Spike Leethe legendary filmmaker behind classics like Malcolm X, Black Klansman, and Do the right thing, discusses whether he will eventually step down from the director's chair. Known for his bold storytelling and fearless commentary on social issues, Lee has built a career that spans more than four decades, earning numerous accolades and critical acclaim. The 67-year-old director has a new project in post-production starring Denzel Washington, making it his fifth collaboration with the Oscar winner. The new film, Highest 2 Lowestis considered a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa's book High and Low.
During a sincere “In conversation with” session at the fourth Red Seas International Film Festival (via The Hollywood Reporter), Lee, who serves as president of the competition's main jury, shared his thoughts on his artistic career, inspired by Kurosawa's work, and the possibility of retiring in the near future. When asked if he considered retiring from filmmaking, the director drew comparisons to Kurosawa, asking the audience to confirm the legendary Japanese filmmaker's age during his last film. Upon learning that Kurosawa was 81 years old Lee replied: “Yes, I still have some time.” Read his full comment below:
Yes. Here's the thing. How old was Kurosawa when he made his last film? Can anyone research this. 81? Yes, I still have some time.
Whether it's God or Allah, I'm blessed… If you can make a living doing what you love, that's a blessing… And as I get older, I realized it was my destiny to become a filmmaker.
What this means for Lee's future
A career defined by artistic vision and social commentary
Lee has spent decades creating films that combine his artistic brilliance with blunt social commentary. His career began with the groundbreaking She needs this in 1986, which he revealed was heavily inspired by Kurosawa's film Rashomon. From there, Lee directed many culturally significant works, including Do the right thingwhich remains a poignant examination of race relations in America, and Malcolm X. Lee's ability to confront issues of race, identity and inequality has made him one of the most influential filmmakers of his time.
This determination is consistent with her work, which reflects a tireless commitment to shedding light on vital social concerns, with many of them blossoming over the past two years.
His retirement comments are a statement of his lifelong dedication to filmmaking. When comparing his career timeline to Kurosawa's, Lee suggested a desire to continue evolving as a filmmaker and storyteller in the years to come. At just 67 years old, his comments give hope of seeing more from the director for at least another decade. This determination is consistent with her work, which reflects a tireless commitment to shedding light on vital social concerns, with many of them blossoming over the past two years.
Highest 2 Lowest is set to be released in theaters by A24 in spring 2025, with Lee saying it's a “reinterpretation, not a remake”, from Kurosawa's 1963 film High and Low. In the film, an executive at a Yokohama shoe company is the victim of extortion when his driver's son is mistakenly kidnapped and held for ransom. While not many details have been given about Lee's reinterpretation of the plot, it's safe to say that his signature talent and sharp social commentary will be infused into the story.
The director has more to say
Lee's approach to retirement is inspiring and reassuring for those following his career. His belief that he was destined to be a filmmaker shows the deep connection he feels with his art and the awareness of the impact he has on his audience. His way of confronting social and political issues ensures that his legacy will endure, continuing to inspire future generations of filmmakers to use their voices in a meaningful way. When comparing his professional trajectory with that of Kurosawa, Lee reminds us that he still has much more to offer.
Highest 2 Lowest has the potential to resonate deeply with modern audiences and provide a new lens through which audiences can explore the complexities of justice and humanity. With A24 and Apple TV+ supporting the project, anticipation will continue to grow as the launch approaches. For now, fans of LeeYou can be sure the director's work has no plans to slow down anytime soon.
Source: THR