Summary Of The Movie 'Do The Right Thing'

Jayanth Devarajan
Ethnic Studies 122AC
15 July 2014
MIDTERM – DO THE RIGHT THING (1989)
‘Do the Right Thing’ is one of the most effervescent, upbeat tragedies of American cinema. Set in a small neighborhood in the Brooklyn region, the film centers around the story of the motley people that inhabit the block as they try to reside and work under a palpable air of racial tension, which unfolds into a stimulating climax that continues to be debated upon. The protagonist of the movie is Mookie (Spike Lee), a pizza delivery boy for Sal's Famous Pizzeria, a local institution run by the owner Sal (Danny Aiello). Also part of a rich ensemble cast is Sal’s two sons, Vito (Richard Edson) and Pino (John Turturro), drunken Da Mayor (Ossie Davis), the matron

The police abused their authority, killed Raheem out of arrogance and nonchalance. Maybe Sal could have been more calm and composed when it came to dealing with Raheem but it was Raheem and Buggin’ Out’s mistake to disturb business at a private property. After all, no one approved of Raheem’s blasting music. But the outcome was a communal riot. America is a multicultural country, where people of different races, ethnicities and beliefs reside in close contact with each other. “American multiculturalism is not of recent date. America began as polyglot and multicultural, speaking a myriad of languages.” (Shohat, P5) Then what could be the reason for the discomfort which holds the multicultural “Americans” back? For common people, “multiculturalism means seeing world history and contemporary social life from the perspective of the radical equality of people in status, potential and rights.” (Shohat, P5) Common people view multiculturalism through the spectacle of colonization and social injustice. Multiculturalism isn’t a “recent phenomenon unrelated to colonialism” (Shohat, P5) but one that involves a number of other sentiments as well. The differences in economic standings of the communities play an important role in the hostility among the cultural groups. Black people have long been perceived to be economically backward. The history and mental constructions play

But it is not just the multitude of social issues that bring this film to life, but the production design and cinematography as well. It is interesting to see how Lee uses a variety of cinema techniques to enhance the viewing experience for the audience in terms of exploring this neighborhood through the point of view of the characters. The use of a hand held camera style is implemented periodically to break the fourth wall and demonstrate the differences and predispositions that fester behind the cultural and ethnic interactions in the neighborhood. Technical strategies are used throughout the movie to defend the neutrality of the images. The human eye is expected to “identify with the camera eye and its mechanical neutrality.” (Minh-Ha, P55) The film-maker is absent from the work, relying on objectivity of device so as to “guarantee the authenticity of the observations.” (Minh-Ha, P55) The interviews give voice to the people who were not able express their emotions, and thereby capturing the animosity and loathing that the individuals have for people who are not of their race and ethnicity. The racial tensions among the characters surface every now and then to add to the weight on the audience’s shoulders, but before the audience realize the graveness of the tensions, the film spirals into its absorbing climax