A Tale of Two Spikes: Spike Jonze & Spike Lee

Spike Lee and Spike Jonze both have new films in theaters this fall.  Two of today’s most innovative directors, they both have a distinctive style that sets them apart from men behind the camera of yesteryear.  In addition to displaying aspects of the human condition, Jonze and Lee get to deliver it in ways Hollywood only, and never dreamed of.  Before “Being John Malcovich” was released, there had never been a film quite like it.  Once Lee made his way into the fray, more black people began working in the industry of film than ever before.

Lee’s new movie “Oldboy” stars Oscar nominated actor Josh Brolin as “Joe Doucett”, an advertising executive that is kidnapped and held hostage for 20 years in solitary confinement.  When he finally gets released, a mission of revenge ensues to discover who orchestrated his punishment — he finds himself in a web of conspiracy and mental torture.  Lee’s flick is a remake of the film of the same name that dropped in 2003 by South Korean film director Park Chan-wook.  His movie was loosely adapted from the Japanese manga of the same name written by Nobuaki Minegishi and Garon Tsuchiya.  Spike’s new release marks the director’s 21^st feature film to hit theaters amidst a plethora of shorts, commercials and TV documentaries.  Among Lee’s movies are: “Do The Right Thing”; “Jungle Fever”; “Malcolm X”; “He Got Game”; “Bamboozled”; “Inside Man”; and “Miracle at St. Anna.”  “Old Boy” also stars Samuel L. Jackson, Elizabeth Olsen, Lance Reddick and Michael Imperioli.  It’s scheduled to hit theaters on October 25^th.

Jonze’s next release “Her” stars Joaquin Phoenix playing “Theodore” who’s a lonely writer that develops a unique relationship with his newly-purchased operating system that’s designed to meet his every desire.  Jonze is the creator of the “Jack Ass” franchise and the man behind the camera for films like “Where the Wild Things Are”, “Adaptation”, “Being John Malkovich”; a multitude of shorts and videos for artists Bjork, Kanye West and Tenacious D.  “Her” also stars Amy Adams, Scarlett Johansson, Rooney Mara, Olivia Wilde and Chris Pratt.  It’s expected to grace the silver screen on November 20^th.

put a little Spike in your Life

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