Spike Lee left his own blood-covered sidewalk to create this film. He boldly attempted to examine the American dream from a different perspective. In doing so, perhaps he's matured as an artist. Certainly, it was a challenge for this confident and cocky man to take on this subject matter. That he succeeded so well is a testament to his exceptional skill. Still, it was an odd experience to watch 25th Hour. There's just not many black filmmakers working today, and of the very few, they are not making films about the lost dreams of Caucasian characters.
Steven Spielberg made The Color Purple in 1986, and it wasn't particularly good. All of his weaknesses as a filmmaker were uncomfortably exposed. I would have loved to have seen Lee make a film version of Alice Walker's classic novel. I don't think it would have been as manipulative. There probably would have been less syrup and apple blossoms and more whiskey and fingernail dirt. The film The Color Purple has always insulted me in many ways, it's narrative technique predictable and obvious. I suppose cultural appropriation could be applied here as well. I think we all know Spielberg's most personal, if not fierce, drama was Schindler's List. Spielberg, of Jewish heritage, took the reins in his teeth and told John Wayne to go fuck himself in his own timid manner. He was born to make that film, whether he would like to admit it or not.
25th Hour never offended me. It was a uniquely inspirational experience, striking chords of truth Spielberg never really touched in The Color Purple. How much of it was due to Lee's terrific cast and how much of it was him is open to interpretation. The truth perhaps, is somewhere between.
Like Do the Right Thing and Malcolm X, 25th Hour causes us to squirm in our seats. Lee has a vision, and it crosses boundaries no matter the stained sidewalk.
Article comments
1 - Chris Puzak
Actually, Lee's previous movie, Summer of Sam, had no black characters in it either, so The 25th Hour wasn't exactly a big surprise. They were both excellent movies though.
2 - Jim Carruthers
Damn, you beat me to it, I was going to mention "Summer of Sam", but "Jungle Love" is about a mixed race relationship, so that half-counts.
Wouldn't you love to see Scorsese and Lee in a spelling bee, just to see who's head would explode first (refereed by Christopher Walken, of course)
3 - visualsimplicity
25th Hour was a fairly good film, but even then I still found myself slightly insulted by it. It was made in such a way that it was as if it demanded that I sit down watch it and be amazed by it's profoundness. I suppose it appeared cocky to me.
4 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
I have yet to see 25th Hour, although i've been meaning to since it came out. Too many Lenzi cannibal flicks to endure first, i guess.
This was a great review, Chris, as ever. Challenging and thought-provoking.
I really didn't enjoy Summer Of Sam. Thought it was bloated nonsense, although Adrian Brody was amazing, much better than when he was The Piano Player or whatever.
Apart from SOS, the only other Lee flick i felt underwhelmed by was School Daze, which at least was interesting.
Good work Chris.
5 - Aaron, Duke De Mondo
Chris, i jsut finished watching this. It finally got off my screen select list and arrived in the post. I thought it was utterly brilliant, with enough emotional punch (literally) to make up for the slices of slightly indulgent fare. I think its his most accomplished film, although its usually best to wait a day or two befroe deciding. At the minute, im awe-struck. Even Do The Right Thing didn't affect me the way this did. Brilliant stuff.
6 - Chris Kent
Thanks for your comment Chris Puzak. Summer of Sam did indeed focus on a group of Italian Americans, but it also had multiple black characters, Hispanic characters, hell it was a patchwork quilt of New York during the summer of 1980. It was a Spike Lee film (and an interesting one) which did not deal exclusively with the black race, however, it also did not deal exclusively with the Caucasian race....
7 - Chris Kent
Jim Carruthers my fine Canadian friend, to say Jungle Love deals exclusively with the Caucasian race is a pretty shaky stand, but if you would like to make it, be my guest.....
8 - Chris Kent
Visualsimplicity,
Some films strike people in different ways. Spike Lee is certainly cocky, but I would say 25th Hour is his least "cocky" film......
To me, a "cocky" film would spell disaster for any filmmaker, and 25th Hour is most certainly not a disaster.....
9 - Chris Kent
El Senor Duke,
As usual, your comments are appreciated. Thank you my friend. I considered discussing additional Spielberg films and Lee films, which would have been relevant, but decided to keep it simple. I am am really pleased you enjoyed 25th Hour as much as I did.....Thanks!