Spike Lee on the genius of Denzel Washington, strong Black families and the deathbed promise he’s yet to fulfill

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Sporting a vibrant orange and blue striped zoot suit representing his favorite team, the New York Knicks, Spike Lee strutted down the Cannes Film Festival’s red carpet in May, radiating energy and style.

Under an umbrella, Lee and his producer wife, Tonya Lewis Lee, navigated past a crowd of photographers. Suddenly, as speakers blared “Trunks,” a song from the soundtrack of their new movie “Highest 2 Lowest” by ASAP Rocky (who also stars in the film), Lee couldn’t help but break into a dance. Meanwhile, his famous collaborator Rihanna, visibly pregnant, showed off her moves alongside him. Caught in the moment, ASAP Rocky and Lee shared an impromptu shimmy, locking eyes and dancing together.

Excluding the unlikely scenario where the Knicks won the NBA championship (they were eliminated from the playoffs shortly afterwards), it’s challenging to conceive a happier mood for Lee than the one he exhibited at that May 19 gathering. His movie “Do The Right Thing” had its premiere on the same date in 1989 during the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, this day marked the centennial birthday of Malcolm X, who was portrayed by Denzel Washington in their most successful collaboration, the 1992 film “Malcolm X.

For some time now, Lee continues to celebrate the success of their joint venture, which they dubbed “Highest 2 Lowest,” as it has been months since its triumphant premiere. He is especially thrilled because he gets to collaborate once more with Washington, whom he affectionately refers to as America’s greatest living actor, marking their fifth project together.

Lee, aged 68, expresses his enduring affection for the Cannes Film Festival, which began in 1986 and has embraced all of his films screened there. He reminisces about May 19, 2025, as a significant day that continued their long-standing bond. Lee believes it was no coincidence that the world premiere of ‘Do the Right Thing’ took place on May 19, 1989, and that May 19, 2025, marked Malcolm X’s 100th birthday.

To put it simply, there are certain occurrences I can’t find an explanation for – they just seem to happen. As for Denzel, this is his inaugural visit to Cannes with a movie.

He takes a moment before saying, “It seems to be something passed down from our ancestors, if you will,” and then chuckles playfully, “Not to worry, it’s not like voodoo!

Titled “Highest 2 Lowest,” this new film is a modern take on Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 thriller “High and Low.” In the movie, Washington portrays a successful music entrepreneur whose world is turned upside down by a dangerous ransom demand that puts his life at stake. This marks Lee and Washington’s collaboration since their work together in 2006’s “Inside Man.” Over the years, the concept for an updated version of “High and Low” has been a popular discussion topic among Hollywood professionals such as David Mamet and Chris Rock. The script for this New York-based story was submitted to Lee by Washington, who believed that only he had the vision to bring it to life effectively.

Lee laughs heartily as he says, ‘I didn’t need to be asked again,'” is a more readable paraphrase of the original sentence. In this context, Lee seems to be expressing enthusiasm or agreement with great ease, while surrounded by pop culture references and wearing a New York Knicks cap, which adds to his characterization as a jovial and enthusiastic individual deeply invested in his work.

It took them both by surprise that so much time had passed since they last collaborated on the movie “Inside Man,” as Denzel Washington commented, “Neither of us knew it’s been 18 years! We didn’t find out until reporters told us.

In more than a decade, his first film has been shot and set in New York, with scenes transitioning from Brooklyn to the South Bronx. A notable sequence, reminiscent of “The French Connection” and Gene Hackman, features a thrilling subway chase. This scene intercuts between the pursuit, excited Yankees fans headed to a game against their arch-rivals, the Boston Red Sox, and a lively Puerto Rican Day celebration in the Bronx, starring Rosie Perez, Anthony Ramos, and Eddie Palmieri’s Salsa Orchestra.

Lee exclaims emphatically, nearly bursting with joy, “We were absolutely serious!” He goes on to describe the scene as chaotic and intense, likening it to Puerto Rico, a place known for its vibrancy. He then compares the atmosphere to that of the Bronx, New York.

In addition, the latest film showcases Lee’s deep-rooted respect for Kurosawa, a reverence that was sparked during his time studying at New York University’s Film School.

Lee expresses that he was captivated by this person right from the start. Throughout his studies, he found himself deeply engrossed in the subject’s work, as it explored the complexities of the human condition – people and their struggles and moral dilemmas. Rashomon, a gripping thriller about conflicting accounts of a crime, served as the inspiration for Lee’s groundbreaking film, 1986’s ‘She’s Gotta Have It’, which centered on an artist navigating relationships with three suitors simultaneously.

In his collection, there are old posters of the movie “Rashomon,” autographed by Kurosawa. Lee’s film, however, offers a New York City perspective on Kurosawa’s storyline, which was initially inspired by a novel written by Ed McBain and filled with conflicts between the wealthy and the less fortunate. The character David King, played by Washington, is a high-profile record label executive struggling with industry changes and disturbed by a proposed merger that he thinks will alter his label’s direction and harm his reputation. In an attempt to solidify his position as a leading hit producer, he devises a daring corporate strategy.

However, King’s schemes crumble when he receives a phone call from an individual asserting they’ve kidnapped Trey (Aubrey Joseph), his son. The caller demands $17.5 million for Trey’s return. It is later revealed that the kidnapper had seized the wrong boy – the son of King’s longtime friend and chauffeur, Paul (Jeffrey Wright). Yet, the ransom demand persists, placing King in a difficult ethical dilemma: whether to suffer financial ruin to save his loyal friend’s child.

While there may be similarities, filmmaker Lee clarifies that “Highest 2 Lowest” is not a retelling or replica of another movie. Instead, he describes it as a fresh take or interpretation. Using the analogy of jazz musicians playing popular tunes, Lee and his team are like these musicians who add their unique flavor to classic pieces. He expresses admiration for “The Sound of Music” and praises Julie Andrews’ rendition of ‘My Favorite Things’, acknowledging it as a timeless song.

Instead of saying “But he emphasized with a smile and a burst of laughter, ‘We’re doing the [John] Coltrane,'” you could rephrase it as:

With a grin and a hearty laugh, he affirmed, “We’re tackling the Coltrane,” alluding to the legendary saxophonist’s renowned interpretation of that piece.

Lee additionally mentions that the “2” in the title is a tribute to my brother Prince, who often incorporated this number in his song titles and lyrics.

Lee finds that the moral themes in both movies are applicable to everyone. “It’s quite profound,” he remarks. “The viewers become deeply engaged, pondering, ‘If my closest friend, spouse, son, or daughter were kidnapped, and I had to empty my savings to rescue them, what would I do?’

Asked how he would respond if confronted with that dilemma, Lee beams, rocking back and forth.

As a devoted film enthusiast, I’d be straight up with you: if the amount of the ransom is as steep as 17.5 million dollars, let me tell you, my pockets aren’t deep enough for that kind of dough! Might as well buy a lottery ticket instead!

He goes on to say that’s what makes the entire situation exceptional. Different people would handle it differently, but Toshiro Mifune set the groundwork. He passed the torch to Denzel Washington, and just like Olympic relay runners, Denzel didn’t falter a step. We don’t let go of the baton.

Apart from working together in “Inside Man” and “Malcolm X,” Lee and Washington collaborated again on “Mo’ Better Blues” (1990) and “He Got Game” (1998). Despite a gap of nearly two decades, their communication on set remains unchanged, as the filmmaker notes, though he jokingly adds, “We’re eighteen years older now, and both of us have bad knees.

Lee explains, “Joking aside, the term is ‘chemistry.’ As professionals, you don’t need to be friends. You have a task at hand. We don’t socialize much. However, once rehearsals began, there was no need for lengthy discussions or realigning ourselves because we’ve known each other for 18 years. It’s like we never missed a beat. It felt as if ‘Inside Man’ was just yesterday.

Pausing for a moment, Lee notes, “One can only hope and aspire to grow from past experiences. It’s simple to utter those words, yet it’s crucial that you become more knowledgeable and insightful as you journey through life. Your way of living undeniably influences your artistic endeavors.

At times, the brilliance of Lee left him taken aback. In a heartfelt scene featuring Washington and Wright’s characters, an unforeseen moment occurred when Washington picked up a hand grenade hidden in King’s office by the prop team. This unexpected action added an extra layer of tension to their interaction.

He comments, ‘That’s what really brought the moment to life.’ Denzel Washington is exceptional at improvisation. He’d pick up an object or prop and seamlessly weave it into his lines. As I glance over the script for the day, I often find myself wondering, ‘Where did that idea come from?’ Yet, that’s his brilliance. He doesn’t just act; he observes the set, thinking, ‘What can I utilize here?’

In Lee’s words, “The scene showcased the exceptional acting synergy between Washington and Wright. ‘Jeffrey is a truly remarkable actor,’ he said. ‘Having them work together is like striking gold, pure gold. My job was simply to watch from a distance and appreciate the performances on the monitors.

Demonstrating the bond within a family was equally significant, and they strove to portray the King clan as a tightly knit group who frequently express their affection with “I love you.

Lee expresses, “We depict a resilient African-American family in this movie. There’s a bond, there’s affection. That’s Denzel and that’s me as well. It’s not common to see such portrayals. In this film, they face numerous trials and tribulations. Yet, it’s their love that holds them together amidst the turmoil all around.

That importance also exists between them off set.

We are very close as families and we’ve affectionately named ourselves the Washing-Lees. John David, Spike Lee’s son, appeared in my movie ‘BlacKkKlansman.’ Apart from my own wife, Pauletta, who is Spike Lee’s wife, stands as my most ardent supporter. In essence, it’s a fortunate situation for us all.

After wrapping up “Highest 2 Lowest”, Lee is pondering his next move, as retirement isn’t on his agenda.

He mentions that he’s only beginning, for as a person and an artist, when one is engaged in their passion, they already consider themselves victorious. He doesn’t perceive an end point or a finishing line.

A significant focus for him is bringing to life “Save Us, Joe Louis,” a script he co-authored with the late screenwriter Budd Schulberg (“On the Waterfront”), which explores the dynamic between boxing rivals Joe Louis and Max Schmeling. He has vowed to fulfill a promise made to Schulberg on his deathbed, ensuring this project comes to fruition.

And he would love to work on another project with Washington.

Lee concedes that he may have spoken too soon about this being our final film. He shares that it would be a privilege to create another one, but time will tell. However, he emphasizes, there are numerous other films like ‘Mo Better Blues,’ ‘Malcolm X,’ ‘He Got Game,’ ‘Inside Man,’ and ‘Highest 2 Lowest.’ These films will remain accessible for the world to enjoy indefinitely.

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2025-08-06 13:32