Spike Lee on His New Film, Smithsonian Honors, and Political Commentary

"High and Low" Film Reinterpretation

• 🎬 Spike Lee discusses his latest film, "High and Low," a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 classic, emphasizing a jazz musician's approach to reinterpreting American standards.
• 🤝 He highlights his enduring partnership with Denzel Washington, calling him the greatest living actor and noting their successful five-film collaboration.
• 🌟 Lee praises ASAP Rocky as a phenomenal actor, noting his intense on-screen exchanges with Denzel Washington in the film.
• 💰 The film explores the theme "all money ain't good money," delving into morals, righteousness, and the societal tendency to prioritize money over morality.

Addressing Societal Issues

• 💡 Lee discusses the subtle inclusion of the disparity in coverage for missing people of color, referencing the lack of Ebony alerts in New York State.
• 🗣️ He reflects on his own evolving style, joking about no longer needing to throw garbage cans, suggesting a mellowing with age.

Political Commentary and Cultural Institutions

• 🏛️ Lee criticizes the White House review of Smithsonian properties, stating it's doing the opposite of its stated goal and is a continuation of a troubling trend.
• ⚠️ He draws parallels to the removal of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s statue and the denial of historical truths like enslavement, likening the current climate to "The Year of Living Dangerously."
• ✍️ Lee references the open letter from Writers Guild of America members, emphasizing that a president does not dictate cultural content.
• 🇺🇸 He expresses concern that the current administration's actions do not reflect the U.S. as a beacon of democracy.

Art, Politics, and Current Events

• 🎨 Lee believes films like "Do the Right Thing" could still be funded today, noting its original production was made with awareness of the political climate and racial tensions in New York City.
• 🗳️ He voices support for Zohran Mamdani for mayor, emphasizing the need to move forward with equality and progress.
• 🚢 Discussing Hurricane Katrina, Lee calls the ongoing struggles in New Orleans a national shame and a failure of leadership and consequence of displacement.
• 💔 Lee expresses heartbreak over the war in Gaza and the suffering of Palestinian children, stating that opposing the actions there does not equate to antisemitism.
• 🎬 He shares a personal anecdote about being advised to write an op-ed to avoid being blacklisted in Hollywood for his views on the conflict.