Spike Lee discusses new film and challenges in Hollywood

LOS ANGELES, CA — Spike Lee arrived for an interview wearing a New York Knicks cap and jacket, fresh off a flight from Steven Spielberg‘s plane. This busy Saturday night was just a precursor to his appearance at the AFI Life Achievement Award Ceremony in Hollywood, where he will switch into a striking black-and-white suit adorned with tiny Michael Jordan silhouettes. Lee is also set to fly to Detroit for a Knicks playoff game on Sunday morning.

The 68-year-old director is headed to France in May to premiere his latest film, Highest 2 Lowest, at the Cannes Film Festival. The film explores the moral dilemma of doing the right thing, a question Lee has posed to audiences for over 36 years since his first visit to Cannes in 1989.

Highest 2 Lowest is a reimagining of Akira Kurosawa‘s 1963 police procedural, High and Low. Jeffrey Wright stars as a music mogul facing existential challenges, with Ilfenesh Hadera as his wife and A$AP Rocky in a supporting role. The film, an Apple Original produced with A24, will hit theaters on August 22 and premiere on Apple TV+ on September 5.

In discussing the film, Lee shared insights about the significance of his character’s journey and the African American art elements that feature prominently. Wright emphasized the importance of Lee’s work, stating, ‘The perspective of Black Americans right now is under attack.’ He praised Lee as a crucial voice in preserving the African American perspective in cinema.

Lee’s filmmaking journey has been deeply personal, shaped by his upbringing and family struggles. He reflected on his late father’s commitment to jazz music and its influence on his career. He also discussed mental health challenges, such as his childhood dyslexia, revealed only when his son was diagnosed.

While Lee noted that Hollywood has changed, he described his ongoing commitment to authentic storytelling and his reluctance to compromise his values for commercial success. ‘All money ain’t good money,’ he said, reinforcing his belief in integrity within his work.

As he prepares for Cannes and reflects on his iconic career, Lee remains a distinctive force in the film industry, merging personal experiences with broader societal themes. The premiere marks a significant milestone as Lee continues to challenge audiences with questions of morality and identity.