Now’s the time of year we start looking at the Oscars shortlists and try to get ahead of some of the possible nominations. This week we’ve got guest columnist’s Caleb Luther‘s look at Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman.
This is only the second Spike Lee joint I’ve seen (the first was He Got Game), and I have to say that this is directed spectacularly. The movie could have just been a pretty standard comedy/drama, but with Lee’s vision, it turns into something a little more special.
BlacKkKlansman is extraordinarily funny when it needs to be and deeply moving when it needs to be. The juggling of these two tones are done with great consistency, never feeling jarring or out of place in the slightest.
As expected, the performances are pretty stellar. Adam Driver continues to impress me while Topher Grace is almost unrecognizable as the despicable David Duke. Another thing I liked is that the bits dealing with racism weren’t necessarily played for laughs, instead adding tons of tension to a few nerve-wrecking scenes.
If I had any complaints, it would be that the message isn’t exactly subtle and the film’s climax felt just a bit weak. But the initial ending sort of makes up for that with a laugh out loud, applause inducing moment. The film does have an epilogue at the end that shows parallels between what’s depicted in the film and things going on in today’s world. Depending on your politics, you’ll either appreciate it and be moved or you’ll absolutely loathe it and leave angry. Personally, it made me tear up, which shows you my views on it.
Overall, you’ll have a difficult time finding a more entertaining and well-directed movie out right now.
Grade: A
Caleb Luther is all about movies and music and such. Find more on instagram and at Modern Day Masterpiece on youtube!