Spike Lee's shorts, features, and documentary films have consistently shown a singular auteur aesthetic that has become his signature style. His projects have not only opened the door for many actors and filmmakers, but he has also opened political debate with his films, showing the importance of art as a chronicle of the culture and psychology of our time. Beyond that, he has been one of the most successful independent filmmakers of the 20th and 21st Centuries. This class will explore how he managed to have such an expansive career as an artist without compromising his voice in the process. This course will cover a good portion of Lee's oeuvre, delving into his cinematic style and cultural themes. We will also discuss the more controversial aspects of his work that have been debated for decades. Structurally, we will screen films weekly and have discussion through our guided studies of his films. This will be a class both on how to view a film and how to write about film - both as a moviegoer and as a critic of the work - and Lee's films will serve as a guide for our writing.
3 units · Letter or Credit/No Credit
Spike Lee's shorts, features, and documentary films have consistently shown a singular auteur aesthetic that has become his signature style. His projects have not only opened the door for many actors and filmmakers, but he has also opened political debate with his films, showing the importance of art as a chronicle of the culture and psychology of our time. Beyond that, he has been one of the most successful independent filmmakers of the 20th and 21st Centuries. This class will explore how he managed to have such an expansive career as an artist without compromising his voice in the process. This course will cover a good portion of Lee's oeuvre, delving into his cinematic style and cultural themes. We will also discuss the more controversial aspects of his work that have been debated for decades. Structurally, we will screen films weekly and have discussion through our guided studies of his films. This will be a class both on how to view a film and how to write about film - both as a moviegoer and as a critic of the work - and Lee's films will serve as a guide for our writing.
Offered in Winter 2027 at Stanford University.