Blackkklansman: An Arresting, Powerful Film
Spike Lee’s Blackkklansman is the kind of film that manages to be both funny and starkly real at the same time. It is part buddy cop comedy, part incredibly true historical drama. I found myself laughing one minute only to be quickly silenced the next by the harsh reality of racism. John David Washington delivers a carefully crafted and thoughtful performance as Ron Stallworth, the first African-American detective to serve in the Colorado Springs Police Department. Watching his story arc from rookie cop to undercover detective is both a satisfying and enjoyable journey. His character also provides an interesting take on fighting racism- he prefers to work from inside the often racist police system as a detective rather than pushing against it from the outside. This view is in direct opposition to the opinion of his love interest Patrice, a passionate activist. To see their duel perspectives both mesh and clash is strength of the film. Is there a “right” way to fight racism? The movie doesn’t answer that but it will at the very least, and perhaps more importantly, make you think about it.
Adam Driver is solid as Ron’s partner, and the face of his cover, Flip Zimmerman. The two make a great team and their chemistry and camaraderie is a highlight of the film. What works with their relationship is that they are on the same team from the get go, enabling the focus to remain on the real story. The two infiltrate the KKK and work to evade the group from planning any potentially harmful attacks. Topher Grace additionally gives an effective performance as scumbag David Duke. In the end, this film becomes more than just another buddy cop movie. It transcends its own story arc and becomes something bigger than film. The ending cuts from the story’s cheerful resolution to footage of the Unite the Right march in Charlottesville last year. It is a chilling editorial jump and I felt an overwhelming sense of nausea when it was over but it is also an effective tool in getting across Spike Lee’s message that the ideals and activities of the KKK are still very much alive today. Blackkklansman is both moving and haunting and is the kind of film that needs to be seen.