It appears that Spike Lee has been talking smack about Clint Eastwood. Not a man to take guff from anyone, Clint has responded with instructions for Lee to shut his face! We get the following news piece thanks to our good friends over at ropeofsilicone:
At the Cannes Film Festival Spike Lee called out Clint Eastwood and his films Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima saying:
“There were many African-Americans who survived that war and who were upset at Clint for not having one [in the films]. That was his version: the negro soldier did not exist. I have a different version.
In an interview with The Guardian Eastwood answers the questions head on:
“The story is Flags of Our Fathers, the famous flag-raising picture, and they didn’t do that. If I go ahead and put an African-American actor in there, people’d go: ‘This guy’s lost his mind.’ I mean, it’s not accurate.” Referring to Lee, he added: “A guy like him should shut his face.”
I am not sure how many African American soldiers fought at Iwo Jima, and I’m certainly not able to step in between these two and say who is right and who is wrong….but holy crow! I have to admire Spike Lee’s balls for calling out one of the most macho dudes to ever grace the big screen. Everyone loves Clint, and if Lee is going to throw shit at him, he better expect some back.
In the Guardian, Eastwood goes on to say that he always accurately represents racial diversity according to time and place.
I am wondering if this feud will blow up to Rosie/Donald heights or if it will stop right now. I certainly hope these guys shake hands and make up; I respect both of them and it would be a shame for these artisans to waste any more air throwing insults at each other.
International Friends – if any of you are students of American history, please feel free to share your take on the history behind this disagreement.
I am doing research for my university thesis, thanks for your helpful points, now I am acting on a sudden impulse.
– Kris
(Yes Spike did sue and won over the use of his name, but who was the real idiot him or Viacom?
(Yes Spike did sue and won over the use of his name, but who was the real idiot him or Viacom?
or was Spike for sale ? FOURTY ACRES AND A MULE
(Type your comment here. Make sure you’ve read the commenting rules before doing so) I feel that Mr. Lee should make his own version of a WWII film and I would watch. I have enjoyed many of Mr. Lee’s films in the past. I don’t understand way he would want o get into it with Mr. Eastwood, the man is a great acto,r dircetor and an American icon. Nuff said!
in my last comment it looked like i was talking about clint when i sayd “that guy”- i wasnt..i was talking about the fucking diaper stain 2 comments before mine
cocksucking imbesile
i really hope barack obama wins the president elections now JUST to piss THAT guy off ^^^
Uh, John? Mr. Campea? SIR?
You know what to do with those two comments above me. You KNOW what to do. That is all.
(Type your comment here. Make sure you’ve read the commenting rules before doing so)who wants 2 suck my dick? its 10 inches long.im so horny.i want 2 suck the natural juices out of ciara stick it in her from the back.cum n her mouf.shit jst talkin bout her im cumin
(Type your comment here. Make sure you’ve read the commenting rules before doing so)fuck heads dont give a shit bout neither 1.but as a black man i dont appreciate joseph saying spike needs 2 shut up 4 he gets gangraped not cool dude u better watch your ass bitch
It didn’t make me feel too good to see that Mr. Eastwood excluded us Black U.S. Marines from Montford Point and Camp Lejune. in his version of the Pacific Campaign. Blacks did in fact both fight and die there even though the Corp was segregated at that time. Please check the site for the Montford Point Marines
Incidentally the first man to die for the American Colonies in the Revolutionary War was a negro gentleman and The American Civil War had Negro representation even greater than illustrated in the Denziel Washington movie “Glory.”
I am sure that Mr, Eastwood is not racist though. He has done more than any other Hollywood “bigwig” to promote Black Music.
Siemper Fidelis
It’s been said that the internet is largly for anonymous insults and porn.You guys keep going at each other it’s funny. College girl I loved the points you made seriously. Get at them uneducated racist cross burning fools.
What happend to freedom of speech!? If folks can’t voice the way they really feel, than what is the point? Racist or not! This page is about as UN-American as Spike lee and the rest of the tree huggers who support him!
Feel free to continue debating both sides in a constructive manner.
But when I have to delete racist comments, It does not make me happy nor does it benefit anyone. Keep it classy.
I admit that I haven’t read all 95 comments made, but all the ones I did read were stupid and short-sighted. 1st, please don’t think that because Obama is the Nat’l Dem. Candidate that racism is over. I believe I read a comment that said some prison movie wasn’t accurate b/c there wasn’t many black people in it, and we all know that prisons are filled with blacks. That’s prejudice. 2nd, remember the 1st amendment? Spike (a great director by the way) has a right to say anything he wants with regards to Mr. Eastwood’s movies (also a great director). As my grandfather was a WWII veteran, I tend to agree with Spike that Clint’s movie might not have been the most historically accurate.
Can Eastwood cast who he wants in his movies? Yes. Could his movie have been more historically accurate? Yes. Finally, just b/c a black person expresses an opinion that you don’t agree with, doesn’t mean they’re playing the “race card”. I don’t even know what that is. White Americans have literally profited from a system of racism, while that same system has placed Black Americans in a precarious positions since the inception of slavery. If you’re white and don’t acknowledge that, you’re just denying the truth. So as white folks, you can’t benefit from a racist system, then cry foul when black people show justified frustration, AND claim to be viewing things fairly at the same time.
Basically, Spike said what he said. Get over it.
I think both Spike Lee and Clint Eastwood are very talented and it saddens me to hear either of them go at each other like they are doing. Both of them should a take a lesson from Barack Obama and show some respect towards one another – it’s called “Humility”. At a time when America is making history these two are taking us two steps backwards whether than forward. But, hey, that’s Hollywood. However, there are more important news worthy issues to get all out of sorts about. You know what they say about “the truth will set you free”. Why are people so afraid of the truth???? If there were no African Americans depicted in Eastwood’s version of the movie than SO BE IT!!! Again, I say – KEEP IT REAL GUYS!
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Let us honor the memory of the elite TUSKEGEE AIRMEN.
Fighting 99 th, 332nd squadron.
Quote ” They were requested “
Spike Lee is shame of America. Excuse me! I can’t tell a lie. Spike Lee making all Black American look bad. I know many good African American who served for the war. They never have claimed for “I am hero”, but their contribution was their way of life. Now he states he knows American History and Black Americans served for the war, so Black American have to be in Clint Eastwood’s movie “Flags of Our Fathers” at Iwo-Jima? Hello! African American and Waspy American was not allowed to be in the same troop until Truman became President. Spike Lee is nothing but saying himself “I am stupid American” in Europe.
Oh and Danny boy-
For your information, I’m a teacher and most of my students that get held back because they can’t read or write well are predominently white. Their parents are also draining our welfare system and have NO TEETH! You probably should keep your racist comments to yourself, cuz it makes you look really really ignorant!!!!!!
And for that Danny guy-
Maybe you need a reality check on what century were in now. Thank God our country is full of many diversities. And maybe having an African American in the political hot seat would actually be a good thing… Afterall, wasn’t it a white man that got us entangled in a stupid good for nothing war??????????
At Rob!
I got a kick out of your blog! Next time it might be wise to proofread your comments because there were many errors. Who’s the real douchbag now??????????????????????????? :)
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Will the real “racist” stand up…Spike Lee! As someone mentioned earlier in the blog…Spike you’re not talented enough to breath the air that Clint exhales. You Go Dirty Harry!
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Another great commentary by the great Spike Lee. I couldn’t agree more!! I was very upset at the lack of black Japanese actors in both movies. This film will set Japanese American realtions back 67 years.
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Bill, if Blacks left it up to people, who think like you, to define racism there never would have been a cival rights movement. The media hates Spike Lee, Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson. That’s why the media NEVER reports on any the incredible things they do to help give oppourtunities to countless people who otherwise would never have had them. And why it wasnt until I got to college and took a “REAL” history class that I learned that Jessie Jackson not only Marched with Dr. King but was with him the day he was shoot. Racism is still VERY relevant and Spike Lee, Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson bring light to a topic that makes far to many people are uncomfortable , so they would rather pretend it no longer exists.
Wounds on the outside that are ignored dont go away they go inward and kill you from the inside.
(Type your comment here. Make sure you’ve read the commenting rules before doing so) The raising of the flag on Iwo Jima was accomplished by white men and one true American, Pima Indian, Ira H. Hayes. No mention of his race was made. Leave it to history to leave out the contributios made by the red man, true americans, every one.
Dwight, don’t be so full of yourself. I don’t need Spike Lee to “make me think.” I can think on my own. I grew during a time when racism against blacks was truly prevalent. Now, it is exaggerated and blacks who are actually relevant won’t acknowledge that black racism against Whites and Hispanics is now prevalent.
What it boils down to, is racism exists in every part of society. It is blacks like Spike Lee, Al Sharpton and Jessie Jackson who blow it out of proportion and put their spin on it.
Bill, I’m sorry that you “think” movies that make “think” suck.
Spike Lee is a big mouthed racist who is leaning on the crutch of “political correctness.” Clint is an honest, fair, and generous individual. I respect him for putting political correctness aside for the sake of historical accuracy.
Maybe Spike Lee should step up and make his own war movies based on the sacrifices and accomplishments of black soldiers. I don’t think he will be capable of accurately depicting the truth when addressing segregation issues.
All that aside, I never did enjoy any of Spike Lee’s movies. They sucked!
Spike Lee is an inteligent black man that can articulately speak his mind, and does. Nothing scares white America more. If African Americans arent sing, dancing or playing a sport, white america would be happy if we just disappeard.
I agree with Spike Lee 100%. I tried watching “Flags of Our Fathers ” but then I realized I didnt see anyone who loked like MY father. That’s when it became painfully obvious that is movie was nothing more than another HIS-tory movie.
Maybe instead of telling Spike to “shut his face” Clint should try listening.
Moe, forgive me but you are a little stupid and you talk like a jockstrap. Racism exists of course but it exists in all races.. not just the white race. The topic here is not racism … only a moron disputes that .. but the media responsibility to portray society as it really is.
Padthai, you are absoutely right. I have lived in LA all my life and television/movies are a colossal joke depicting it. I am white and mine is a great race but most of these white Americans are so f*****g stupid and irrelvant that it makes me sick. We have a pasty-white media and someone should start kicking their ass to make them wake up to reality.
Hey VA shits weak,what a name.First off simpleton I’m not meeting you in the trap, the trap is your thought process.I’m speak fact’s I played college B-ball my team was racially divded every away game my freshman year ask yourself why, to the point white players spoke out. I never defended a rapper for there ignorance personally I listen to 3 rappers WALE BlACK THOUGHT AND NAS. I stated the obvious,there is a clear cut attack/assasination of the black male image. Spike just like me has an a right to have an opinion it does not mean you have to agree.Fact 1 does racism exist YES!!!! Fact 2 Black Men are attacked daily threw you local news station sitcoms and newspapers!!!!! YES Fact 3 if your aware of it you can overcome it just as I did being the only black engineer in my office of 125 people or maybe I got lucky on the AA clause. LOL People like you will always be in a box my white freinds are more concious than you.
I would be patronizing of me to Lee to take everything he said as gospel and not point out where he was wrong. Despite his claims there were black extras in Flags. Look behind Ryan Phillipe
http://www.eigaseikatu.com/title/img-16113/4/
and also here
http://img244.imageshack.us/my.php?image=flagsstillzo8.png
The movie’s focus was on a core of characters –none of whom happened to be black. This didn’t belittle the role of blacks in the war, it just didn’t focus on them in this 2 hour movie. If he feels slighted, then let him take it out on the entire movie making industry rather than one man who has done an incredible amount in making movies that have important messages –and have included a lot of groups which have been historically underrepresented.
What we have to remember is that Flags brought to light the role of a Native American in Iwo Jima and Letters showed the humanity of the Japanese. Neither had ever been in the history of war movies in the U.S. In this way, these were ground breaking movies.
And really, Spike. Leave Obama out of this. He does not need your help. One look over at Bossip and a lot of them pretty much agree.
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I love Spike Lee movies…He fills a need for film to include the black culture in that art form. However, what Lee is doing is blaming Clint Eastwood for the faults of OTHER films and directors, and that sums up as a false and irresposible accusation. I have seen all of Lees films and all of Eastwoods films…the films in question by Spike are very historically specific films that would have been UNTRUE and CONTRIVED … is Lee suggesting that the Indian in the flag raising should have been black?! Excuse the sarcasm…but the point is made. Clint has been painted with the broad brush of industry racism. Please, Spike, such other criticisms are made less powerful by your blaming a man who is blameless in these instances.
Somebody needs to “make my day” and slap Spike Lee in the face!!!!
I totally think this is a joke. Clint is not just gonna put black people in his movie just to please the public….come on that is silly. How many movies has he done with Morgan Freeman in it….and another one is due to come out soon. Personally I would like to know what Morgan Freeman has to say on the matter. Spike Lee is just a waste of space, ok “Do The Right Thing” was a good movie, but from my movie seat…..that’s it!!!!
Ok sure I am a Eastwood fan, but I don’t see white people up in arms over the Black Beauty Padgents that go on, nor the United Negro College Fund!!!!!!!!! I mean you can’t get more racist than that. Just to clarify I think racist white people are pigs.
So Clint keep doing what your doing.
I am going to ask my black friends what they think of this.
As far as Mr. Eastwood “insulting” Mr. Lee, when you say inaccurate things, are we all suppose to say, “well it is okay for him to be wrong he is black?” How many Caucasians are in Mr. Lee’s films? Sounds like he needs to get his story straight.
What doest that mean. Officially “White?” Does that mean that anyone that is objective is white? At least your name seems to fit.
As a minority I can say that the time to dwell on who is in what is long since over. The only people that are keeping the sexism, and any other ‘isms alive are those that are not getting what they want out of life. It is just like films about Vietnam. Go to any number of historical / veterans, and ask them for the photos of most American Conflicts. Yes there are African Americans present. In the three years that I spent in Iraq, I would say less than 3% of the people that I served with were African-American. Does that mean if I made a film about my experience in Iraq, that I have to show 3% african Americans? I think in this case the “South Park” solution is relevant. Can anyone say “Token?”
I guess this blog audience is officially white
Hey moe check this…are we any better considering how rappers play the part of quote “hard gangsters”, “pimps” and what ever word Snoop can add izzle to? well society has condition us so that its the only way they can make money… im sure that would sound something like your first response…well guess what. the fact is that people like them who promote it…people like spike who attack one mans work when its the sociteys failing…and people like you who fail to realize it and open there to mouths to say something istead of opening there mouths when they have something to say, do nothing..and if were ever going to live up to that “dream” retards like Spike and big gay Al and you for that matter are not the ones i want to “represent” our people. people like you make me sick, BET makes me sick…yea meet me in the trap its going down hommizzzle…is the way to go fo sho hoe
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OMG! grow up spike! save your racist cards for the time you really might need them. Your stupid and ignorant comment almost makes me ashamed to be black…
The truth is that therent arent any black people depicted in the battle seens, there arent any black people in the crowds. Spike Lee did not directly insult Clint, he merely stated an opinion. What I see here is alot of people pointing fingers at the black man and not looking at the fact that Clint directly insulted Spike. Also what I see is a bunch of people who dont even know about history, like the simple fact it was a black man the made the manufacture of ice cream possible as well as creating a way to create new flavors of Ice Cream. His name is Augustus Jackson. Or how many schools teach that a black man Elbert R. Robinson created the electric trolly we now use today? The fact is there are plenty of shows and movies in common placed time with only white people in them. Prime example the only black character in Fantastic 4 Rise of the Silver Surfur with even a minamal role died, not only did he die, he was the ONLY PERSON in the entire movie to die. Dont believe me watch it for yourself.
There were African Americans serving in WW II. I’m glad Spike Lee called out Clint Eastwood. Even if there were no African Americans who put up the flag, they were there and could be cast as extras.
WELL IM SORRY EVERY ONE IS IN A GLASS BUBBLE OR SOMETHING…I LIVE san jose california and i have met many many nice african american people….but i would have to say thats few and far between the many many many incompetent criminals of the same race that loce in east palo alto and east oakland….and say mission district or hp in frisco……fact is we dont like to talk about them cause it makes us look rascist…well sorry to say that its a fact of life wether we (white community) are to blame,,,,,,race is a touchey subject but is it all bad on white people if we dont constintly make comments of positive stature about people of any race,,,,the fact is we are always looked as the bad guys…..sux but its really a no win situation do to people actually liking to make negative comments on opposite race’s then what they are…..humans love to hate there own kind…HUMANS
PS I JUST GOT AN 8TH OF SOME GOOD WEED FROM A AWESOME BROTHER FROM SANTA CRUZ ….SPREAD HAPPINESS NOT HATE EVEN IF IT MAKES U SMILE =)
LOL well here is my 2 cents I agree with Spike on this subject. The media has blown it out of proportion he intended to raise the public concious as it relates to blacks being included in america’s heroism. I will say there is not a race card race is not a ace,joker,spade or heart It”s real people, Succesfull movies for Black Male actors consist of guns, drugs,slavery and being embarssingly submissive, athlete making it out the hood, comedy, dancing or. violence. Denzel in Training Day oscar Denzel in Great Debators or Malcom X you overlooked it. The public has been conditioned to look at black males as Horrifying and the most demeaning creature existing on earth Now this further helps to define that stereotype when you see it on the bigscreen.God forbid u happen to see one black guy with a gold chain at the movies and your convinced they all are that way LOL. Society has always attacked black men and wants whites to be racist to the core therefore you will not allow yourself to even accept or view black men in powerfull roles it tickles your insecurity.Spike has lived all his life as a black man I think despite his timing he knows when it’s a race issue. If your not a black male I can bet you truly don’t know or can’t imagine what we experience on the daily. Last example the TV show bigshots not one black coporate bigshot so I guess only young white guys make it big in coporate america.yet they are quick to shoe you lebron looking like king kong beside a skinny white chick on the same network.
LOL well here is my 2 cents I agree with Spike on this subject. The media has blown it out of proportion he intended to raise the public concious as it relates to blacks being included in america’s heroism. I will say there is not a race card race is not a ace,joker,spade or heart It”s real people, Succesfull movies for Black Male actors consist of guns, drugs,slavery and being embarssingly submissive, athlete making it out the hood, comedy, dancing or violence. Denzel in Training Day oscar Denzel in Great Debators or Malcom X you overlooked it. The public has been conditioned to look at black males as Horrifying and the most demeaning creature existing on earth Now this further helps to define that stereotype when you see it on the bigscreen.God forbid u happen to see one black guy with a gold chain at the movies and your convinced they all are that way LOL. Society has always attacked black men and wants whites to be racist to the core therefore you will not allow yourself to even accept or view black men in powerfull roles it tickles your insecurity.Spike has lived all his life as a black man I think despite his timing he knows when it’s a race issue. If your not a black male I can bet you truly don’t know or can’t imagine what we experience on the daily. Last example the TV show bigshots not one black coporate bigshot so I guess only young white guys make it big in coporate america.yet they are quick to shoe you lebron looking like king kong beside a skinny white chick on the same network.
Jack made the good point above, that if Eastwood had just included black soldiers doing the same thing as the white soldiers, he would have been negating the injustices they faced. By doing so, he would be negating their story. But Eastwood was not telling their story, and it is impossible to include everybody’s story in one film and do them justice. What about the hardships faced by women back then? Poor people? Jewish people? Eastwood not including the black soldiers was not saying “they did not exist”. He just wasn’t telling that story.
Good for Spike if he wants to tell the story of the black soldiers. But what a racist way of getting there. Because some black people were upset that there weren’t black soldiers in Eastwood’s film. So when watching those 2 films, the only thing those racists could see was the colour of everyone’s skin. They didn’t care about what those white soldiers did, they just wanted to hear about the black soldiers.
Imagine the outcry if Lee’s film came first, and a bunch of white vets said they didn’t care about the black soldiers story, they just wanted the white mans story told. Then Eastwood came out and said what Lee is saying now. What a carry-on there would be. People would be calling for boycotts and protesting against Eastwood.
Yes, it is African-American leaders and celebrities that are keeping racism alive, and Barack Obama possibly getting the Democratic nomination for President means that there is no more racism in America. Not too mention all those Black people Clint Eastwood helped out as Mayor of that heavily populated African-American community of Carmel.
Just like the Oscar’s really tell you who the best actors and director’s are. Look Denzel played a great Black crooked cop, and Halle Berry played a crack ho for the third time. Everybody is treated equal in America, and the only people that should be ashamed of themselves is us stupid Negro’s. We don’t appreciate anything. For crying out loud, we are aloud to vote, don’t get lynched as much, and we run Hollywood.
Please, I have read every last comment, and I already know more than half of you are calling me the “N” word. No matter what it is Spike Lee’s and Clint Eastwood’s problem. If you don’t respecy Spike because you think he is racist, then don’t see his movies. Personally, I feel he deserved several Oscars (Malcolm X, Four Little Girls, Do the Right Thing), but he will never win because he is outspoken.
Of course, us N-Words should just be happy, and serving our master’s drinks (Right Nick). Barack Obama has made some really nice speeches, but the point that neither White nor Blacks have really listened to is when he said we all have a common agenda, and we all blame one another. We need to stop, and start finding a common way to reach our goals together.
Hollywood is fake, and is filled with ignorant people on every end. I have never watched Amistad because I got tired of African-Americans not telling our own story; and yes, I know Debbie Allen asked him to do the film. Hollywood like life will never be fair like life. American will never be a whole country until we start acting like a people unified in common goals. Our energy and gas crisis is a little more important than who likes who in Hollywood.
JOEY MAKES A GOOD ARGUMENT IMO
RACE! RACE! RACE! I am sick to death of hearing it. If people would just leave it alone and let us finish the evolvement process that was started in the 60’s, we would all be fine.
Instead, African-American preachers are preaching hate of white people to their congregations, Jessie Jackson has to rush all over the country every time he percieves something to be racial (which usually isn’t), and people like Spike Lee have to use race it to publicize a movie that probably wouldn’t hold a candle to any movie that Clint Eastwood ever made or even acted in. IS THERE NO END TO THIS?
this rate, we will still have racial divide in 100 years, white people will still be blamed for it, and it will still be the blacks who are the racists!
I JUST SAID IT BETTER….BUT APPARENTLY YOU ARE RACIST TOO AND DON’T WANT TO HEAR IT.
RACE! RACE! RACE! I am sick to death of hearing it. If people would just leave it alone and let us finish the evolvement process that was started in the 60’s, we would all be fine.
Instead, African-American preachers are preaching hate of white people to their congregations, Jessie Jackson has to rush all over the country every time he percieves something to be racial (which usually isn’t), and people like Spike Lee have to use race it to publicize a movie that probably wouldn’t hold a candle to any movie that Clint Eastwood ever made or even acted in. IS THERE NO END TO THIS? At this rate, we will still have racial divide in 100 years, white people will still be blamed for it, and it will still be the blacks who are the racists!
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Spike Lee is obviously doing this to get publicity about his movie about WWII. Otherwise, he would have said something several years ago when Clint’s 2 WWII movies came out.
If African-American leaders and celibrities would stop playing the race card on EVERYTHING, we could get past racism in America. It is they who are keeping it alive and well.
This little, talent less, angry, racist moron named “Sheldon”.
Does not even deserve Clint Eastwood time.
He is only trying to create some controversy to get attention for another of his lousy films because he has a war movie coming up.
He thinks that by wearing those ridiculous outfits, people automatically will think that he is some kind of creative genius and that he actually has talent.
This little man has a big chip on the shoulder.
Morgan Freeman is a dear friend of Mr. Eastwood and has been in more than one of his films, Eastwood is to far from being a racist.
It is wrong to inacurately include an ethnic group on a historic movie only to satisfy ignorants like him.
Do your research Sheldon and “shut your face”
Claudia
Get an education in history you silly little people who haven’t a clue about what Spike Lee’s point is.- Blacks were segregated by divisions up until 1944. With the crisis at the battle of the Bulge for depleted white battalions needing reinforcements, Black companies were integrated into White battalions in Northern Europe…. by war’s end there were black platoons integrated into white companies. Regarding not seeing blacks in footage of the WW2 period showing blacks and whites together, its not a hidden fact that photographers and filmers deliberately chose not to show such footage – just like lower ranking white soldiers turned away from approaching black officers so as not to salute them.
Spike Lee makes no suggestion to put blacks raising the flag- its beyond belief to hear people thinking that; the point is Eastwood chose/ignored Black vets for their inclusion/representation in the beach battle scenes where the black ammo suppliers dragged ammo by foot INTO the lines of white assault units. Just a shot or two showing that in a long epic movie is not hard to accomplish.
So to all you idiots thinking segregated means on the front line soldiers care about keeping’segregated’ I encourage you to educate yourself much much more with the period before you spout of nonsense like “He’s right about segregation.” Because to people who DO know the facts, you look like uneducated simpletons with an agenda.
Spike Lee himself got in to this same issue over Summer of Sam when people accused him of selling out because the film didn’t revolve around black characters.
This “news” is now apparently no news at all since Lee didn’t accuse Eastwood of being racist.
They shot all of the battle sequences here in Iceland and since there are very few japanese people here, the Thai and Chineese are the largest asian immigrant group, they had to bring japanese actors from abroad to keep it as accurate as possible. They didn’t want to put any old asian in front of the camera and pretend they’re Japanese cause there is a huge difference in the way asian people look from country to country.
So Eastwood was clearly looking for authenticity.
Helen , Flags of our Fathers was a forgettable film other than the message that alot of BS was behind that historic photo…….
Those movies came out over a year ago, why is Spike getting around to it now.
padthai…your retarded too….your saying that some broadcast television show and its lousy attempt to recreate a prison scenario is the same as fact based material done by a oscer winning director…humanitarian…and all around good guys honest and realistic portrayol of a american incident in are history…..your a douchebag too. hahaha
hahaha helen perkins is so miss informed and sad that she made a retarded comment….clint clearly stated taht he wanted authentic scenes made from actual events….well clearly the stories that i have read about in this subject online from numerous sources say that there was not if few african americans invloved in the stories that lead up to the events portrayed in flags of are fathers….and iwo jima was from the opposite side…which if my memory serves me right…the japanese didnt have many african americans in there platoons <3 ….now wether or not clint is rascist or w/e lee implies…..thats hasnt been seen yet cause the topic isnt really a issue…u just like to open your mouth and act like u have been sitting in the back of the bus…well its 2008 and this movie is about a differant era…so stfu and get real,,,,your the ignorant one…what should we throw in a couple of african americans even though they were not there……i think that answer is simple…..
Spike is hit or miss but you can’t knock the hustle.
If you guys think funny videos about politics are cool you should check this
http://www.minimovie.com/film-128295-Welcome%20Back,%20Clinton
(Type your comment here. Make sure you’ve read the commenting rules before doing so) I am so please with Spike Lee speaking out against Clint Eastwoods movie. Clint will not be the first white man, trying to change history by leaving out the African American. We know white people didnt do any hard labor, they only met in their big offices making decision how to continue to keep ups down. Thank you Spike Lee
Spike is a pathetic loser who I had completely forgotten about until this. Apparently picking a fight with someone people actually respect is one desperate way for a pathetic loser to get attention.
its a shame whenever a black man stands up and says something isnt right,hes using the race card. .sometimes white people show their true colors when they accuse someone of using the race card when they are not. like spike lee, he did not use the race card, he made a statement that involved race.
(You know Martin, it really is silly to get into a pissing contest of “Spike vs Clint” films. They are lauded by their fans, and I’ve seen nearly all their films and been impressed by both, but neither is above having their films subject to real criticism. Its really silly to make your case based on $$ offered to Spike to do a Sneaker commercial.. who cares. But really, Lee is on something of a one note theme his whole career in terms of what comes out of his mouth and its all about race – and thats fine, but it was an odd choice he made it criticizing Eastwood of all people if he wanted to take on Hollywood’s racial slant, and doubly odd at the choice of films here..a lead Native American in one, and the other an effort to show a Japanese perspective. Yes, he was asked a question, so point taken, but he made the dumb answer.)
u people are hilarious….spike lee never said eastwood was racist, never said the movie was bad….all he did was express some concerns made by black veterans….the internet really is a place to show ur true colors…..
ken spike doesnt act like hes living during civil war times….tho things are better this country is still full of ignorant people….racism still exists and black people still get the shaft a lot of times…..
stop passing judgement on lee…..
Another affirmative action baby!
Martin, if you work in HLWYD you should know that Eastwood practically runs this Industry.
If you disagree you prob work for a very small production company or work in NoHo theater.
(Btw nobodys pitching here, gheesh with your inside terms I’m not impressed.)
*That this story is exagerrated* or not, your perception of Eastwood makes me question your position in the “Biz”.
Clint has more power than Lee will ever have with AMPAS, WGA, SAG and IATSE.
Lee’s a good Director but to say he was making quality films when Eastwood was playing a cowboy is insulting to me and other fans of Eastwood…..(I wouldn’t say that out loud at a screening).
If you would have said that Eastwood was winning Oscars when Lee was making “Jungle Love” than yeah I see your point, and it proves MY point.
Sure this is a pissing contest and one that Eastwood would win everytime….
Let me know when Lee has to power to promise Oscars to his cast….. (Gene Hackman, Unforgiven)……:-/
Good point Jack. I’m sick of African-Americans playing the race card. Spike Lee acts like he is still living in the United States during the Civil Rights Movement. From the looks of things, we’re about to have our first African-American President, that should show Mr. Lee that America has grown up a lot in the past 40 years. So grow up Spike, nobody cares about your color. Every human being on the planet is part of only one race – THE HUMAN RACE. Oh, and leave respectable directors like Clint alone.
History is not meant to be inclusive, nice, or comfortable. Yes, black soldiers were segregated away from battle in World War II and previous conflicts. No amount of wishing or complaining will change those facts. If we sugarcoat the role of blacks in WWII and earlier, we minimize the injustices laid upon them. Current textbooks and apparently Spike Lee, believe that black soldiers have had their contributions removed from history by white authors and directors. Not so. They could not contribute because they were not allowed to contribute via segregation and racism. If Eastwood included black soldiers in the flag raising, it would have been historically inaccurate and glossed over the injustices faced by all black soldiers.
It is sad to see so much hate being generated in this blog over this. I like Clint Eastwood and think he has a valid point: no black soldier was involved in the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima, which is what his film is about.
Many did fight in that war, actually, let me say ‘were there’ because they didn’t but were denied a fighting chance because of racism, segregation, hatred and the untrue belief that blacks were too coward to fight.
The same kind of attitude which kept them out of representing a country which apparently regulated against them is the same kind of attitude which seeks to write them and their accomplishments out of the history books and even off mainstream Hollywood screens.
I wish the same kind of attitude is not represented here with people hating Spike Lee for saying which is blindingly obvious. But maybe throwing his stone at Clint was a little off-mark…
Christopher can you read????
I live in Los Angeles and involved in the ‘biz’ and confirm what Vern writes, this is a non story, whipped up for idiots like Christopher to get all excited about.
Anyone out there who thinks Lee is a hack isn’t worth pitching in this debate.
Sorry, but Eastwood is a good actor turned good director, Lee is a 100% filmaker that was making ground breaking film when Eastwood was dressing up as a cowboy….
Lee get’s offered millions to direct Nike commericals, in Hollywood he has nothing but respect, this movie blog has so many people commenting who know NOTHING about the industry …..
I think that this shows how big Spike Lee’s ego is! He thinks that he can try (and fail) to make Clint Eastwood look like a racist! But got rightly shut down! Thats what happens when mess with a great!!!
Bravo, vern, bravo
Lee’s not a hack just a misquoted ass……..!
Actually, this whole news story is bullshit, the typical out of context horse shit promoted on IMDb’s WENN news and a thousand blogs that would rather have a headline than be honest or accurate about anything.
The actual context is that Lee was inspired to make his upcoming movie about black WWII soldiers because of veterans that complained to him about no black soldiers being shown in either of Eastwood’s Iwo Jima movies. In this press conference HE WAS ASKED why Eastwood didn’t include black soldiers in his movie, and said that he could not speak for Eastwood (along with the other comments). It is hardly a “publicity stunt” to answer a question.
I don’t have a problem with Clint’s response, and he was right to bring up Lee criticizing him for directing BIRD. But turning these two prompted and out of context quotes into a “feud” is just stupid Entertainment Tonight bullshit and I believe we as adult citizens of the earth need to learn to be smarter than that.
And by the way, to call Lee a “hack” is to not understand what a hack is. Even if you’re some weirdo freak who doesn’t like DO THE RIGHT THING you at least have the eyes to see that he has a unique and distinct style that he’s been developing for about 20 years now. A hack is a mediocre for-hire director without a vision or style of their own.
Shadopup,
I didn’t say “Make my Mandela Day” for laughs, one of Eastwoods next projects deals with Nelson Mandela.
When asked of Lee’s comments would effect the project Clint said ” well I aint making Nelson a white guy”.
Shadopup, I think Eastwood was responding quite appropriately. Lee should shut his mouth, because he clearly doesn’t know what he’s talking about. He was attacking Eastwood, by making an allegation that Eastwood was a racist.
Sorry, but the whole argument of being able to express an opinion does not apply here. This is not a matter of opinion. You can not have an “opinion” about whether something is a fact or not.
Eastwood is not racist. He portrayed the events accurately
Lee is completely out of line making these comments. Why should Eastwood show any sort of respect in return? No doubt because of Lee’s accusation plenty of people’s knee-jerk reaction will be to see Eastwood as a racist, without even properly considering the situation. Such is the stupid, alarmist society we live in when it comes to accusations of racism. So, though it will hopefully only be minor, Lee has still tarnished Eastwood’s reputation, and Eastwood has every right to be furious at that.
Clint Eastwood is correct, there were black soldiers at the battle of Iwo Jima but none of them raised the flag and the story was about them. Spike Lee was completely off base. I know more about the European theater of WWII than the Pacific theater but the photograph is well known and there are no black people in the photograph. I can only think that Spike Lee did not know what the movie is about. Maybe he just heard WWII movie and heard that there were no black people in it and it upset him. Still though it hurts when you make comments without educating yourself on the subject.
i agree with darren….yea spike lee is outspoken and he is wrong in this instance….but why all the hate, jeez i dont agree with what he said but that doesnt mean hes a douchebag or a bad director. uwe boll can talk shit all he wants and make bad movies but “hes clever: or “i love this guy”
people just look for a bad guy sometimes
The most important issue however, would be the film is not about racism against blacks or how they won their right to fight in a war, it is about a particular event, the raising of the flag and it’s important impact on the times.
It’s totally absurd to call him racist because he didn’t cram every small thing from the mid forties into his film.
There are black officers and privates in the back shots during the film, several get shot. Spike Lee = Fail.
I still like Spike Lee’s films often, but after hearing him speak in person I have to say…he’s an ass. Or at least, he plays one on tv so that he can get more headlines. Either way, I don’t respect him as a person, as a critic, nor do I give a whit what he has to say about anybody else’s films.
Eastwood is right, and I’m surprised at his word choice but honestly, Lee is the type who runs around looking for a soapbox to stand on, and if he can’t find one (and seriously, why CAN’T he? There’s plenty of problems to talk about) he makes one up.
I don’t know whether Spike Lee’s perspective on this is right or not because I don’t know the history. Even if he is wrong, the one thing nobody seems to have commented on is the manner in which Eastwood responded to the criticism.
Lee was criticizing the film and not attacking Eastwood personally. However, Eastwood replies with “a guy like him should shut his face.” Eastwood can disagree, of course, but telling somebody to shut their face is not respectful or necessary. Why should Lee not voice his opinion even if it is possibly wrong or even stupid?
If Eastwood wanted to go on the offensive and criticize Lee’s work, he could’ve cited films in which Lee did not represent racial diversity accurately (assuming there are any, I’m not familiar with all of Lee’s movies).
I’m not familiar with Eastwood’s work either but based on my perception of his reputation, I don’t think he would purposely ignore black people in his films if they were involved in the real life stories.
A few of these comments posted here are quite frankly ridiculous/irrelevant. Lee did not say he wants Eastwood to kill black characters in his (Eastwood’s) movie nor is he at all responsible for the number of black rappers who’ve been cast as actors in movies.
Sure you can accuse Lee of playing the race card one too many times but I don’t see how that makes him a douche bag in this instance.
Wtf,,
Prison Break had alot of black actors in season 3.
I can’t beileve I even have to type this in 2008.
Who cares what color the actors are???
Oh yeah Spike Lee.
I’ll say one think Spike, “Rappers are not actors!”. And lately that’s all I’m seeing out there??
so spike lee wants clints eastwood to have killed african americans in his movie???
o_O
ummm…dumbass…lmfao
First of all, while I disagree with Spike Lee’s comments on Eastwood, let’s get one thing straight: Spike Lee is a talented filmmaker and makes really good/great films and his occasional outbursts tend to cost him in getting honors that he is sometimes due, and sometimes he comes across (usually protrayed by the media) as a fella who is a sore loser/axe to grind.
Sadly, the only times the masses really tend to notice Spike is when he says something off the cuff while promoting his films (his new upcoming film is about the Buffalo Soldiers in WWII during an attack on Mussulini’s Italy, BTW) – and if it wasn’t for the fact that Spike attacked Eastwood back in ’88 regarding the biopic Bird (hey, it’s almost 20yrs; should Lee remake the film?) I would have thought that Spike was just off the cuff or have been misunderstood /misquoted.
Spike’s comments here though make him look stupid, and he’s not stupid. For in the same breath he mentions ‘Flags’ (which dealt more with the aftermath of the war and about the story behind the flag-raising-and had a real life character who happens to be a Native American) Spike also mentions Letters From Iwo Jima– which -and anyone feel free too correct me on this- was the Battle of Iwo Jima as seen by b> The Japanese point of view.
So even if a convincing arguement can be made that Eastwood should have had some African American soldiers in the background of some of the battle in Flags– nobody can make that case for Letters. Not one soul.
Not to derail this thread too far, but jeez, Krysztof, you could give lessons to many who allegedly speak english on message boards like this one.
Here’s the problem. This is some made up newsstory that makes the discussion solely on race instead of what the film is about; How those who raised the flag were used as a propaganda tool for the military machine when they came back. Something they didn’t want to be. That’s what we should discuss. The same thing happened when the movie premiered. This is the second or third time this has become an “issue”.
Pardon my english, I’m Polish.
yes.. he is a D-Bag.. well.. why didnt Spike said the same thing about Saving Private Ryan? .. we all know HUNDREDS of black peole died in that beach and there aint ONE in that movie.. mm.. actually i would LOVE to ear Spielberd saying something about it….
yes.. he is a D-Bag.. well.. why didnt Spike said the same thing about Saving Private Ryan? .. we all know HUNDREDS of black peole died in that beach.. mm.. actually i would LOVE to ear Spielberd saying something about it….
Well, I guess when America is just about to vote in it’s first black president, poor old Spike is starting to realize that he just doesn’t have much to bitch about these days. Considering the amount of high paid black actors, musicians and sports people, it’s honestly ridiculous to be claiming that race is any sort of issue in the mainstream media.
Sorry, but if Eastwood was accurately portraying the historic events, then there’s no problem at all.
Really, I hate the idea that even in modern day movies and TV, we always have to force in racial diversity. It’s not necessary.
Make my Mandela day…. Retard.
It’s honorable old white geezer against black progressive youngster!
Yeah! McCain vs. Obama: Hollywood Style!
It’s funny that he sued Spike TV for using his name, since his name is Shelton.
And to quote Avenue Q:
Everyone’s a little bit racist
It’s true.
But everyone is just about
As racist as you!
If we all could just admit
That we are racist a little bit,
And everyone stopped being
So PC
Maybe we could live in –
Harmony!
So, ah, Spike Lee isn’t skewed toward one race and has an representative mixture of all races in his movies?
Yeah, right.
Spike, that was a dumb thing to do.
Just like back in the day when Friends and Seinfeld were huge hits, people were complaining that there are no blacks on that show even though it took place in NYC. It’s kinda ridiculous y’know to be so white-washed. And you have shows that take place in Hawaii without any Asians. Or, shows in LA without latinos.
Sorry that prison break example sounded a little wrong. but i hope you get the idea. But that example is the one that seemed the most outrageous to me. It’s just weird that they would have two caucasian leads when really many jails these days are filled with blacks. Or you look at a show like Friday Night Lights, far fewer black players than you would really find in real life. Or, the example of ’21’ where they replace all the asians with caucasian people.
Kristina,
Spike Lee isn’t the type of person I think that would pull publicity stunts. When has he ever tried to stay in the public? He makes movies that very few people watch, that’s true. But I think this just shows that he’s angry that blacks get few representations on tv/movies. It’s just that that is true, hollywood needs to change and reflect the real world a little more. Just like Prison Break has only a few blacks when in reality jails are filled with them.
Ahhhh! not to defend Spike or nothing but Kristina 25th Hour and Inside Man was good.
Can you say PUBLICITY STUNT? When was the last time Spike Lee was relevant in any way, shape, form, or fashion? Honestly, this is the first I’m hearing of the guy in a few years. He’s stirring shit to get his name in the headlines again, and I hope that Clint does the right thing and just ignores the idiot. Don’t even dignify him with a response.
spike lee….this guy sued spike tv over copyright infriengment over his name. wtf is going on in his mind?! Clinteastwood will always be a better director and spike needs to shut the hell up before he gets gangraped
punk.
Forcing racial diversity is yet another part of what is wrong with movies and television today. As much as we’d like to believe hispanics, whites and african-americans are all best friends at Bayside High, it doesn’t always work that way.
But in this case, forcing in a few non-white soldiers just because it makes you feel better is stupid. I’m a minority and I could care less if I’m represented at Iwo Jima, the Gettysberg Address or in that gang that foolishly thinks they could beat up Jackie Chan.
Spike Lee = Douchebag?……let me think. ok, I agree with that 100%
Despite having and Asian sounding last name, and China and India being two of the most populated country in the world. I don’t see any Chinese or Indian actor playing a significant role in any of Mr. Lee’s movies. That must be his version of anybody who is not black doesn’t exit.
Does this guy just randomly play the race card because his bored or is he just that big of a douchebag? oh wait i remember. he is just a D-bag.
maybe he wasn’t serious when he said it. maybe he was joking.
but even if he was, he is still a D-Bag.
Spike need to stop digging his own grave. If he want to direct a movie from his angle he should do himself(it’ll probable get laughed at). Clint should of said “that guys needed to be bitch slapped in the face” that would of been more appropriate. You lost Spike, give it up.
@ Nick
I detect some racism. White people make retarded statements too.
(TMK), Clint’s right. The military was very segregated back then. My grandfathers photo albums of the war through 3 years of island hopping (Army Air Corps), and all the casual and group photos, not one black person can be found. They were in the war in some numbers, but almost always separate.
Spike Lee = Douchebag and a hack director who doesn’t even have the right to speak to Mr. Eastwood unless he is serving him his morning prune jiuce.
Clint Eastwood = Talented, respectable and honest!
Nuff’ said.