Book description
Over his twenty-plus year tenure in Hollywood, Spike Lee has produced a
number of controversial films that unapologetically confront sensitive
social issues, particularly those of race relations and discrimination.
Through his honest portrayals of life's social obstacles, he challenges
the public to reflect on the world's problems and divisions. The
innovative director created a name for himself with feature films such
as Do the Right Thing (1989) and Malcolm X (1992), and with
documentaries such as 4 Little Girls (1997) and When the Levees Broke
(2006), breaking with Hollywood's reliance on cultural stereotypes to
portray African Americans in a more realistic light. The director
continues to produce poignant films that address some of modern
society's most important historical movements and events. In The
Philosophy of Spike Lee, editor Mark T. Conard and an impressive list of
contributors delve into the rich philosophy behind this filmmaker's
extensive work. Not only do they analyze the major themes of race and
discrimination that permeate Lee's productions, but also examine other
philosophical ideas that are found in his films, ideas such as the
nature of time, transcendence, moral motivation, self-constitution, and
justice. The authors specialize in a variety of academic disciplines
that range from African American Studies to literary and cultural
criticism and Philosophy. Mark T. Conard, Associate Professor of
Philosophy at Marymount Manhattan College, is the editor of many books,
including The Philosophy of Film Noir, The Philosophy of Neo-Noir, and
The Philosophy of the Coen Brothers. He lives in New York City.
