Review of BlacKkKlansman (2018) by Lizard K — 16 Sep 2018

Spike Lee has done it again!

BlacKkKlansman (2018) is another dope joint from visionary director Spike Lee alongside other classics like Do the Right Thing (1989) and Malcolm X (1992). BlacKkKlansman is unfortunately ever relevant in The United States of America as racial tensions flair and violence against black people remains prevalent in America. The unbelievable true story of Colorado police officer Ron Stallworth is entertaining and important, so it is certainly a tale worth telling.

Lee's direction is his standard immaculate fare of stunning long tracking shots with slow smooth panning. His hyper focused shots match his blur of motion dance sequence and visceral gunfire. Lee takes on racist leaders of the past while juxtaposing them to contemporary racist figureheads. Lee's message is delivered with powerful real life footage and poignant recreation alike. His bravery in making BlacKkKlansman right now is not lost on me. I appreciate Spike Lee's excellence in filmmaking simultaneously spliced with his biting good humor.

I should warn any potential viewers that BlacKkklansman features prevalent usage of intensely racist slurs delivered with disturbing glee and disdain. As upsetting to see and hear such pointless hatred, it is important to withstand such cruelty and racism.

I must mention Spike Lee's choice of a heroic theme song for BlacKkKlansman is just brilliant. It is a old school jazz theme that soars over several key scenes. I love the score from composer Terence Blanchard. His melting of old school soul and jazz next to modern sonic accompaniment keeps BlacKkKlansman sounding fresh at all times. Blanchard's score chimes in at just the right cue for peak suspense and uplifting inspiration.

The acting in BlacKkKlansman is top notch. John David Washington is stellar as Ron Stallworth. His deadpan delivery makes Lee's jokes uproariously funny. I appreciate Washington's serious dramatic weight that really added to BlacKkKlansman's tension. Likewise, Laura Harrier is wonderful as the passionate civil rights activist Patrice Dumas. Her performance yields a touching plea for equality and respect, while demonstrating great bravery.

Similarly, the supporting roles in BlacKkKlansman are as gripping as the leads. Adam Driver's stalwart officer Flip Zimmerman is as funny as he is suspenseful is many key sequences. Driver continues to impress me as an actor ever since his striking performance in Martin Scorsese's Silence (2016).

Lastly, I have to give respect to Topher Grace's turn into a serious character actor as the reprehensible Grand Dragon of the KKK: David Duke. He is both hilarious and charming, while absolutely monstrous and disgusting in his casual statements of racism.

All in all, BlacKkKlansman is Spike Lee returning to form with impeccable cinematography, beautiful framing, compelling storytelling, and relevant topics. This is a significant film for 2018 as Spike Lee's social commentary is as hard hitting as his witty humor. I think audiences will be educated and entertained by BlacKkKlansman.