BlacKkKlansman

 

The most shocking thing about Spike Lee’s latest joint is the footage that plays just before the end credits. The footage, taken from events in Charlottesville the year before, mirror events in the film and aim to show how little has changed in America since those days in the late 70s. With Blackkklansman being Lee’s biggest release since Trump was elected there are naturally indirect references to him, one example being Ron Stallworth saying that America wouldn’t elect somebody like David Duke (he was branded for being naive by making such a statement) and with Trump’s statement, that suggested criminal equity between the two sides in the clashes in Charlottesville, it is clear Lee isn’t hiding his true feelings.

Set in 1979, Blackkklansman is about Colorado Rapids first black police officer, Ron Stallworth (John David Washington), attempts to infiltrate the Klu Klux Klan. 

Spike Lee has been a declining force in the past few years with his latest films not even coming close to reaching the heights of his films early in his career (even though he has been vocal on a number of issues to always keep him in the public eye). Blackkklansman is a return to form (judging by reviews) and a return to themes frequently discussed in his work, which have become even more politically relevant with more and more recognition given to the marginalising of black people.

The film’s liberal use of racial words (not only directed at black people) can easily be shocking (considering how little these words are heard outside racially themed movies) to those accustomed to polite company but the presence of these words is strictly relevant.  What’s unnerving is how easily Flip (Adam Driver) falls into using these words (even if he doesn’t mean them) because he has to play the part. It’s easy to see why, from the way these racial insults are bounded about as commonly as any standard word, how it becomes part of day to day language by anyone brainwashed into believing the propaganda lies sported by white supremacists. Also, because it’s casual day to day language, young people who find themselves caught up with KKK know nothing else but hatred for any ethnic minority. 

The film is also entertaining to watch, it invites you laugh the embarrassing politics of the dunderheads from the KKK but also highlights the danger it poses as a sizeable minority of people lack other avenues, other than the KKK, to gain knowledge on the issues that they tackle. It’s not perfect, however, as the film gets distracted by Ron’s relationship with Patrice Dumas (Lauren Harrier) but two great lead performances from John David Washington (son of Denzel) and Adam Driver make this film highly watchable.

3.5/5