Save this article to read it later.
Find this story in your accountsSaved for Latersection.
This interview originally ran during the Cannes Film Festival.
Spike Lee is no wallflower.
Eventually, Lee catches himself and turns circumspect.
My wife always tells me, Why are you goin off all the time?
And there have been times when I should just be quiet.
Its an ugly, ugly, ugly blemish on the United States of America, he told the press.
Tell me about the press conference.
Spike, what was it like for you?Spike Lee: Full disclosure!
John, Im gonna keep it 100, baby.
Yesterday, theyre bringing up Kanye and Tarantino, and he tapped my leg under the table.
John David Washington: I cant believe youre saying this right now.
And I can feel your mother tapping me through you, too!
Whos tapping me is him, my wife,andPauletta!
Washington: I was their representative, yeah.
Lee: You were the rep!
I can imagine Pauletta saying, Just watch Spike.
Washington: Oh my God.
Lee: So, some crazy person comes up: Oh, what about Tarantino?
And John is like… [mimes frantic tapping].
Washington: Yo, that happened, though.
Washington: Thats 100.
Washington: Dont do it, Spike!
Lee: And I appreciated it.
I mean, forget about John my wife does it too.
She gives me a look.
How often do you get that look from her?Lee: Often!
Weve been married 25 years!
So Im trying to get better at it.
Look, Im not perfect.
But over 25 years, Im getting better at it.
You gotta scapegoat.
Ill be honest: When the Knicks lose, Im like, Who fucked up?
Im at the Yankee game, Im like, Whys this reliever coming in and now were behind?
Bill Buckner, the ball went through his legs.
Scott Norwood, missed a field goal.
Pete Carroll, scapegoat!
And hes my guy!
I knew him at USC and hed invite me to practices!
But to do that against the Patriots?
I still get mad about that.
These right-wing groups are using fear to sell their hate message …
Le Pen in France, Brexit in the United Kingdom.
The reality of things is bouncing off people right now.
Youve got to inspire people to take action.
It was like a master class every day, really.
I learned a lot about myself both artistically and in life, period.
What did you learn?Washington: Confidence.
I learned theres more than one way to discover truth and tell it.
I learned how to truly trust your teammates.
I played sports, and you have to have trust.
That spoke volumes to me.
If youre the director, you have to be like the general manager of a squad.
I remember one year the Lakers had like five All-Stars and it was horrible!
They couldnt work together.
So you want a cohesive unit, a team.
I did not say to Mr. John David Washington, I need you to audition.
I knew he could do it.
I wasnt twisting and turning at night.
He was the guy.
Washington: Im a different artist because of this.
Its a lasagna of emotion, you know?
I was surprised by what they reacted to in the film.
Did they laugh at something you werent expecting?Washington: Yeah.
And then theres the presentation of it all: the red carpet, the stairs.
you’re able to see it and read about it, but you cant prepare for that.
And its for a Spike Lee joint, too?
Its been such a warm embrace and theres been such an enthusiasm for cinema.
Wilmott: You could feel they were ready for the film.
They were hungry for it, and hungry for the message that Spike was trying to deliver here.
That was so fulfilling.
I hope that happens in America.
Washington: I was thinking that, too!
Is it gonna be the same embrace in America?
Spike, youve been around the block.
Theyre like, I cant wait until August 5!
Been ready, born ready.
But instead he said, Spike, I dont care what anybody says.
June 30, were coming out.
And it did.Lee: Another thing people forget is it opened in the same week as Tim BurtonsBatman.
And look, I got love for Tim Burton.
I was in Directors Fortnight, and in Directors Fortnight, they dont got the Grand Palais!
But to answer your question, this is the first time that people have ever applaudedmy signature double-dolly shot.
Washington: That was an amazing moment.
Lee: And you know what told me?
These are people who love cinema and know my films.
They were waiting for it, and when they saw it, they applauded.
They see, Thats me!
Washington: Its like being at a concert: Play the hits!
This interview has been condensed and edited.
