nrc.nl
Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest: A Visually Striking but Soulless Film
In Spike Lee's Highest 2 Lowest, Denzel Washington plays David King, a music mogul facing a moral dilemma after his son's kidnapping, forcing him to choose between paying a ransom and securing his record label.
- How does the film's visual style contribute to or detract from its narrative?
- While employing impressive techniques like drone shots and kinetic editing, the film's hyperactive camera work undermines its narrative. The constant motion contrasts with Kurosawa's High and Low, which used stillness to emphasize moral reflection. This stylistic choice detracts from the film's emotional impact.
- What are the broader implications of the film's ending and its limited release?
- The film culminates in a soul performance that mirrors the film's bombastic style, ultimately overshadowing the core message. The limited release on Apple TV+ in some regions, rather than a wider theatrical distribution, suggests a prioritization of streaming over the traditional cinematic experience.
- What is the central conflict in Highest 2 Lowest, and what are its immediate consequences for the protagonist?
- David King, a music executive played by Denzel Washington, must decide whether to pay a ransom for his kidnapped son, jeopardizing his plans to regain control of his record label, Stackin' Hits Records. This creates a moral dilemma centered on family versus business.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The review presents a mixed perspective, highlighting both positive and negative aspects of the film. While praising Lee's technical skills and the film's dynamic second act, it criticizes the film's overall soullessness and overly bombastic style. The framing emphasizes the director's technical choices over the narrative's emotional impact, potentially influencing the reader's perception towards a more critical stance.
Language Bias
The review uses strong, subjective language like "soulless," "bombastic," and "overactive style." While these terms express the reviewer's opinion effectively, they lack neutrality. More neutral alternatives could include "lacking emotional depth," "excessive," and "visually dynamic but potentially overwhelming." The repeated emphasis on the film's technical aspects over its emotional core subtly guides the reader towards a certain interpretation.
Bias by Omission
The review focuses primarily on the director's style and technical choices, potentially overlooking other aspects of the film, such as acting performances, storyline details, or the film's thematic exploration. The impact of the film's exploration of Black art and culture could benefit from a more in-depth discussion. There's also no mention of the audience's overall reaction to the film.
False Dichotomy
The review implies a false dichotomy between technical skill and emotional impact, suggesting that a technically proficient film cannot also be emotionally resonant. This simplification ignores the possibility of a film excelling in both areas.
Sustainable Development Goals
The film centers around a Black music mogul preserving his legacy, promoting Black art and culture, which directly relates to reducing inequalities within the creative industries and celebrating cultural heritage. The portrayal of Black artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Kehinde Wiley, and Gordon Parks highlights their contributions and challenges systemic underrepresentation. The film's focus on the importance of preserving Black musical heritage also speaks to the need for equitable representation and access within the cultural sphere.