Spike Lee interview on "Summer of Sam" (1999)

Spike Lee reflects on his controversial film, "Summer of Sam," which dramatizes the hunt and capture of serial killer David Berkowitz, known as "Son of Sam," and defends his film against a variety of criticisms.
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[@DMalltheway]

Summer of Sam is insanely underrated, one of Spike’s best work.

[@therosesword007]

I absolutely agree

[@philiplynch6224]

It's a great movie. If I could just delete the dumbass talking dog....

[@Konverteraren]

Totally.

[@Konverteraren]

@@philiplynch6224 that dog excisted in the murderers mind.

[@Cutay7BOOTAY]

I agree

[@kirkparsons5922]

One of the most underrated films ever made..... Absolutely awesome

[@fredleeland2464]

Completely agree, the late 90s had some classics Really like how the film swells into desperation and loss of control until the consequences have to come to light

[@despiteallmyrage6813]

*'Summer Of Sam'* one of Spike Lee's very best! John Liguizamo, Mira Sorvino, Adrian Brody, amazing job by all of them. They were all pretty much 'rookies' in Hollywood at that point, and they gave it their all. Great story, Great acting, Great Movie, altogether. Way to go Spike Lee!

[@jamesozby1420]

Summer of Sam is one of his Top 5 best Spike Lee movies.

[@zebra-fx5xd]

yeah,......and Broardway actress, Patti Lupone in film. She is Ritchie's Mom. She watched nude. Love scene with Mike Starr (Eddie Sabatini →Mom's　boyfrend)

[@DMalltheway]

100% agree even with Black Klansman and Da 5 Bloods being great, but Summer of Sam brings the style and mood that fits for the story Spike is telling.

[@fredleeland2464]

I say it's a top 5 film about NYC Naked City Taxi Driver Heavy Traffic Pick a Noah Baumbach film Summer of Sam

[@stephenm8725]

Pretty great interview. Spike speaks from the heart and I gotta say his answers were well put.

[@vinceniederman3235]

I Agree Spike Lee is The Best To Interview!

[@WorldwideWyatt]

Him and Charlie have a great rapport.

[@kristinahoerler]

Spike Lee has an amazing understanding of how this world works. I love how he calls the media out here, I could not have said it better. These hypocritical parasites would destroy anything and endanger anyone in an attempt to be sensational. There should be a law against naming individuals in an article by first and last name without a definite purpose. Naming the wig and child served no journalistic purpose, it was simply endangering Spike Lees family for controversy. I don't always agree with Spike Lee on race issues, I think sometimes there are crappy people or bad things out there, and I don't believe it's always this big conspiracy toward African Americans, ( although it's clear some people seem to be perpetuating racial tension in general I wouldn't agree it's directed at the black community) but I can definitely sympathize with how difficult it is being a minority in this country. I can relate as a women in sexist world, as an independent thinker in a world of sleep walkers. I just wish we could truly be color blind ourselves and not play into whatever evil that is profiting off our inability to get along. We complain about racism but then we can't seem to see another individual without pointing out the color of their skin. I've known many people that idolize serial killers, always sick lost individuals. " Son Of Sam" to be was one of the most impotent pathetic of serial killers and I'm glad Spike Lee showed that in the movie. The Scene with the dog was classic! I have played that over and over , I love how it clowns this moron that killed innocent people and scared a society when we have enough to deal with and fear without having some loser manufacture more reasons to be afraid. I like the idea that they are now calling these fools unknown subjects instead of glorifying them with super hero nicknames. They should get zero media attention once behind bars, so no one else follow in thier footsteps to get five minutes of fame. These losers are only as powerful as we make them. Spike Lee handed this interview well, by the way, he decided where it was going to go, not the other way around.

[@Sophie_kent]

Spike Lee and Oliver Stone are similar, they make great movies with passionate stories and are slammed by the press. They have their own unique artistic voice. I love their films....I wonder what they think of each other

[@keshaunbates2586]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aZKykpikqMZlZ9k

[@MPB059]

And Martin Scorsese taught them at NYU

[@donnythompson408]

Spike Lee is an exceptional filmmaker, and, much like Tarantino, he has his own unique style. The script (written by Lee, Michael Imperioli and Victor Collichio), was great, and brought to life by a cast of stellar actors. Period films aren’t easy to make; and capturing the overall essence of a time and place involves a lot more than simply parking a couple of old cars on a street for a scene, or playing a few seconds of songs that were popular at the time. Lee has managed to recreate this time and place so well that he puts the viewer “inside” the film, by including the elements that contributed to the atmosphere of NYC during the Summer of 1977... Blending the killer and the murders he committed into the film’s story line was most certainly necessary (if you’re going to title the film “Summer Of Sam” then it’s obligatory) and even if the film had a totally different title and subject set in 1977, the killer would still have had to have been referenced) but I don’t think the film’s focus is on the killer as much as it is on the people who lived in NYC in ‘76-‘77. There were other actual events of that place and time that Lee has recreated so well - the garbage strike, the fashion in hairstyles and clothes, the fear and panic that caused women to dye their hair, empty nightclubs and discos, The Blackout and the mass looting that followed, The Yankee’s incredible season, the promiscuity and casual sex, the relaxed attitudes with drug use...and, perhaps what’s best conveyed, is the incessant, humid, heat wave that hung over NYC in July and August of that Summer like a heavy blanket; which Lee has captured the essence of so well, that you can feel yourself starting to sweat just by watching certain scenes. I’m sure that with Spike Lee’s vivid memory of these things played a big factor in writing the story; being of age at that time, and living in NYC, gave him the perspective that other directors wouldn’t have, and this contributed to the writing and essence of the film. But, there’s a huge difference between remembering events of a certain time and writing a script about them...and being able to actually recreate them on film. 🙏

[@justinhunt4767]

I always thought Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino or very similar but different both Legends

[@YungM.D.]

I gotta agree with Spike. They interviewed Berkowitz last year on the 40th anniversary of his summer of killings (I didn’t even realize he was still alive) and they’re letting him talk about how he’s a victim and he was demonically possessed (which is what he always believed genuinely but that’s a great example of how batshit he really was and still is). I think even letting him speak about his crimes and paint himself in this way is pretty disgusting. Interview the man if you want but don’t sit there and not call him on his bullshit.

[@Konverteraren]

Yea that's so fucked up. He should just burn in hell

[@respecttheface7152]

Almost 20 years ago already

[@tdonovan4735]

Time has just flown by. Saw this at the Crimea. Cinemas - remember those...?

[@Trellizm]

"We got Charlie Ward and Chris Childs....*Long pause and akward stare*

[@misfitdanzig8152]

Spike Lee what a genius film maker! He's a awesome actor and director....a Spike Lee joint awesome.

[@pman8478]

Spike knew no way Seattle would give Gary up in 1999. I smiled seeing charlie bring him up

[@williamevans1708]

Can Charlie shut up about some random controversy and ask about the film

[@softbatch1]

LOVE this film. Amazing cast, story, remarkably well shot and executed. Top shelf.

[@otisroseboro5613]

One Of My All Time Favorite Movie Director's Spike Lee

[@MatteoPrezioso]

I fucking love Spike Lee.

[@JohnnyAce415]

Funny how there was a lot of press about how the film puts out these negative stereotypes of Italian Americans. A Stereotype.. shure, but... ...people are really like that.😆

[@charlesderosas5577]

Spike Lee's "mean streets".

[@Reprodestruxion]

Plus John Leguziamo transcends ethnocentrism (proud puertorriqueño though)

[@TheJcg14]

Spike Lee is the Man✊🏿✊🏿

[@JaySantana-so9zw]

Why does no one give Michael imperoli credit for this film ? Everyone saying it’s spike Lee film which yes he was the director but Michael was really the one who wrote also and was supposed to star as the main but he was filming the sopranos and couldn’t but it seems like no one really gives him the credit he deserves for this

[@gioluvs1893]

How can they fire Charlie on an unproven allegation. Someone makes a claim with no proof and his whole career is flushed. Nice! Love SOS, great film.

[@njdrummer7120]

Love SLs movies. He really taps into the heart and soul of NYC.

[@joshhobba2535]

I love New York but not because I’m a Yankees fan but because I’m a spike lee fan u can understand an appropriate his love for New York by watching his films

[@aaronflowers8881]

I love that about him. If I were a director, I'd do the same for Detroit.

[@earnthis1]

If you watch Spike Lee movies as basically being about toxic masculinity, they become almost epic. He is an incredible film maker. Fuck the critics!

[@twilightsprite1]

Wow...the NYTimes, tho....damnnnn

[@zodiacz3737]

I love the film. I remember not being allowed to watch in 98ish, next time I had the opportunity to see it not long thereafter I was blown away. I think it is #4 on the list for most "fuck" words in a movie. Sweet joint. Gracias, Mr spike

[@tonym994]

he had a difficult subject to deal w/,and I for one, think some of his best work is in that film.I have always remembered that Summer, and reading about the darkness that apparently controlled Berkowitz. it fascinated me, I must admit. and Lee seemed to capture the whole heat- waved sickness that's called for in this film. I don't go around defending Spike Lee, but I understand his anger at the shit for brains reporter who gave a forum to such a man. he was screwed over when Malcom X wasn't nominated for best pic. his association w/ and depiction of Italo-Americans goes way back, and reminds me of Scorsese's pre-occupation w/the Irish.it is what it is, and usually is entertaining (I'm Italian/Irish).

[@gavinbrando8255]

One of my favourite movies of all time

[@hectornegron9155]

Haven't seen this film yet and I didn't know there was such a controversy with Italians. That said, I would like to know from Italians in the audience if you have seen it and how do you all feel about it. Thanks in advance.

[@coreyhall1150]

I'm NOT a fan of Spike Lee but i'm with him on that article that shit was un-called for.......

[@FormerlyNYVulgarian]

He’s a native New Yorker, he wasn’t really joking about the bat to the head lol

[@hectornegron9155]

Al Pacino wasn't Cuban in SCARFACE nor was he Puerto Rican in CARLITOS WAY nor was Lou Diamond Phillips Mexican in LA BAMBA.

[@manhbx96]

My top 10 Spike Lee movies Jungle Fever Summer of Sam Malcolm X Do The Right Thing Mo Better Blues She’s Gotta Have It Get On The Bus Bamboozled Crooklyn She Hate Me

[@xjdub3824]

"It didn't happen like that."

[@RealDylanM]

Spike and Scorsese are the best directors at showing real New York

[@you2me931]

One of my favorite movies

[@davideric3032]

I would love to askspike lee if e's seen the exorcist

[@slacksane1783]

C'mon man, u waz tha leed in Do The Right Thing! Lol! Big up tho Spike! Hold it down!

[@XiloChannel]

Thats actually true... he didn't need to lie. Danny Aiello wasn't the lead, Mookie was. Strike (Mekhi Pheifer) was the lead in Clockers, not Keitel.

[@greg3d4u]

Not true. Danny Aiello and Harvey Keitel were the Stars of Do The Right Thing and Clockers. Lee and Phiefer were the PROTAGONIST (more screen time, the main character). there's a difference. Lee and Phiefer would never top bill Al Pacino was the star of The Insider and Russell Crowe the co star but the PROTAGONIST. Because the film was about Russell Crowes character. He got the Oscar for best actor because he was the protoganist

[@paulsummers2640]

How did Charlie get so far? Smh

[@trentigalaxy]

The coolest movie of the 90s! 🔥🔥😛✨🎇🎆💋💯💥👍👏

[@mancavetheater1240]

Spike Lee has ALWAYS been a very opinionated individual but as a black man myself from similar yet different oppression,I can relate yet grow tired of the politics and racism& discrimination and injustice of this current system of things Smh I'm extremely disappointed that this interview with rose(who I enjoy very much,especially when Tarantino is sitting at the table)because I expected(even though I shouldn't have cause it's spike Lee lol)more of a anatomy of the film!!! I grew up on Do the Right Thing,Jungle Fever and the Nike air jordan/spike Lee black and white commercials,so I was hoping this interview wouldn't get so personal and focus more on the film itself,summer of Sam. It only touched on certain aspects of the making of the film but as a fan,I expected more like locations,cast,crew,what it was like working with John L,Adrian Brody,etc. I escape reality through cinema,if I want current affairs,I'll just turn on either the local news or world news tonight or Wendy Williams. A so so interview in my humble opinion.

[@myronsanders4563]

What I get from this: The New York Times has not aged well since 1999

[@llcoolj3778]

I remember him saying "forget the draft - get Carmelo (or someone)! We need to get to the playoffs!" The Knicks were a 8 -seed, at best. He would have run the team worse than Isaiah Thomas did. And a terrible actor to boot.

[@justinhunt4767]

Spike the 🐐 dope movie

[@vonhumboldt1985]

Spike is right!

[@everyvillainislemons7583]

His best film. And that says a lot. Phenomenal picture

[@tysonmiller8258]

Hearing Spike talk about the Knicks in the beginning was great then to see what they’ve become now because our stupid owner is sad

[@johnmurdock3448]

I don't know what happened to Spike. This was a great man. If the Spike in 1999 met the Spike of 2021,he would beat the shit outta Him.!!

[@dtraversodt]

This film was all over the place...and that's what is both bad and good about it considering a serial killer's crimes serve as the backdrop. It's said Spike has disdain for Italians based on this nand Do The Right Thing but the opposite is true from what I see. If anything, he made typically jerk character types in this movie like John Leguizamo's Vinny and Mike Rispoli's Joey T actually a little likeable at times.

[@antigaia1817]

rotten tomatoes is really friggin lame. this movie got a 55 percent ? it should be at least 75 percent , it was way better than He Got Game

[@DMalltheway]

More like 90% and I agree it was better than He Got Game

[@emmanuelsalazar9424]

Rotten Tomatoes is completely irrelevant. A numerical score means nothing, if you love or hate a film.

[@justinhunt4767]

🍅 is trash

[@TheWaltm]

I love this film first of all! but I still think you have to be in a certain dark mood, and almost I don't give a shit space, which there is nothing wrong with. It is visceral at its core, funny, horrifying, and inspiring of a time that took over space and time through murder and the perceptions of those differences between being gay, bi, and punk. The country was in a different place and New York was a creature all to itself and there is nothing wrong with that.

[@TheDozierHimself]

G shock

[@lennarthagen3638]

Hit in the head with a bat? Calm down Spike.

[@riorio5052]

Summer of Sam. Gooood film! Lol

[@hazeleyes3176]

Great potential, unnecessarily long film with aspects that are completely disconnected to one another and the overall plot, alongside characters who add nothing and who the audience don't really care about.

[@dirtbagtv8234]

Spike least great

[@johnnyangel9163]

This guy was high drunk.Guy can't speak well!.

[@justinhunt4767]

What 😆 what interview were you watching dope head

[@aaronflowers8881]

Who

[@ytugtbk]

Total BS artist.

[@DMalltheway]

ytugtbk what have you done better?

[@justinhunt4767]

He's a legend clown you live in a basement talking trash 😆 🤣