Spike Lee Returns to Cannes with ‘Highest 2 Lowest’
This morning, acclaimed filmmaker **Spike Lee** walked into the press conference room at the **Cannes Film Festival** and humorously reflected on his previous experience in 2021, when he mistakenly announced the Palme d’Or winner early. “The last time I was in this room, I was apologizing for the f*ck-up,” he remarked, lightening the mood as he prepared to discuss his latest project.
A Modern Twist on a Classic
Lee is back in Cannes with his new film, **Highest 2 Lowest**, a modern **reinterpretation** of **Akira Kurosawa’s 1963 classic** film **High and Low**. Kurosawa’s original tale revolves around a shoe company executive who falls victim to a kidnapping plot, where his chauffeur’s son is mistakenly taken. In Lee’s contemporary version, set in **New York City**, the narrative follows a **music mogul**, played by **Denzel Washington**, who faces a similar extortion scheme.
A Legendary Collaboration
Reuniting Lee and Washington marks their first collaboration since **Inside Man** back in 2006, bringing their total collaborations to five, including iconic films like **Mo’ Better Blues**, **Malcolm X**, and **He Got Game**. Lee expressed surprise at the 18-year gap since their last film. “Denzel and I didn’t know that our previous film was 18 years ago. We were surprised because it felt like yesterday. But we didn’t miss a step,” he commented.
36 Years Since ‘Do the Right Thing’
This year marks Lee’s sixth time presenting a film in the **Cannes Official Selection**, with the premiere of **Highest 2 Lowest** coinciding with the 36th anniversary of his debut with **Do the Right Thing**. During the press conference, Lee was queried about the **initial critical response** to that film, particularly accusations that it would incite riots. “I’ve had a great experience with this festival,” he noted, highlighting that the backlash was largely from critics rather than the festival itself.
A Commentary on Racism
Lee recalled the misguided fears surrounding **Do the Right Thing**. Commenting on statements from critics who claimed that the film would provoke violence among Black audiences, he asserted, “It was pure blatant racism to suggest Black people couldn’t make the distinction between what’s on the screen.” He expressed disappointment that critics did not acknowledge their misjudgment regarding the film’s impact.
Filming in New York City
**Highest 2 Lowest** was shot across various locations in New York, including thrilling action scenes set against the iconic backdrop of **Yankee Stadium**. During the press conference, Lee addressed the recent decline in film productions in the city. “People are hurting, people whose lives are dependent on working in the film industry,” he stated, adding that he was unsure of how to resolve the issue despite former President **Donald Trump’s** statements about tariffs on foreign films.
Refusing to Leave New York
Expressing his commitment to shooting in his hometown, Lee recounted how he faced pressure to relocate his projects outside of New York. He firmly rejected suggestions to film **Do the Right Thing** in **Baltimore**, stating, “Get the f*ck outta here. We were never doing that.” His defiance in this regard underscores his dedication to authentically representing New York City in his films.
Upcoming Release Dates
Set to premiere in select theaters on **August 22**, followed by its availability on **Apple TV+** on **September 5**, **Highest 2 Lowest** is co-written by **Alan Fox** and Lee himself. The film is produced by **Todd Black** for **Escape Artists**, and includes a robust team of executive producers. This includes Lee’s own production company, **40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks**, along with contributions from **Mandalay Pictures**, **Juniper Productions**, and several individual co-producers.