Compare the original screenplay's opening with the opening that Spike Lee
actually used. Why did he change it? What does the opening communicate to
you?
Watch the camera movement after the opening credits. What does this communicate?
Where is the first "establishing shot"?
Spike Lee has a distinctive camera style and is very cognizant of camera
work. Identify significant examples for the following camera techniques:
A. Long shot:
B. Medium shot:
C. Close up:
D. Point of view shot:
E. Low angle:
F. High angle:
G. Flat angle:
H. Pan:
I. Dolly shot:
J. Boom shot:
Rhythm is very important to film. Comment on any observations you have
on Spike Lee's use of rhythm in this film:
Sal is perhaps the most pivitol character in the film, and Spike Lee goes
to great lengths to demonstrate Sal's complexity. List 3 positive and 3 negative
qualities that are portrayed in his character:
Positive:
A.
B.
C.
Negative:
A.
B.
C.
The film basically follows on long day on a Brooklyn street with numerous
characters. Comment on the importance of each character to the film:
A. Mookie:
B. Jade:
C. Pino:
D. Vito:
E. Mother Sister:
F. Da Mayor:
G. Tina:
H. Radio Raheem:
I. Buggin' Out:
J. Smiley:
K. Love Daddy:
L. the 3 street characters:
M. Korean shopkeepers:
N. Police:
O. Car driver:
Sports figures are used as a motif in the film. Explain how these sports
figures add to the meaning of the film.
How does the music add to the overall effect of the film?
Many critics were upset with the ending of Do the Right Thing and
thought it would promote violence; however, Roger Ebert feels that sensitive
people would understand the frustrations faced by all the charactgers through
Lee's film. See how well you can explain the actons of Sal and Mookie in the
climactic scene:
Reason for Sal's actions:
Reason for Mookie's actions:
Many prominent black people are mentioned throughout the film--especially
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Malcolm X. What is the significance of these two
leaders to the film?
Spike Lee has been criticized for his ambiguity in this film and in Jungle
Fever, in which solutions to racial tensions are not offered even though
both films deal directly with the themes of racism. Comment on the effectiveness
of Do the Right Thing in dealing with the racism issue.
For background on film technique go to Film Reviews
