Spike Lee originally wanted Robert De Niro to star in his best film

For a perfect film like Do the right thingEvery detail must be flawless and every decision must be precise. Despite having such a heightened worldview thanks to its expressive imagery and mannered performances, Spike Leeis a sobering and honest portrayal of life within a block in Brooklyn's Bed-Stuy neighborhood. The confrontational reflection of simmering racial tensions in America required a cast that felt alive, preferably lesser-known stars who could live in the film's everyday milieu. This would be due to the presence of a prominent personality such as: B. has been made more difficult Robert De Nirowho was originally cast as Sal, the pizzeria owner he played Danny Aiello. It's a shame to miss the chance to work with De Niro, but for Lee it was a blessing.

“Do the Right Thing” explores intense race relations with a rich ensemble cast

Do the right thingthe film that made Spike Lee a household name features a large ensemble cast of character actors and up-and-coming young stars. At the center of the film's melting pot community that erupts into an inferno is Mookie, played by Lee, an enterprising and free-spirited young man who delivers pizza while carrying one Jackie Robinson Jersey. On the hottest day of the year, hostility erupts when a boycott is called for Sal's Pizza. With or without the various conflicts that arise throughout the film, contentious race relations lurk beneath the surface. The oppressive heat only speeds up the process. The cast includes pre-fame newcomers like Giancarlo Esposito, Rosie Perez, Martin Lawrence, John TurturroAnd Samuel L. Jackson. With outstanding work from strong character actors like Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Bill Nunn, Frankie Faison, Richard EdsonAnd Roger Gunveur Smith, Do the right thing is as rich and timeless as a piece from Sal's.

Robert De Niro's rejection of “Do the Right Thing” was a blessing in disguise

Martin Scorsesea fellow New York filmmaker, is both a major influence and friend of Spike Lee. It's no surprise that Lee wanted to cast Robert De Niro, Scorsese's on-screen avatar, as Sal. The gritty Italian-American neighborhood in Do the right thing was familiar territory for De Niro. Sal's range of emotions, from reserved persistence to searing anger, complemented De Niro's style. The role of pizza shop owner was reportedly a gift wrap for De Niro. but he decided to boycott Sal's and turned down the role. However, Lee was not discouraged because he realized in hindsight that “it turned out to be a blessing.” To capture the authenticity and power of the vibrant district, Do the right thing “It had to be an ensemble piece, and a star of that stature would have changed everything.” Lee said it New York Magazine. Lee considered Do the right thing For the first time he felt “comfortable working with actors.” For Lee in 1989, who had only made two features, working with a titan like De Niro could understandably have been overwhelming for the young filmmaker. A photo of De Niro hangs on the Wall of Fame at Sal's Pizza.

De Niro was replaced in the role by Danny Aiello. who followed in the legendary actor's footsteps and more. Aiello, whose previous credits included The purple rose of Cairo And Moonstruckreceived an Oscar nomination for his performance as Sal, the year the Academy controversially rejected it Do the right thing for the best picture. Instead of giving in to the stereotypes of an Italian-American restaurant owner, Sal is a morally complex and layered character who is pragmatic and defiant. As a business owner, he has affection for the predominantly African-American clientele that sells his pizza. For practical reasons, he urges his son Pino (Turturro) to overcome his bigotry since they rely on the black community for their livelihood. Sal is a man of tradition, and when that tradition is violated, his status as an ally to the black community diminishes. Through various hostile interactions, from Boycotting Buggin Out (Esposito) to Radio Raheem (Nunn) bashing his music in the store, Lee extracts the racism simmering within Sal. Deep down, he longs for the days when Sal's Pizza wasn't the only Italian business in the neighborhood.

While most films dealing with race relations at the time focused on stereotypes, Do the right thing included mercurial characters and dynamic expressions of empathy and anger. With De Niro as Sal, an actor famous for his dark anti-heroes, audiences would expect him to strike at any moment. When Sal finally breaks out during the riots in the store, You see someone with decent bones in their body freaking out. Danny Aiello's mix of sharp humor and toughness, as well as his palpable truthfulness, made him the ideal candidate for Sal. Spike Lee and Robert De Niro haven't worked on a film together yet, but if there's any justice, that should change.

Do the right thing

Do the Right Thing is Spike Lee's Oscar-nominated film starring himself, Giancarlo Esposito, Bull Nunn, John Turturro and Ossie Davis. The comedy-drama follows Spike Lee's young character Mookie, who is stuck in Brooklyn on the hottest day of the summer, where bigotry and hatred build before escalating into violence.

Release date

June 14, 1989

Duration

120 minutes

Do the right thing is available to rent on Amazon in the US

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