Spike Lee

Shelton Jackson Lee (born March 20, 1957), better known as Spike Lee, is a film director, producer, writer, and actor noted for his many films dealing with social and political issues. In addition he is a distinguished documentarian and teaches film at New York University.

Biography

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, his family moved to Brooklyn, New York when he was very young. He developed his film skills at Morehouse College, Atlanta and the New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts, graduating in 1982.

Related Topics:
Atlanta, Georgia - Brooklyn, New York - Morehouse College - New York University - Tisch School of the Arts - 1982

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His distinctive filming style is energetic, powerful, colorful, and engaging. At his best, his films are penetrating and energetic portraits of people and places, brilliantly interweaving psychology and context, time and place. Lee's movies have examined diverse and complex issues, ranging from race relations, the role of media in contemporary life, urban crime and poverty, and political issues. Many of his films include a distinctive and powerful use of music. Spike Lee's father, Bill Lee, is a jazz bassist and responsible for the music in some of Spike's films, including Mo' Better Blues starring Denzel Washington.

Related Topics:
Mo' Better Blues - Denzel Washington

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Lee's films have garnered considerable critical acclaim. Noted film critic Roger Ebert has described Spike Lee as one of the greatest filmmakers working in America today. Lee's film Do the Right Thing was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay in 1989. His moving documentary 4 Little Girls was nominated for the Best Feature Documentary Academy Awardin 1997.

Related Topics:
Roger Ebert - Do the Right Thing - Academy Award - 4 Little Girls

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