Spike Lee holds a mirror up to American society in his excellent film BlacKkKlansman. The film is based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, the first African-American police officer in Colorado Springs, Colorado. The film was nominated for six Academy Awards: Best Picture, Best Director Spike Lee, Best Supporting Actor Adam Driver, Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Original Score by Terence Blanchard, and Best Film Editing. It is rated R for language throughout, including racial epithets, and for disturbing/violent material and some sexual references.
Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) and his fellow officer Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) infiltrate the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan. While Ron talks to clan members on the phone, including David Duke (Topher Grace), Flip attends the group’s meetings, target practice and pool games as Ron. He is suspected of being Jewish, which he is. Almost found out several times, it is a dangerous operation they’ve worked their way into. The local chapter of the KKK is suspected of planning a terrorist attack against the black student union at Colorado College.
There is much tension and suspense in this film, as well as some really great moments between Ron and Patrice (Laura Harrier), president of the black student union. It is really disconcerting hearing the racial epithets and negative talk coming out of Ron’s mouth, a black man with his own trials living in the 1970’s.
I’ve always liked Spike Lee’s films and this one is another very finely crafted story. He deserves Best Director this year for this very timely film.
Did you see BlacKkKlansman? What did you think of the film? Do you think it should win Best Picture too?
Hi Sue - it does sound good ... it won the Best Adapted Screenplay at the British Academy Film Awards last week ... I may get to see it - now I've seen your review - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteIt's a good film and really lays bare the racism that some Americans still hold. Not all of us are like that, and the racists are not the majority!
DeleteThis is a great review and yes, I have seen it. It is an excellent film with great direction by Spike Lee and excellent acting. The screenplay is well written and might very well win. I think Spike Lee May win an Oscar but not sure it will win best picture. I think Roma will win.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind comment about my review. I hope that at least Spike Lee will get his Oscar this year. I'll be watching!
DeleteI’ve seen it - a wonderful film! I liked the reminder at the end that this issue has not gone away.
ReplyDeleteYes, Spike Lee picked the perfect ending for the film, as similar incidents are regrettably still happening in America today.
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