Irene James
English 103
Professor Vasileou
29th May 2011
Do The Right Thing:
In American Cinema, directors created films that pose realistic situations
and scenery for their audience. Do The Right Thing is a film that portrayed
just that. The location of the film was set in the Bedford-Stuyvesant area of
Brooklyn, New York. Although this film was created in 1989, the issues of
racism, violence, and community are still prevalent all over New York City
today. American film relates to the nature of the times. Engaging its
viewers to some of the most harsh realities heard of by many, but never
seen.
The film follows a young black man living in a neighborhood full of racial
tensions and violence. However, it was also filled with love and a sense of
community. Although the film depicts this man’s life under uncomfortable
Circumstances. It brought the viewer to the reality that a person can live in
such conditions and still be satisfied. When I mentioned the living conditions
of the man through the film. I am implementing the economic times of New
York City in 1989.
During 1989, America was in a recession, very much how America is
today. Wall Street alone saw 16,000 layoffs in the beginning of 1989.
Wall Street write-downs cross the $100 billion mark. Sure, the technical
definition of a recession is two or more consecutive quarters of negative growth.
Which was definitely happening during this time period.
Unemployment rates were up and new home rates plummeted down to
in the film. The main character “Mookie” lived in a one bedroom apartment
with his sister. During this time, the average montly rent was
it wasn’t enough income to take care of a family. Gas for cars were priced at
$1.12 a gallon, as well as Milk in the grocery store was priced at
Spike Lee tastefully displays the struggles of life for a young man of a
Minority, trying to achieve the American dream. This is how the movie
depicts reality for the viewer and makes the characters come to life.
During 1989 there were a long list of violent crimes that occurred as well.
Most of the violence stemmed the 40th President Ronald Reagan. Regan
implemented a program that cut the taxes of America’s hard workers.
His tactics caused such a wide aray of outburst. So much so, It was given
its own name by consumers called “Reganomics”. Which is Economics
and President Regan’s last name combined together. This caused a lot
of tension with New Yorkers and the United States government. Which had
New Yorkers, especially consumers in low income areas rioting and commiting
violent acts. Such as vandalism, graffiti, robbery. These acts were portrayed
in the film. Which was director Spike Lee’s point of view. He not only wanted
to give the rioters a face, but gave the reasons why these crimes were being
committed.
What was so poignant about the film was the expressionism and symbolism that
was used so eloquently throughout each scene. The clothing, the activities, even
down to the graffiti on the walls played a major part. During 1989. Music of a
popular culture was played throughout the streets of New York City. One song
that was extremely exploided throughout the film was by a rap group named
Public Enemy called “Fight The Power”. Which was a message of truth and hope,
that so many Americans had lost during the 1980s and the progression of it
surpassing 1989. “Fight The Powers that Be” were the chants of the streets of
Brooklyn. That song gave a voice to many of the minorities that were afraid to
openly expressed how they’re living situations were.
Do The Right Thing not only followed a young black man through his daily life as
a pizza man in Brooklyn, NY. It followed the different types of relationships he
has with other people of different races. Especially the people he worked for who
were of Italian decent. With all the racial tension between the different races.
There were still friendships that were made and bonds that were not being
broken between them in the film. There was a certain type of respect that was
given through the different minorities portrayed in the film. Through all the racial
tensions caused do to the economic times. There was still respect for one
another. Even in the end of the film, the races banded together to form some
type of unity with one another in the powerful scene of the riot against Sal’s
Pizza restaurant. Which was and still is lot like reality of New York City today.
Writers and directors want to make films real. A dose of reality where we the
view believes for those couple of hours that life isn’t really that bad. Every scene
in this film was related to New York City and real and harsh the reality was and is
til this day. Certain films, especially ones filmed in New York City, gives the
viewer a flashlight to what the government doesn’t want society to see. It was
very exciting and sad to know that movies have to bring reality in front of
society’s face when its sitting outside the front doors of America. This film Do The
Right Thing gave ignorance a face and tolerance a voice. In my opinion, this film
was a masterpiece then and a work of art today in American Cinema. Practically
life in general.
