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Director Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, who are such an iconic director-actor team in the history of cinema, joined forces yet again for a film to be premiered on September 5 on Apple TV+. Currently, they were caught having a casual chat regarding the upcoming project with Gayle King at the US Open. Following after many such successful collaborations of many decades, here is one more.
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Oprah Daily presented a clip from the candid interview when Spike Lee described how the project came to be. “Denzel called me, he said, ‘I got something for you,’” Lee shared during the chat with King. The director further said about the dynamics between the two, “Dean Lee, he’s Batman and Robert. That’s the second.”
The comment war broke out amongst cineastes, with many commenting on the pact between these two artists, which was about enduring. One user stated, “Spike is my hero. Spike changed my life with School Daze because that movie showcased colorism that I experienced on the big screen,” indicating that some of his films touch on issues of social concern that many hold dear.
Another commentator was praising Gayle King’s interview skills: “Gayle is such a great interview. She actually listens. And Spike is royalty.” The comment commended Gayle King’s journalistic style and meant to convey Lee’s stature in the film world.
Some viewers really hit home with the Batman and Robin comparisons. A New Yorker said: “I said the same thing, Batman and Robin! I wish I could see it again in theater. I was totally enthralled. New York Stand UP! That” except for the end, which reflects the electric reaction from those that have seen this film.
The comments focused on Washington’s acting ability: “Denzel Is The Only Actor Where You Know It’s Denzel, But Whoever He Is Playing He’s That Character,” thus commenting on Washington’s phenomenal ability to infuse each role with his trademark star power afforded to him.
Some endorsements also proceeded to affirm the quality of the movie very strongly. One stated: “I loved this movie! If this is the last spike and Denzil movie, they did it right.” Another turned to, “Brilliant Movie,” while others eagerly await viewing the film via streaming.
Then again, not all criticism made was entirely positive. One comment was: “The only thing for me that didn’t hit the mark was the film score. It made no sense. It didn’t flow with the story. Music can make a movie come alive. The music in this movie made me wonder Why.” Criticism like this would suggest that the audience is very actively engaged with the artistic aspects of the film.
The impromptu nature of the interview found itself becoming part of the narrative when Lee said how they fell back into their collaboration: “It all came back. We didn’t miss a step,” he told King.
Starting with 1990’s Mo’ Better Blues, this marks further deepening of a partnership whose greatest work was borne. While their works have continually been met with critical acclaim and commercial success, each successive project has stood as some of the most eagerly anticipated films within the academy.
Thus the mere mention of the September 5 release of Highest 2 Lowest is testimony that the aforementioned iconic filmmaking partnership still exists and continues to hold immense attraction for audiences.
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Additionally, Denzel Washington continues to captivate audiences not only through his performances but also through his visual storytelling in films.