The Lesser-Known Works of Spike Lee
Welcome to The B-Side! Here, we delve into the world of movie directors, focusing not on the films that brought them fame, but rather on the ones they created in between.
Today, we have a discussion about Spike Lee, one of our favorite filmmakers! Our B-Sides for today are: Girl 6, Get on the Bus, Summer of Sam, Passing Strange, and Chi-Raq.
We explore what makes Lee a distinct artist, his early works and initial success, his status as a commercial star, and his boundless optimism as a stylist.
Spike Lee has noted that Crooklyn is the film most often brought up by fans. I've previously written about Lee's remarkable film openings, and Conor and I celebrate his maximalist approach. We also touch on his ambitious blend of tones, highlighting the minefield scene from Da 5 Bloods, which we discuss. It shifts from humor to poignant tragedy.
We also chat about our ideal Patreon mini-podcast series Macht Speed (a thorough examination of Gabriel Macht's career), the feud between Spike Lee and Quentin Tarantino, and the bold ambition behind films like She Hate Me.
Listen below and subscribe here. Don't forget to follow us on Bluesky at @tfsbside.bsky.social. Enjoy!
Watch, listen, or read below and subscribe here. Also, be sure to follow us on Bluesky at @tfsbside.bsky.social. Enjoy!
Other articles
The Alternate Works of Spike Lee
Welcome to The B-Side! In this space, we focus on film directors—not the blockbuster films that brought them fame or maintained their status, but the lesser-known works they created in between. Today, we're talking about Spike Lee, one of our all-time favorite filmmakers! Our B-Sides for today include: Girl 6, Get on the Bus, Summer of Sam, and Passing Strange.
The 6K restoration of Werner Herzog's "Cave of Forgotten Dreams" is set to be released in IMAX.
One of Werner Herzog's most captivating documentaries has undergone an impressive restoration and will be released widely. IFC announced today that a 6K restoration and enhancement of Cave of Forgotten Dreams, Herzog's 3D documentary that delves into the heavily restricted Chauvet Cave—where some of the earliest known human art is found—will be featured in special IMAX presentations across the country on April 15.
The Unseen Aspects of Spike Lee
Welcome to The B-Side! In this space, we explore movie directors—not their well-known films or those that solidified their fame, but the lesser-known works they created in between. Today, we're focusing on Spike Lee, one of our all-time favorite filmmakers! The B-Side films we're highlighting today are: Girl 6, Get on the Bus, Summer of Sam, and Passing Strange.
George Zouvelos Captures Classic New York Toughness in Once a Week for Life
George Zouvelos embodies the classic New York toughness in Once a Week for Life, a film he both wrote and directed, in which he also stars.
.jpg)
Film Review – You’re in a Relationship with a Narcissist! (2026)
You’re in a Relationship with a Narcissist!, 2026. Directed by Ann Marie Allison. Featuring Marisa Tomei, Sherry Cola, Ciara Bravo, Marco Pigossi, José María Yázpik, Lily Donoghue, Kelsey Lea Jones, Judy Kain, Ashley…
George Zouvelos Captures Classic New York Toughness in Once a Week for Life
George Zouvelos embodies the classic New York resilience in Once a Week for Life, a film he both wrote and directed, as well as stars in.
The Lesser-Known Works of Spike Lee
Welcome to The B-Side! Here, we discuss film directors—not the movies that propelled them into fame or helped maintain it, but rather the projects they created in between. Today, we're focusing on Spike Lee, one of our all-time favorite directors! Our B-Sides for today include: Girl 6, Get on the Bus, Summer of Sam, Passing Strange.