Spike Lee
Spike Lee
Shelton Jackson "Spike" Leeis an American film director, producer, writer, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionDirector
Date of Birth20 March 1957
CityAtlanta, GA
CountryUnited States of America
trying common audience
I respect the audience's intelligence a lot, and that's why I don't try to go for the lowest common denominator.
couple giving racism
I give interracial couples a look. Daggers. They get uncomfortable when they see me on the street.
levels earth violence
We're the most violent nation on earth. There's no getting away from that. But you've got to look at it on a broader level.
women want figures
A woman who is very secure in herself, what she's about, what she wants to do, who probably figures that she's a prize catch-sooner or later he's going to come around.
art creative age
We grew up in a very creative environment and were exposed to the arts at a very young age, so it's not a surprise that all of us are in some form of the arts.
new-york cities people
Right now a lot of people are still choosing to go to Toronto instead of shooting in New York City, something I haven't done and something I hope I'll never have to do.
people done likes
People sometimes forget all the films that we've done. They remember the likes of 'Malcolm X' and 'Do the Right Thing.' But I've been working since 1986. From the beginning, I was determined to not just be a flash in the pan. I've got to keep up with Woody Allen. He's lapping me.
believe kids games
I'm very careful about how I portray violence in my films. I do believe that violence, especially violent video games, are not a good thing for young kids.
numbers machines publicity
I consider Madonna a friend, and she sure knows how to work the publicity machine. Of course, I don't have breasts. If I did have, I'd be in the number one spot over Madonna.
inspirational remember forget
I've got "Sometimers." Sometimes I remember and sometimes I forget.
white unions firsts
Do the Right Thing' was my first union film. I looked at the rosters, and for the most part, it was white males. Especially the Teamsters. So we had some conversations.
knows
Those that'll tell don't know, and those that know won't tell.
black-and-white thinking needs
There's a lot of Americans, black and white, who think that we've arrived where we need to be and nothing else needs to be done and affirmative action needs to be dismantled.
independent cutting creative
I'm an independent filmmaker with complete creative control of my films. I hire who I want. I have final cut. But at the same time, I go directly to Hollywood for financing and distribution. I find it's best for me to work within the Hollywood system.