August 99 Interview: Spike Lee
5 Questions for Spike Lee

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Interview with Spike Lee (SL) conducted by Nasser Metcalfe (NM)
NM Spike Lee
Speaking of [the Knicks], over the years you have become quite a presence at these games. How much of an influence do you think your presence has on the outcome of the games?
SL
None whatsoever. I'm just having fun.
NM
Do you think that at this point you enjoy acting in your films as much as directing or do you still prefer the director's chair?
SL
I prefer directing. I'm not an actor; I never pretended to be. So the roles I play, really besides Mookie in Do the Right Thing, are very small.
NM
You are single-handedly responsible for the success of a lot of today's top actors, particularly black actors. You have given a big break to a lot of them or have cast them in pivotal roles that have led them to enjoy an upswing in their career. How have you developed your eye for this talent? What do you look for in undiscovered talent?
SL
Well, it's not just me alone. Robi Reed and Aisha Coley had a lot to do with that. Those two have cast all of my films between them. But, it's also knowing that there's a lot of talent out there so you try to hold out one or two roles per film for talented people who have not gotten a shot yet.
NM
You mentioned earlier that it's really about the body of work that you leave behind for people to look at. How do you want to be remembered?
SL
I would give the usual clichˇ answer that most artists would say [about their] novels, or plays, or albums, or movies that you leave behind. It's the work, simple as that.
NM
What is the biggest misconception about Spike Lee?
SL
I don't worry about those things so you'll have to ask someone else that question.

 

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