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- Spike Lee has an easy answer to who’s the greatest actor of all time (businessinsider.com)
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington: Back Together Again
Filmmaker Spike Lee, radiating enthusiasm, recently sat down for a video interview, his signature baseball cap and glasses in place, surrounded by cherished artwork, murals, and movie posters. The excitement? He and Denzel Washington, a pairing not seen on the big screen together since 2006’s “Inside Man,” are back with a new film, “Highest 2 Lowest.”
This dynamic duo’s latest collaboration, hitting theaters now and streaming soon, reimagines Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 crime drama, “High and Low.” The project, a New York City-set remake, had been circulating in Hollywood for years.
When Washington saw the script by Alan Fox, he knew Lee was the perfect director to bring it to life. Lee, a long-time admirer of Kurosawa, whose work influenced his 1986 debut “She’s Gotta Have It,” instantly agreed.
“Highest 2 Lowest” retains the core narrative of a wealthy man (Washington) entangled in a kidnapping scheme, but Lee’s distinct style is evident throughout, from the music selection to a gripping subway chase scene. Anchoring the film is Washington’s captivating performance. Lee praised Washington’s acting prowess, stating, “He brings his full being into every role… he’s the greatest living actor.”
Lee revealed that improvisation played a significant role in the film. He recounted how Washington, given free rein to explore his character, incorporated unscripted moments, including a scene with a grenade prop and another referencing music icons Aretha Franklin and James Brown. This improvisational freedom extended to co-star Jeffrey Wright, whose character delivers memorable off-the-cuff lines.
Lee emphasized the importance of rehearsals and read-throughs, highlighting how hearing actors speak the dialogue can drastically alter a script’s perceived quality. He also stressed the value of casting, stating that “great actors bring support, the weight.”
When asked about the best Denzel Washington performance from their collaborations, Lee unequivocally chose “Malcolm X.” He recalled a pivotal moment during the film’s production: the day the Los Angeles riots erupted following the acquittal of the officers involved in the Rodney King beating. This event led Lee to incorporate the King footage into “Malcolm X,” forever linking the film to that historical moment.
Lee also commended Ryan Coogler’s strategic move to retain ownership of his film “Creed III” after 25 years, calling it a “power move.” Although Lee only owns the rights to his debut film, “She’s Gotta Have It,” he expressed his admiration for Coogler’s foresight.
Reflecting on his own legacy, Lee admitted to thinking about it more now than before, though he remains focused on his current projects. He shared an anecdote about being reminded of the upcoming 40th anniversary of “She’s Gotta Have It,” expressing surprise at the passage of time. While open to the idea of his work being reimagined, Lee firmly stated that “Do the Right Thing” is off-limits for remakes.
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- Spike Lee has an easy answer to who’s the greatest actor of all time (businessinsider.com)