Overview of “Highest to Lowest”
In Spike Lee’s new film “Highest to Lowest,” Denzel Washington portrays music mogul David King, who resides in a luxurious penthouse in New York City with a picturesque family. His world is shattered when he receives a call from a kidnapper claiming to have his son. In a twist, it turns out that the kidnapper took his son’s best friend instead, prompting King to weigh how far he will go to save the boy.
Homage to Kurosawa
“Highest to Lowest” is Lee and screenwriter Alan Fox’s reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic 1963 film “High and Low.” The film releases in theaters this Friday and will be available on Apple TV+ in early September.
Lee’s Reflection on Kurosawa
Spike Lee, who first encountered “High and Low” while studying at NYU, regards Kurosawa as one of the greatest filmmakers. He describes his work as a reinterpretation akin to jazz musicians reinterpreting classic songs, drawing on his background as a son of a jazz musician.
Eddie Palmieri’s Influence
A significant scene features the late Eddie Palmieri performing at a Puerto Rican Day Parade, which Lee notes was a natural choice given Palmieri’s stature as a prominent Puerto Rican artist.
Character Dynamics
The film introduces King in a precarious financial situation, seeking to buy out his company. The character of King’s friend Paul Christopher, portrayed by Jeffrey Wright, maintains his dignity in stark contrast to the original film’s depiction of a chauffeur who begs for mercy, illustrating a deliberate choice by Lee to uphold dignity in difficult circumstances.
Juxtaposition in Action
As King embarks on a quest to locate his friend’s son, action unfolds amidst the backdrop of a vibrant Puerto Rican Day festival, creating a tension-filled contrast. Lee acknowledges his cinematographer’s talent in crafting this vibrant tapestry against a storyline inspired by historical elements of the original film.
Exploring Themes of Mentorship
Lee highlights the theme of father figures and mentorship among young men in the narrative. He emphasizes how the emotional stakes elevate the film, particularly during climactic confrontations, inspired by the original film’s intensity.
