Epitomized by how HARD Rosie Perez was dancing in the opening credits of Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee has never halfway spoken messages into his films. If he has something to say, there are no hidden meanings for you to decipher. He has a vision and executes it with full force. His latest film BlacKkKlansman is riddled with these brazen fingerprints. He pulls no punches in letting his audience know how he feels about today’s current unjust climate.
BlacKkKlansman tells the unbelievably true story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), the first black police officer in Colorado Springs who successfully goes undercover to infiltrate and become the head of the local chapter of the Ku Klux Klan.
This 1970’s story is a not so veiled criticism of the current administration by highlighting that we can either learn from history or crumble under its replicative pressure. Throughout the film are very recognizable allusions to current “isms” and scenarios that have been all too familiar since two Novembers past. Spike ends the film with clips from Charlottesville, VA just in case you didn’t understand how we have not gone as far in this country as way too many people believe. But this epilogue is more of an emphasis than a reminder. The movie is loud, brash, and in-your-face. It beats you over the head in the greatest way possible. The fabulous ensemble cast is able to spew and/or attacks racist rhetoric with a vitally uncomfortable hilarity. Without losing the seriousness of the conversation.
The entire supporting cast is compelling and powerful, highlighted by Laura Herrier’s resolute BSU President Patrice, Topher Grace’s insidiously chic Grand Master David Duke, and Jasper Pääkkönen’s harrowing Klansman Felix. Each cast member lifts the others’ performances, especially in the case of the “Stallworth Brothers”: Adam Driver’s Flip Zimmerman, the physical undercover representation of the voice of Washington’s undercover Black Klansman Ron Stallworth. Washington, in particular, delivers a memorable performance that may well become the next iconic Spike Lee character. He utilizes this opportunity to step out of his dad’s enormous shadow, though there are instances where you see a young Denzel shine through. John shows glimpses of his father’s gravitas while injecting unique dramatic and comedic skill to establish his place amongst Hollywood’s up and coming stars.
BlacKkKlansman is a return to form for Spike Lee, giving no leeway for interpretation. There is nothing subtle about this powerfully embracing confrontation with the racism in America’s past, present, and future. It is serious when necessary, funny when necessary, and everything in between. I am giving BlacKkKlansman 8.5/10 Isaiah Whitlock Jr. Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeiiiiits… you’ll see why.