Director: Spike Lee
By Alex Watson
These days it is difficult to define a 'Spike Lee Joint' because, after a powerhouse late 80's/early 90's, his modern-day results have been a mixed bag. BlacKkKlansman sees him finally getting back on track and the result is a hilarious yet powerfully relevant piece on racial tensions. Based on a true story of a black officer infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan, Lee is able to make this unbelievable tale not only seem plausible but gives us several characters which go deep.
Ron Stallworth (John David Washington) has recently become the first ever black police officer for the Colorado Springs Police Department. Dissatisfied with his treatment, on a whim he called the local chapter of the KKK and pretends to be an all-hating white male. Realizing that he cannot show up in person, Stallworth convinces white officer Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) to become the face of the operation.
Set in 1970's America, the country is still a hotbed for discrimination and despite Stallworth's efforts, he experiences racism from the outset. Even his own co-workers refer to black suspects as 'Toads' and this early hostility is wonderfully exposed by Lee. The very notion that Stallworth was able to convince the KKK over the phone gives the movie the bulk of its laughs. "God bless white America!" he heartily jabs during one of their first phone calls. Stallworth emerges as the real thinker of the group and these calls gradually become a recurring joke in the office. His conversations with Grand Wizard David Duke (Topher Grace) are the true highlight, particular Duke's observation of how Ron must be white given how he pronounces the letter 'R' correctly.
The activism of this era is also given its fair share of focus, in pair Black Students Union president Patrice (Laura Harrier) whose fire and refusal to bow to pressure gives her an instant magnetism. Ron is drawn to her desire to oppress the klan simply by existing. A passionate speech by activist Kwame Ture (Corey Hawkins) gives Stallworth exposure to what is yet to come and stirs something deep inside to begin his mission. Zimmerman is also a man fighting against his own prejudice as he is a Jewish police officer and for the first time, he is forced to defend himself. Faced with any number of anti-jewish rants by bitter klan member Felix (Jasper Pääkkönen), Flip has to continually tread the fine line.
In BlacKkKlansman, Lee is able to keep a fine balance between laugh out loud comedy and a political commentary. This is what makes this movie of the most unique 2018 has to offer. While the fight for equality may still be going on, Lee makes it clear what his audience will need to do and who the real enemies still are. Stallworth is an officer not just conducting a personal crusade, he is fighting for all the others still being wronged by a corrupt and racist system. As the sheer absurdity of this situation escalates, so does the tension of the movie. In Donald Trump's America, this movie is quite possibly one of the most potent commentaries on the state of current events.
John David Washington gives a central turn which firmly puts him on the map. The son of Denzel has certainly inherited his father's charisma and leading man chops. Throughout this piece, he is an engaging and hilarious character whose street smarts mark him out as a real leader. Familiar to fans of Dwayne Johnson's show 'Ballers' there is a new Washington in town now! Adam Driver is also excellent as the conflicted Zimmerman. Finally forced to face acknowledging a religion he grew up with by never identified with, Driver channels his doubts and insecurities about infiltrating the Klan. Always a reliable character actor, this guy is fast becoming one of Hollywood's most dependable leading men. Laura Harrier also gives her career a massive shot in the arm as the determined student leader Patrice.
BlacKkKlansman is a movie where Spike Lee finally regains the voice that had previously been lost. This might be a tough movie for awards contention, but Lee is definitely back on track.
