As a longtime admirer of both Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, I can confidently say that their collaborative efforts have left an indelible mark on cinema history. Their first film together, “Mo’ Better Blues,” remains one of my all-time favorites, showcasing the raw talent and unparalleled chemistry between these two giants.
It’s quite frequent in Hollywood for actors and directors to form strong bonds following a single project. For instance, Tim Burton and Johnny Depp were once inseparable, while Alfred Hitchcock tailored his characters around James Stewart’s capabilities. Similarly, the collaborative efforts of Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks extended beyond the screen, leading them on joint production excursions at one point. However, the partnership between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington often goes overlooked.
During the early ’90s, they both rose to fame and in 1990, they collaborated for their first movie together. This creative partnership felt extraordinary. Before they team up again next year for a remake of Kurosawa’s High and Low, we looked back at their journey and revisited their four films together. Interestingly, the Rotten Tomatoes ranking turned out just as we anticipated, with one of Lee’s finest works leading the list.
4
‘Mo’ Better Blues’ (1990)
Tomatometer: 71% – Popcornmeter: 75%
Mo’ Better Blues tells the story of Bleek Gilliam, a talented trumpet player immersed in the vibrant jazz scene of Brooklyn, who grapples with complex personal issues. He is torn between two women, Indigo and Clarke, while also dealing with turmoil within his band, The Bleek Quintet. Their manager, Giant, is in debt to loan sharks, leading him to make risky decisions that ultimately impact Bleek. As Bleek attempts to aid Giant, an accidental injury derails his own career trajectory.
Starring Lee and Washington as Giant and Bleek, respectively, “Mo’ Better Blues” is widely regarded as the greatest jazz film ever made. Alongside Lee’s regulars Giancarlo Esposito, John Turturro, Bill Nunn, Wesley Snipes delivers one of his most nuanced performances. The ensemble creates a remarkably authentic musical drama, with Snipes and Washington training alongside real musicians to bring their roles to life. The film also boasts the music of jazz great Terence Blanchard, and you’ll find it hard to forget the catchy tune “Mo’ Better Blues” for days on end.
1990 saw the release of “Mo’ Better Blues,” a film often overshadowed by Lee’s previous work, his 1989 masterpiece “Do the Right Thing“. While both films are beautiful in their unique ways, exploring themes of friendship and the music world, it was “Do the Right Thing” that truly marked Spike Lee’s ascension in Hollywood.
3
‘He Got Game’ (1998)
Tomatometer: 80% – Popcornmeter: 83%.
The movie “He Got Game” tells the tale of Jake Shuttlesworth, a prisoner in Attica, who’s presented with an intriguing proposition by the state: If he manages to persuade his son, Jesus, to join a prestigious college basketball team, then the governor will grant him freedom. The story unfolds as Jake tries to mend his fractured relationship with his son. However, it’s important to note that Jesus harbors resentment towards his father because it was an altercation between them that unfortunately led to Jesus’ mother’s death.
Washington delivers a standout performance in one of his finest films after Malcolm X, albeit a role he wasn’t particularly fond of from his career. In the film He Got Game, Washington excels not only as an actor but also as a screenwriter, offering a compelling sports drama that avoids convoluted narratives or intricate characters. This heartwarming tale manages to captivate audiences without resorting to a contrived happy ending.
As a movie critic, I found Lee’s sports drama masterpiece remarkably impactful, as he deftly wove the gripping narrative of Jesus’ tale around a professional athlete instead of a seasoned actor. NBA legend Ray Allen delivers an exceptional performance alongside Washington, making this film a must-watch. The basketball sequences in this movie are undeniably among the finest ever captured on screen.
2
‘Inside Man’ (2006)
Tomatometer: 86% – Popcornmeter: 85%
Inside Man
Among Spike Lee’s finest works is the film “Inside Man,” which he didn’t personally write. Despite this fact, it stands out as an ingenious thriller that maintains a gripping tension for approximately two hours. The movie boasts a surprising twist near its end, one that may compel you to rewatch it in an attempt to spot any plot inconsistencies. A hint: You won’t find any, given the exceptional quality of Russell Gewirtz’s screenplay and Spike Lee’s direction.
As a diehard cinephile, I’m thrilled to be part of an impressive cast alongside Jodie Foster, Clive Owen, Christopher Plummer, Willem Dafoe, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, among other talented actors. This project remains Spike Lee’s highest-grossing movie in his filmography, a fact that continues to resonate even today.
1
‘Malcolm X’ (1992)
Tomatometer: 89% – Popcornmeter: 91%
In the movie titled Malcolm X, Denzel Washington brings to life the African-American civil rights leader who was significant during that era in American history. The 202-minute biographical film chronicles Malcolm X’s transformation to Islam following his imprisonment and subsequent temporary abandonment of the faith due to his increasingly controversial views, which were not accepted by the religion’s leaders at the time. Interestingly, Washington had previously portrayed Malcolm X on Broadway.
The movie is adapted from Malcolm X’s autobiography, co-written with Alex Haley, and was finalized just before his death. Spike Lee secured the project, which had been in a prolonged state of production limbo, and substantially revised the screenplay. Despite initial controversy about a white director taking on the film, Lee maintained some contentious themes that were characteristic of the production. For instance, instead of advocating for absolute racial segregation, the movie portrays Malcolm X’s teachings on understanding and accepting others.
Stepping into the realm of Denzel Washington’s biographical masterpieces, it’s hard to surpass the impact of “Malcolm X.” While Al Pacino’s portrayal in “Scent of a Woman” was indeed remarkable, earning him an Oscar for Best Actor, I can’t help but feel that Denzel deserved the recognition on that particular year. The contrast between their performances remains, to me, quite extraordinary.
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2024-12-16 03:35