| Title | : | Spike Lee |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1797203851 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781797203850 |
| Format Type | : | Hardcover |
| Number of Pages | : | 380 |
| Publication | : | Published November 10, 2021 |
This career-spanning monograph titled SPIKE is a visual celebration of his life and career to date. The custom bold, typographic design is inspired by the LOVE/HATE brass rings that Radio Raheem wore in Do the Right Thing and that Spike Lee wore at the 2019 Academy Awards. The gold foil deboss on SPIKE on the vibrant fuchsia front cover is a bold and beautiful, eye-catching design. Featuring hundreds of never-before-seen photographs by David Lee, Spike's brother and long-time still photographer, SPIKE the book, includes behind-the-scenes, insider images that underscore his creative process and his significant impact on the culture at large. From his critically acclaimed film Malcolm X (1992) starring Denzel Washington, to his recent film Da 5 Bloods (2020) featuring the late Chadwick Boseman, Spike Lee's work continues to resonate now more than ever. Also included here are his beloved commercials with Michael Jordan for Nike, which helped launch the billion-dollar Jordan brand product empire, as well as his music videos with Prince and Michael Jackson. This is a must-have collector's item and ideal gift for any cinephile and fan of one of the most prominent and influential filmmakers in history.
Spike Lee Reviews
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Part autobiography part cinematic review part technical methodology - the contributions that Spike Lee has made to nuanced reflection on the African American experience (in my opinion) are still woefully underappreciated. Do the Right Thing should be required viewing for all police candidates - and it should be followed with the video taken of George Floyd. Lots of behind the scenes stories/pictures that will add even more depth to the movies/actors.
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SIX WORD REVIEW: Spike's words: "Because they be forgetting..."
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This is an object, hefty pink and gold. The format is cinematic panoramic, wide screen, glossy two spread photos. Big chunky typography. Spike Lee's art is visual, but he's never been shy about speaking. He's got a powerful voice, and a lot to say. So it is disappointing that this album of film-related photographs has so few words. Each of his films (features, shorts, TV series) are introduced with a line or two-- some so brief as to be along the lines of his wife suggested he make a series out of 'She's Gotta Have It' or that he's known David Byrne forever and it was about time they did something together. Those are believable statements, but is that all there is to say about them? There are sparks of humor and inside asides to the captions, but those are also brief. The book's oversized format promises something like a family photo album, but the included images don't seem particularly personal. There isn't even a comprehensive filmography to perhaps shore up the intimations of funding issues, and to give some props to the actors and collaborators. For die-hard fans only.
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As a big fan of Spike Lee, this was an awesome grab! I believe some people may be purchasing this, or reviewing it as if it was meant to be a biography, novel, etc. and it's not!!
This is what I would call a "Coffee table book" to be put on display. For fans of Spike Lee, its a collection of photos from all of his work in film, along with a few short paragraphs here and there that give back stories, shout-outs to friends, or family, or simple explanations of who/what/when/where/why of the photographs.
As stated, I love having it as part of my collection being a big fan of Spike Lee, I just wanted to clear up some of the reviews on this where individuals were somehow thinking it was a typical novel/Biography, etc. -
This book is a missed opportunity. Nicely designed with some great photos, but there is barely any text, barely any insight into Spike Lee's career and life. For example, here is all the text for the section on his film Girl 6: "We Took Over An Entire Floor For The Office Scenes." Is it supposed to be surprising that a big budget film took over a floor of an office building to film in the office? And for some reason every single word in the book is capitalized. I love Spike Lee's films but this book is very disappointing. Glad I took it out of the library instead of purchasing.
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Beautiful photos flesh out the timeline of the Spike Lee joints. Interesting to see references to things I have not heard of. Spike Lee's voice in American film is so unique and "independent" and impactful.... worth going through. This is more of a coffee-table book- would've loved more thoughts / notes about the works that he was showing us.
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Because I've read/watched Spike Lee's interviews throughout the years, and own five books on the making of his first 5 joints, as well as his Do The Right Thing coffee table book, I was already privy to the behind-the-scenes world of his film résumé. This hefty coffee table photography book — simply titled SPIKE— feels complementary to everything aforementioned.
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3.5 stars. I agree with the other reviews that what this book lacks most is context. As someone who has only seen two of these films, it did make me curious to watch a few more, but overall, it felt like there was something missing
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Some great behind the scenes photos but that’s about it. Missed opportunity. Not enough written to give much insight into his filming, productions, or education. Not actually a autobiography but a coffee table book to skim through. Quick read since it’s about 5 pages of actual text.
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I am not sure if I liked the book or not. A lot of pictures, but not enough background history. Most of the films I didn't know about and most actors I rarely new knew.
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Comprehensive, but not compelling
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As a child, watching Spike Lee’s body of work was a part of my intellectual and social development. I didn’t have to like or dislike his messages, I just listened. Most of his films were safe for me to watch as an adolescent and teenager because in addition to entertaining, he highlights historical elements that reflected the community in which I was a part. This book is excellent. It is a PICTURE BOOK in coffee table style with short paragraph descriptions of his movies.
The pictures are vintage and vibrant, thanks to his brother David Lee. The book started with pictures of him with his wife and children, his beautiful sister Joie and his brothers… the focus being on his family and where he came from. It also has photos of him with various people in the sports, arts and entertainment communities. I especially enjoyed the photo stills of School Daze and Mo Betta Blues, and I read the handwritten pages of the script for “Do The Right Thing” which were a nice touch. His explanation of the film Jungle Fever stood out for me as well.
If you want to know more about Spike’s life there are other books for that. This one is a photography book. It took me about 2 hours to go through all the pictures and read the quick excerpts and descriptions. Very enjoyable.
*If you need context for the photos than watch the films, read his other books, or listen to his interviews. Again, this book is a collection of photos from his life and movies. -
Straight to the point. Dope visual of Spike Lees accomplishments through the years.
