Stevie Stigall and Jonnie Mills | Staff Writer
July 5, 2023
(Warning: Includes sensitive topics and spoilers)
Do the Right Thing was the first movie presented during Murray GSP’s classic film series. Over 100 scholars piled into Room 208 in Faculty Hall, buzzing with excitement and filling up chairs, curious on what the movie had in store. Brenna Sherrill, the curator of the series, prefaced the screening with a warning on intense and disturbing scenes that addressed sensitive topics. Written, directed, produced and starred in by Spike Lee, Do the Right Thing perfectly balances comedy and drama through hard hitting concepts.
Set on the hottest day of 1989, “Do the Right Thing,” follows Mookie around a Brooklyn neighborhood, Bed-Stuy, as heavy topics are introduced. The neighborhood is a melting pot of different cultures which leads to racial tensions amongst these groups. Most notably, Sal’s Italian family and the people of color that frequent the restaurant. Sal’s Pizzeria had been a staple in the community for 25 years, and was expected to be around for 25 more. Displaying issues such as; police brutality, racism, poverty, classism, and xenophobia, it gives commentary on a life that many scholars may have never had insight on. Whether you agree or disagree with the actions of the characters it is an eye opening experience for all who watch.
After the movie, the room was tense as scholars discussed their thoughts on what they just saw. The air filled with a suffocating bubble that forced the audience to process the powerful and emotional scenes that concluded the film. Spike Lee’s movies give commentary surrounding the black community, encouraging proper representation and perspective for people of color and Do the Right Thing is a timeless example of that.
Our favorite scene is when Smiley puts up the photo of MLK and Malcom X on the wall of Sal’s Pizzeria as it burns down behind him. It presents the theme of yin and yang, showing how there’s both beauty and destruction in chaos, love and hate.
Several quotes stood out, but specifically one resonated the hardest with us and our audience from Da Mayor and Mother Sister. Da Mayor says, “I hope the block still standing,” and Mother Sister responds with, “We’re still standing.” The interaction symbolizes the perseverance of people of color. After years of systemic discrimination, black people are still standing and fighting. It also showed the strength of the community in Bed-Stuy and the new solidarity between communities.
Notability our favorite character was Love Daddy played by Samuel L. Jackson because he was a respected and positive person in the community. He was the radio personality for the local radio station and brought a sense of calm to the raging storm in the movie.
The first night of film series showed how successful the night and the conversations for symbolic films were. Scholars remain with intrigue longing to know what’s in store with the next movies to come as classic film series soars. Make sure to check out any interesting films at the upcoming films to see what’s in store for our scholars!
