Movie Review: “Do the Right Thing” by Spike Lee
Individuals who are able to talk to one another in a constructive way and those who are not
Mookie a 25 year old pizza delivery man of African-American decent is able to communicate in a constructive manner with his boss, Sal (Do the Right Thing). Sal is an Italian-American who has lived in the neighborhood for over 25 years; even though, Sal and Mookie come from different racial backgrounds and are able to talk constructively, there seems to be racial or ethnic tension between different races in Brooklyn. Sal’s elder son Pino does not get along with Mookie; Pino has an intrinsic hatred for black people, hence, is not able to engage in constructive talks with Mookie. Besides, Pino is not in good terms within his younger brother (Vito) who appears to have a positive rapport with Mookie (Do the Right Thing).
One of the most apparent aspects of tension that exist between individuals in the movie is racial personal/individual tension. For example, tension between Mookie and Pino; this aspect of tension is fuelled by the fact that Pino hates the black community or African-Americans. Besides, there is individual or personal tension between Vito and Pino; their tension is triggered by the fact that Vito seems to be friendly to blacks as opposed to his brother. Individual tension also emerges between Buggin’ Out and Sal particularly when Buggin’ Out complains of Sal’s photos depicting Italian-Americans on his Wall of Fame. According to Sal, Buggin’ Out seems to be making an unrealistic demand that since his pizza business is operated in a black dominated neighborhood, he should include pictures of Black celebrities on his Wall of Fame (Do the Right Thing). This leads to a protest that was only supported by Smiley and Radio Raheem.
There are various incidences of ethnic or racial tensions presented in the movie; for example, the ethnic tension between Sal and Radio Raheem. This aspect of tension is triggered by Radio Raheem’s failure to lower the volume of his boombox compelling Sal to engage in racial insults, hence, leading to physical conflict between the two parties. Consequently, there is tension between local police and a group of black protesters; this aspect of tension is fuelled by the earlier conflict between Sal and Radio Raheem.
Pressures Experienced by Mookie
The meaning of the Title, “Do the Right Thing”
The title could have several meanings; however, the most apparent meaning could be driven by the need to encourage positive behavior among different ethnic communities living together. Considering that the movie is characterized by interaction between different ethnic groups even though there is tension between the groups, the title could also meant as a symbol of the need to encourage positive relationships between communities. Lee uses quotes from Marting Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X as a means to indicate how individuals from similar ethnic communities may have unique ideas concerning freedom and peace. Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for dialogue as a means of creating equality among ethnic groups. On the other hand, Malcolm X believe on the philosophy of achieving justice through violence.
Work Cited
Do the Right Thing. Dir. Spike Lee. Universal Pictures, 1989. DVD
