Spike Lee’s Comeback at Cannes
Spike Lee made a phenomenal return to the film festival circuit with his latest crime thriller, Highest 2 Lowest. The excitement was palpable as he stepped onto the stage for a press conference at the Cannes Film Festival. Lee kicked off the event with humor, declaring, “No fuck ups today!” This remark harkened back to his previous experience at Cannes as the president of the jury for the 74th Cannes festival, where he unfortunately announced the Palme d’Or winner prematurely.
This year, Cannes embraced Lee wholeheartedly, showcasing Highest 2 Lowest in an out-of-competition slot. The film received a raucous response from the audience during its premiere at the Palais. During the event, Denzel Washington, who stars in the film, was caught off guard when he was presented with an honorary Palme d’Or for his remarkable contributions to cinema.
In Highest 2 Lowest, Washington takes on the role of David King, a formidable music mogul embroiled in a precarious corporate struggle. The plot intensifies when his son is seemingly kidnapped. However, the situation twists dramatically when it becomes clear that the abductors have confused him with Kyle, the son of King’s driver, Paul (played by Jeffrey Wright), while still demanding the original ransom. As the story unfolds, the film exposes the murky waters of personal responsibility versus public scrutiny.
Lee’s press conference also featured Wright and Ilfenesh Hadera, who plays Pam, King’s astute wife. Notably, this film marks Lee’s first collaboration with Washington since the critically acclaimed Inside Man in 2006. “It’s been 18 years, and it felt like no time has passed,” Lee remarked. However, he hinted that this might be their last project together, stating, “I think this is it—five films together. They stand up.”
Hadera chimed in, celebrating her own collaboration with Lee, marking this as her fifth project with him. “It’s incredible to be part of Spike’s legacy,” she noted.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of contemporary New York City, Highest 2 Lowest reinvents High and Low, a classic by Akira Kurosawa. Lee cleverly updates the narrative to reflect the dynamics of today’s music industry and the fast-paced nature of America’s media landscape. “This is my first narrative feature filmed in New York since Red Hook Summer in 2012,” Lee told the press.
Jeffrey Wright referred to Lee as “one of the guardians of the black lens on America,” emphasizing the significance of representation in the film. Wright, who also stars in another film competing at Cannes, mentioned that shooting both films back-to-back was an exceptional experience. In an interesting twist, the ensemble cast includes Aubrey Joseph as King’s teenage son Trey, and Wright’s son, Elijah, as Kyle. The film also features a standout role from A$AP Rocky, while Isis “Ice Spice” Gaston makes her acting debut.
Lee discovered British singer Aiyana-Lee through Instagram and praised her for delivering one of the movie’s strongest scenes by performing its title track. “In today’s digital age, talent is everywhere, and it’s amazing how we can discover them through social media,” Lee explained.
The Hollywood Reporter’s chief reviewer, David Rooney, praised Highest 2 Lowest, describing it as “a tense police procedural that dissects social class structures with wit and high energy.” This acclaim has raised expectations for its theatrical release, which is set for August 22 in the U.S., courtesy of A24.
During the press conference, Lee took the chance to reflect on the criticism faced by his groundbreaking film Do The Right Thing when it premiered in Cannes in 1989. He noted the blatant racism that surrounded its reception, recalling how early critics feared it would incite riots. Yet, he asserted, “[They have] all been proven wrong over the years.” This sentiment resonated as both he and Wright addressed the ongoing issues regarding runaway production and the decline of shooting opportunities in the United States.
“People are struggling,” Lee stated, commenting on the challenges faced by filmmakers in the current landscape. He also referenced the political climate, expressing his desire to maintain production in New York, a sentiment echoed by Wright, who added, “Working in Brooklyn is more convenient.” He emphasized the need for federal leadership to develop tax incentives that support filmmakers operating in America.
Lee approached these conversations with a sense of humor, joking about how his wife advises him to be cautious with his words. In contrast, he enthusiastically discussed his passion for basketball, particularly his loyalty to the New York Knicks. When asked about the upcoming Eastern Conference finals, he confidently predicted, “We’re going to win!”
With this electrifying film and the stellar cast backing it, Highest 2 Lowest is poised to make waves not just at the Cannes Film Festival but also in the broader cinematic landscape.