Spike Lee

by Dennis Abrams

Published 30 August 2008
In his own words, Spike Lee is the man who singlehandedly 'broke the color barrier' in Hollywood in the mid-1980s. In a film career spanning more than 20 years, Lee has established himself as one of the United States' premier filmmakers, a director whose films explore the many aspects of the African-American experience. Never one to shy away from controversy - he has been accused of racism, anti-semitism, and sexism - Lee uses film to raise tough questions and to provoke discussion. How was he able to break down the doors of Hollywood for himself and for other African-American directors, actors, and technicians? How has he continued to grow and develop as a filmmaker? ""Spike Lee: Director"" presents a nuanced portrait of an artist who has become a symbol of contemporary American culture.