Introduction to Spike Lee’s Latest Film
Spike Lee is back with a new movie, his first in five years, since his last film, Da 5 Bloods, was released in 2020. His latest project is a reimagining of the 1963 Akira Kurosawa film, High and Low, and it’s called Highest 2 Lowest. This film marks Lee’s fifth collaboration with Denzel Washington.
The Plot of Highest 2 Lowest
The movie stars Denzel Washington as David King, a music executive who’s trying to save his record label from a corporate takeover. However, things take a turn when the son of his friend and chauffeur, Paul Christopher, is mistakenly kidnapped by someone who thought he was King’s son, Trey. King is then forced to decide whether to use the ransom money to save the kidnapped boy, which would mean giving up the money he needs to save his company.
The Setting and Storytelling
The film is set in New York City, and Lee makes sure to showcase the city’s landmarks and neighborhoods. The story takes the audience all over the city, from the lavish high-rise apartments of Manhattan to the boisterous streets of the Bronx. However, despite the great setting, the storytelling is clunky, and the flow from scene to scene rarely feels natural. Lee seems to be more focused on showing off his directorial style than getting to the heart of the story.
Themes and Commentary
The film tries to tackle several themes, including the current state of the music business and the place of Black artists within it. However, the kidnapping plot pushes these themes to the side, and the film ends up being more about the corrosive influence of wealth. Unfortunately, this commentary fails to hit home, and the film’s message is unclear.
The Acting and Performances
The acting in the film is also subpar, with even seasoned actors like Denzel Washington and Jeffrey Wright giving stilted performances. The line deliveries are often awkward, and it feels like the actors were only given one take to get the scene right. This makes it baffling that these performances were allowed to make it into the final product.
Conclusion
Overall, Highest 2 Lowest is a disappointing film from a director who has made some truly great movies in the past. While it has flashes of Lee’s trademark style, the storytelling and acting are not up to par. The film’s unclear message and lackluster performances make it a miss, and it’s not a must-see for fans of Spike Lee or Denzel Washington. Highest 2 Lowest opens in theaters on August 15, but it’s not a film that will be remembered as one of Lee’s best works.
