Spike Lee and Denzel Washington’s Collaboration
Spike Lee and Denzel Washington have teamed up for 40 years, exploring various facets of African American life. Yet, Lee suggests their latest film, “Don’t,” might be the least impressive, and could be their final project together.
“This is our fifth collaboration,” Lee remarked after the film’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. “It’s quite a blessing to have this body of work together that people appreciate. And I think this one…” He paused, indicating Washington’s thoughts about retirement, acknowledging their five films together.
The film, titled “Top 2,” features the 70-year-old Washington as David King, a music mogul who must confront a crisis involving his assistant’s son facing false accusations. It’s loosely based on Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 film “High and Low,” which, in turn, was adapted from Ed McBain’s 1959 novel.
Lee and Washington’s first collaboration was the 1990 jazz film “Mo’ Better Blues.” They continued with “Malcolm X,” “He Got Game,” and “Inside Man.” Washington received an Oscar nomination for his role in “Malcolm X,” but lost to Al Pacino for “Scent of a Woman.” That decision remains contentious for Lee, who expressed admiration for Pacino but felt that Washington deserved the award, saying, “What he did with that film was amazing.”
Washington made his first appearance at Cannes to receive an honorary award. Lee, familiar with the festival since debuting in 1986, had also served as a judge in the 2021 summer event affected by COVID-19. He believes Cannes played a crucial role in launching his career, particularly when his provocative film “Do the Right Thing” was included in the main competition in 1989.
“It all began at Cannes, then it made its way to the U.S.,” he reflected. “People feared it would incite riots and provoke violence among Black communities. Some publications urged people to pray that the film wouldn’t reach their neighborhoods—pure, outright racism.
“Top 2” is unlikely to drum up that same level of controversy. It’s a high-concept film featuring stunning drone footage of the Manhattan skyline and intense subway battles. Nonetheless, the cast believes its themes of ambition and greed resonate with current American realities.
Actor Jeffrey Wright, who plays King’s assistant Uncle Paul, remarked, “It’s the world we live in now, where everything feels for sale. I think we could strive for better. Reflecting on the film… [Lee] crafted it with an eye on what Malcolm X preached. We’re rooted in tradition—not just self-interest or profit, but about love for the community.”
