The Controversial Do the Right Thing
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The Controversial ‘Do the Right Thing’
Different forms of literature often explore distinct ways through which they can relay important messages to the audience with utmost ease. The ability to use the different themes in an effective manner is always at the core of their presentations. In the film media, the directors of the films ensure effective presentation by exploring a host of factors that range from idyllic staging to effective use of characterization and coherent development of themes. Of great importance is the ability to effectively communicate the most important concerns to the relevant audience. This is made possible through harmonization of all the important features of the film. Although the director of ‘Do the Right Thing’ uses various film features to underscore inherent race issues in the Brooklyn society, he fails dismally to effectively communicate these concerns to the audience effectively.
The movie is set in Brooklyn neighbourhood on a hot and long day. Populations inhabiting this area are faced by various social problems. Nonetheless, they accept each other and there is an apparent sense of community. Although it is majorly inhabited by the Black populations, there are two Whites who venture into pizza business. Sal, the owner of the business is tough and has two sons, one who is vocally racist. Sal uses Mookie to deliver his pizzas to clients as well as act as a messenger. Other people in this neighbourhood include Ossie Davis the mayor, Radio Raheem, Mother Sister, the neighbourhood witch and three old buddies who continuous comment on the communal developments. Notably, very many issues happen underground but in the long run, tension builds and triggers remembrance of innumerable hurts. Finally, the relative tensions explode into a state of social violence.
The most appealing aspect of this movie pertains to the use of characterization to inform the audience about the problems facing this society. The characters in the movie assume their roles effectively and through them, one is able to understand and appreciate the racial issues that are facing the society. A classic illustration of this iswhen a White bumps in bugging out and moves on without apologizing. On the other hand, the American Italian puts only celebrity Italians on the wall. Notably, this contributes to social tension and raises bitter concerns when a boycott is organized on the premise. Also worth appreciating is the setting that is reflective of a model urban environment. Specific representations of an urban setting include a radio operator, a pizzeria, and problems of collecting garbage, drugs, large crows and blaring music amongst others.
Despite having ideal characters and a model setting presentation of themes by the author is compounded by various controversies. At this point, it should be appreciated that themes in any film are very important because they often represent the main objective of the director. The manner in which the director presents important themes is confusing to the audience. Notably, the film wavers between street values and middle class values. It is not clear what the author wishes to solely focus on. With regards to characterization, some characters are presented as being hateful while some are sympathetic and likeable. Of great consideration is the recognition that some likeable characters engage in evil activities. These inherent controversies make it difficult for the audience to clearly define the themes that the author wishes to focus on.
In his movie ‘Do the Right Thing,’ Spike Lee wishes to address the issue of racism that the Brooklyn neighborhood grapples with. This is a sensitive issue that requires effective harmonization of different film techniques in order to address it in an effective manner. He sets the film in an ideal urban setting and uses characters who can underscore the social problem accordingly. Other stakeholders in the film industry can borrow from this attribute in order to harmonize he physical environment with their core themes. Nonetheless, his exploration of important themes is incoherent. He fails dismally to define the major themes and wanders between middle class and street values, sympathy and hatred and so forth. This compromises the ability of the film to effectively communicate important messages to the audience. Undoubtedly, this weakness has direct impacts on the credibility of the film.
