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Do the Right Thing

Name: Do the Right Thing
Director: Spike Lee
Released: 1989
Duration: 120 min

Representation Score

6.9/10

Good

1989

Director

Spike Lee

Runtime

120 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Spike Lee's film is a landmark in exploring racial complexity, using the tension over a pizzeria's 'Wall of Fame' to delve into the psychological impact of cultural exclusion. It offers a nuanced view of a Black community, giving significant roles to characters of color. However, the narrative structure heavily favors male-driven dialogues, which limits the roles of female characters despite their multifaceted portrayals. Women play important roles but are often on the periphery of the central racial conflict. Overall, the film prioritizes racial and socioeconomic themes over other aspects of identity. It lacks visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals and does not intentionally represent disability or neurodivergence.

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Category Breakdown

Does Do the Right Thing have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not prominently feature LGBTQ+ characters or storylines, focusing instead on racial and socioeconomic dynamics.

How does Do the Right Thing portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses primarily on male-driven conflicts, limiting the roles of female characters who are multifaceted but often peripheral to the main tensions.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Do the Right Thing?

Excellent

Lee centers an almost entirely Black cast, breaking away from typical Hollywood norms. Characters of color drive the plot through complex intellectual and emotional interactions about representation.

How does Do the Right Thing represent religion and culture?

Excellent

The film critically examines racial capitalism and the conflicts between immigrant-owned businesses and the community. It avoids simplistic hero-villain narratives to explore systemic inequities and social unrest.

Does Do the Right Thing include disability representation?

Limited

There is no significant focus on disability or neurodivergence. Characters are defined by their racial and economic backgrounds rather than their physical or mental health.

Present on Screen

Provides a rich exploration of racial complexity and diverse Black identity.
Uses cultural symbols effectively to examine systemic exclusion.
Expert direction that challenges traditional social hierarchies and moral absolutes.

Limited or Absent

Female characters have limited ability to act within the predominantly male narrative structure.
No prominent LGBTQ+ characters or storylines are featured.
Little attention is given to disability or neurodivergence.

Official Synopsis

Sal is the Italian owner of a pizzeria in Brooklyn. A neighborhood local, Buggin' Out, becomes upset when he sees that the pizzeria's Wall of Fame exhibits only Italian actors. Buggin' Out believes a pizzeria in a black neighborhood should showcase black actors, but Sal disagrees. The wall becomes a symbol of racism and hate to Buggin' Out and to other people in the neighborhood, and tensions rise.

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