Do The Right Thing

Question 1

DTRT scene analysis: opening sequence

Answer 1

-jump cuts break continuity
-non diegetic transitions to diegetic fight the power public enemy
- helicopter references policing of black communities
-brown stone Brooklyn houses
-camera pans around the block
-low angle shots of Tina, who is wearing a jazzercise outfit, indicating the 80s

Question 2

DTRT scene analysis: Racial slur montage

Answer 2

-montage sequence, breaking 4th wall
-diegetic jazz in places, focus is on the dialogue
-2 shots, close ups, dolly shots
-streets of Brooklyn
-Sal’s pizzeria
-direct address makes their messages more poignant
-jarring straight cuts make it visually uncomfortable for the viewer

Question 3

DTRT scene analysis: Buggin Out VS The Yuppie

Answer 3

-dramatic low angle shots of Buggin Out in the forefront of his posse
-shot composition demonstrates the division between The Yuppie and BO, medium shot shows the power in numbers BO has, close up shows the yuppie alone
-Larry bird jersey for Yuppie, jackie robinson jersey for BO, white and black heroes

Question 4

DTRT scene analysis: Riot at Sals and the death of Radio Raheem

Answer 4

-fight the power diegetic
-slow tracking shots to build tension
-low angles of BO and RR with fight the power connote empowerment
-pov shot reverse shots that get closer and closer throughout the argument as it gets more heated
-canted angles
-extreme close ups, hand held cams, POV shots, create the chaotic environment of the police violence

Question 5

Production Context of DTRT

Answer 5

-new hollywood era
-MPAA rating system
-Reagan administration
-Personal Cinema
-40 acres and a mule
-universal studios
-director led
-final cut approval
-paramount pictures

Question 6

Auteurship: Spike Lee Stylistic traits

Answer 6

-social commentary
-jump cuts
-4th wall breaking
-hiphop soundtrack
-diegetic jazz score (Bill Lee)
-broad representations of race
-inspired by french new wave

Question 7

Auteurship: Spike Lee’s struggle for control

Answer 7

-$10m budget for DTRT turned down due to controversial content
-Lee wanted Final cut approval and was willing to take a budget cut to do so, taking $6.5 million offer from universal