Spike Lee

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Spike Lee conceived the idea for *Do the Right Thing* after discussing a 1986 incident at Howard Beach, Queens, with actor Robert De Niro. This incident involved an attack on African-American men in a predominantly Italian-American neighborhood, resulting in one victim being struck by a car and killed. Lee was also influenced by the Alfred Hitchcock Presents episode 'Shopping for Death,' in which the main characters discuss their theory that hot weather increases violent tendencies, and the killing of Eleanor Bumpurs by police. He wrote the screenplay in two weeks. The original script ended with a stronger reconciliation between Mookie and Sal than Lee used in the film; Lee's contemporaneous notes indicate that Lisa Jones expressed Sal's reaction as 'too nice' as originally written. Initially considering De Niro for the role of 'Sal,' Lee eventually cast Danny Aiello at De Niro's suggestion. Roger Guenveur Smith, who was pestering Lee for a role, created the character of Smiley, who was not in the original script. Lee originally wanted Bill Nunn to play Mister Señor Love Daddy but later recast him as Radio Raheem. Principal photography commenced on July 18, 1988, on a single block in Brooklyn, New York, with a budget of $6.2 million. During filming, the neighborhood's crack dealers threatened the film crew, leading Lee to hire Fruit of Islam members to provide security. Filming wrapped on September 14, 1988.

Reader's Guide

Spike Lee's significance lies in his sustained, provocative examination of race relations, urban life, and media through a prolific filmography. His breakthrough film *Do the Right Thing* (1989) became a cultural touchstone for its unflinching portrayal of racial tension, earning him his first Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. The film features an ensemble cast including Lee, Danny Aiello, Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Richard Edson, Giancarlo Esposito, Bill Nunn, John Turturro, and John Savage, and is the feature film debut of Martin Lawrence and Rosie Perez. Blending elements of comedy, drama, and social commentary, the film is noted for its vivid color design, stylized cinematography, direct-address monologues, and an influential hip-hop-driven soundtrack prominently featuring Public Enemy's 'Fight the Power.' The film's ambiguous and controversial conclusion sparked widespread debate upon release regarding the nature of protest, responsibility, and moral judgment. In 1999, *Do the Right Thing* was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being 'culturally, historically or aesthetically significant.' In 2022, the film was ranked the 24th greatest of all time in *Sight and Sound* magazine's decennial poll.

Did You Know?

• Spike Lee wrote the screenplay for *Do the Right Thing* in just two weeks.
• The character of Smiley was not in the original script; actor Roger Guenveur Smith created it while pestering Lee for a role.
• During filming, the neighborhood's crack dealers threatened the film crew, so Lee hired Fruit of Islam members for security.
• Lee originally wanted Bill Nunn to play Mister Señor Love Daddy but later recast him as Radio Raheem.
• The film's epilogue dedicates the movie to six Black people, five killed by police officers and one killed by a white mob.