The Cannes film Festival 2025 is the perfect scenario for the return of one of the most influential filmmakers in the industry: Spike Lee.
With your movie Highest 2 Lowesta New York reimagination of the classic of Akira Kurosawa High and Lowthe director brings with it a powerful narrative and a complex moral dilemma.
The film, which marks its Fifth collaboration with Denzel Washingtonexplore the tensions between professional success and personal authenticity, a recurring theme in Lee’s work. Over the years, the filmmaker challenged the conventions of Hollywood And this return is no exception.
After 18 years from Inside ManLee reunites with Denzel Washington In this new movie. Both were close friends and collaborators, and Although almost two decades passed since their last film together, the chemistry between them remains evident.
“when the Knicks play against the Lakers, sometimes we go together to the game, at the foot of the court. He has the entries of the Lakers, I have those of the Garden. We also get into different events,” said Lee, showing the deep relationship they cultivated over the years.
In the director’s new film, Washington plays a music tycoon that faces a moral dilemma related to its success.
Lee highlighted the strength of Washington’s performance and how, despite his power on screen, he maintains an open disposition to work as a team.
In addition, the director took the opportunity to remember how, in the past, He felt moved by Washington’s performance in Glory (1989)where one of the most iconic scenes He made him cry For his character: “When they whipped their character in Glorythat tear, that was all, ”Lee recalled during the interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
The film addresses how success can disconnect a person from its true identity. Denzel Washington plays a music tycoon who, despite his success, feels lost.
This dilemma reflects a recurring theme in the work of Spike Lee: The struggle between fame and personal integritya conflict that was also central in his life and career.
The director shared his own experiences and reflections on how he handled success over the years. “No me drogo. I had a child asthma, so it was simply not for me. My father consumed drugs after my mother died. My brother Chris was drug addict and died. I just never did“Lee said, reflecting how his personal life influenced the themes he addresses in his films.
Throughout his career, Spike Lee He reflected on the lessons he learned in the film industry, always maintaining an ethical approach and rejecting lucrative offers that could compromise their integrity.
In Highest 2 Lowest, This morality is presented as a dilemma centersL, where the characters must make difficult decisions with significant consequences.
Lee commented on how his personal experiences led him not to give in to the pressures of the system: “There are things that would not do, no matter the benefits that brought me. Artists can do what they want, but I couldn’t live with myself if I do those things. ”
The director also stressed the importance of following ethical principles in his work, mentioning: “Not all money is good money. I have to give love to art. That is what I love about the premise of this movie. It is a moral dilemma. You are stuck. And there are consequences for your actions. ”
The cast of Highest 2 Lowest It also includes a A$AP Rockywho plays a key role in the movie. The presence of a relatively new actor like Rocky, along with a veteran like Washington, offers an interesting dynamic on the set.
Lee talked about the importance of healthy competition in his films: “Denzel is so powerful that you could be breathless. If there are confrontation scenes and an actor surpasses someone on the screen, it is like seeing a sporting event where a team simply kills another, ”said the director The Hollywood Reporter.
Lee highlighted the attitude of A$AP Rockywho was not intimidated by working with Washingtonwhich enriched production: “A $ Ap Rocky is not just a rapper, he is an actor. I met him in that role. Some are paralyzed when they have to work with actors like Denzel, but Rocky is from Harlem, ”said the filmmaker.
The future of the 68 -year -old filmmaker in the cinema is challenging, but full of possibilities. Despite the economic difficulties and commercial pressure of the great studies, Lee remains a reference.
“This is the year of living dangerously”, He said, reflecting his critical and optimistic vision of the current situation. He also expressed concern about the lack of opportunities for new filmmakerswhich generates a competitive environment.
However, it is still committed to challenging conventions and offering an authentic and critical perspective, adapting to times without losing its essence.
