosawa film and an Ed McBain book titled "King's Ransom."
• 🎷 Lee likens his approach to reinterpreting the source material to that of a jazz musician covering a standard.
• 🤝 Lee expresses deep respect for Denzel Washington, calling him the "greatest living actor today" and highlighting their long-standing bond since "Mo' Better Blues."

Themes of Technology and Industry

• 👴 David King, the protagonist, is portrayed as an "oldhead" skeptical of technology, social media, and AI.
• 🤖 Lee shares this sentiment, questioning if machines can possess a "soul" or "heart," and expresses concern about AI's impact on scriptwriting and education.
• 🎶 The decision to make the protagonist a music industry titan opened up creative possibilities for Lee, who emphasizes music's importance in his filmmaking.

Representation and Artistic Vision

• ✨ Lee reflects on "black excellence" in his work, stating that his excellent work as a Black filmmaker inherently represents it.
• 🎤 He praises the performances of newcomers like ASAP Rocky, noting his charisma and brilliant work, even ad-libbing rap battles that elevated scenes.
• 🖼️ The film's depiction of wealth is visually represented through artwork in David King's home, curated by Lee and his wife, showcasing their good taste and financial means.

Filming in New York and Community

• 🗽 Lee highlights a unique set piece involving a subway scene during a Yankees game and the Puerto Rican Day Parade, something he hadn't done before.
• 🎶 He fondly remembers the late great Eddie Palmieri, whose music is featured in the film, and the joyous Puerto Rican Day Parade sequence.
• 🛍️ Lee also discusses a successful