Review: ‘BlackkKlansman’ [Spoilers]

After watching BlackkKlansman, it’s very clear that Spike Lee believes that America is in deep distress.  Given the overly sympathetic ‘gotta hear both sides’ tone of the NYT opinion section, the recurrence of profiles on allegedly reluctant Toupée Fiasco voters, the number of white people calling the police because they’re concerned about Black people breathing and selling lemonade, and the increasing comfort with brazen displays of racism and ear-piercing dog whistles in the media and the government…

…Sheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeit, he’s not wrong.

BlackkKlansman is based on the true story of Ron Stallworth (John David Washington). As the first Black detective in the Colorado Springs Police Department, he makes a name for himself in his first major investigation by infiltrating the Ku Klux Klan’s highest levels of leadership, taking down a local chapter before they’re able to spread their violent rhetoric to the public at large. Stallworth serves as “The Voice” of the operation and after having a great deal of unexpected success, brings on seasoned detective Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver) to serve as “The Face” when needed.

As the eager rookie shouldering the burden of bringing down both the KKK and the blue wall of silence in his own precinct, Washington’s portrayal of Ron Stallworth is humorous and understated, but powerful. His intentions, albeit noble, are complicated by constant microaggresions and a righteous diversion named Patrice (Laura Harrier). An amalgam of Angela Davis and Kathleen Cleaver, Patrice warns Ron that his desire to tackle internal racism puts him in danger of maintaining a double consciousness – one of the main themes of W. E. B. Du Bois’ The Souls of Black Folk. Being Black and American and a cop are all things that make Ron unique, but are also potential obstacles in his personal and professional life.

By his own account, Topher Grace spent a very uncomfortable month preparing for the role of KKK Grand Wizard (or National Director depending on the day of the week) David Duke and it pays off. He parlays his discomfort into a performance that incorporates a disarming use of humor, making the controversial figure…well, he’s still controversial. That doesn’t change.

We get confirmation that anyone with the name Beauregard – in this case Dr. Kennebrew Beauregard, played by Alec Baldwin – can NOT be trusted and a Stokely Carmichael  (Corey Hawkins) who comes off a LOT like Denzel Washington’s portrayal of Malcolm X is still powerful, still effective.

What’s interesting to note is Lee’s call out of the complicity of white women in upholding White supremacy. They serve up violent racism with a smile while wearing aprons and serving snacks. They celebrate violate imagery while eating popcorn and cheering as if it’s a sporting event. They remain loyal to their husbands and “the cause” and can’t wait to do their part.  When the going gets tough, they weaponize their tears.

Sound familiar?

Lee says BlackkKlansman “is an examination of the world we live in,” but it also shows how far we haven’t come as a nation. There are references to DW Griffith’s Birth of a Nation, KKK initiation ceremonies intercut with the recounting of a tragic lynching, teaching moments about the symbiotic relationship between politics and racism, holocaust deniers, fake news accusations, the toupéed fiasco occupying the White House, the blue wall of silence, racial passing, religious passing, white supremacy, Black power vs. White power, “America First” , Charlottesville…

…Yeah, it’s a long list.

Like many of Lee’s earlier films, it’s a visual cornucopia of Blackness: glorious fros, melanin of all shades, mentions of 70’s icons Bernie Casey, Cleopatra Jones, Coffy and the eternal debate of Shaft versus Superfly. Of course, no Spike Lee joint complete without a Turturro brother (this time, Nicholas) and the spots formerly occupied by the late, great Ozzie Davis and Ruby Dee now occupied by Harry Belafonte providing one of the most profound moments of the film.

On August 10^th (a release date that purposely coincides with the one year anniversary of the Charlottesville rallies), BlackkKlansman is sure to entertain with Stallworth’s inspirational story. However, there’s no doubt it will cause some discomfort. Hopefully, it serves as a catalyst for self-reflection in white audiences, forcing them to examine what they do to destroy the toxic institutions keeping America from being its best self and join the good fight.

“All da people, all da power!”

BlackkKlansman is in wide release August 10, 2018 from Focus Features.