Spike
remember my pops coming up out of the pit. It was just so dramatic in my mind. He
LEE
came up after a take and he was like, “You want to come down there?” I looked at my mom, and she was like, “No, he can’t go.” I was so pissed. From that, and being on the Malcolm X set, I was in heaven. Spike had
John David
to calm me down.
WA S H I N G T O N
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Has his process improved since the Malcolm X days, then? Washington: Please say yes. Lee: Yes [laughs]. I knew he could do this part as soon as Jordan gave me the six-
The director and star of BlacKkKlansman have shared a bond since before the younger man was born BY J OE U T IC H I
word pitch—one of the greatest pitches ever. “Black man infiltrates Ku Klux Klan.” That’s high concept. It was exciting, but at the same time I asked Jordan if it was true, and he said it was. I said, “I’ve seen this a
S
PIKE LEE’S BLACKKKLANSMAN OPENED IN AUGUST, on the one year anniversary of the Unite the Right rally in Charlottesville, Virginia. Lee’s film, based on the memoir of black police officer Ron Stallworth, who successfully infiltrated the KKK in the 1970s, had so many parallels with what happened in Charlottesville that they couldn’t be ignored. Lee cast John David Washington in the lead role, having known him since he was a baby. It was the second time they worked together, after Washington’s childhood cameo in Malcolm X, which starred Washington’s father Denzel.
million times; it’s the Dave Chappelle skit.” He went, “Nah, nah, this is real.” Did you meet Ron Stallworth before you shot? Lee: We both met him, the first day at the readthrough. Washington: I was asking Spike, right after we talked and I read the book, when he told me, “See you this summer.” I was stalking Spike for Ron’s number, and he wouldn’t give it to me. I think one time he said, “Not yet.” I don’t know why you did that, but I’m glad you did. Lee: You know why.
How much did the movie become
Spike, when you cast him in Malcolm X,
Washington: I think it was beneficial for
about what had happened at
did you see the spark of talent?
the performance; for the process of trying
Charlottesville in your mind?
Lee: Yeah, if he chose to do that. Everyone
to figure out something like this in a film of
Spike Lee: When our brother Jordan
has their own path. But it was really when I
Spike Lee’s.
Peele called us, Charlottesville had not
saw him in Ballers.
Lee: It was my thinking that he would
happened. Charlottesville happened
Washington: I also worked with his wife
meet Ron and want to walk like him, talk
August 11th, and we started shooting in
Tonya. She produced a movie called
like him. It wasn’t like playing Malcolm X.
the middle of September. Kevin Willmott,
Monster that I was in. So I must say,
No one knew who Ron Stallworth was, and
my co-writer, and I, we felt that we could
Spike picked me first, but I feel like Tonya
that gives you freedom.
make a hit film—a contemporary film—
believed in me first. She really fought for
that takes place as a period piece in the
me to get the role, and it was a great role,
John David, describe the experience of
past, but that we wouldn’t have to dig
to explore something totally different from
being directed by Spike.
long and deep to find things that connect
myself. That experience; I’m indebted to
Washington: Well, it’s a lot like this
what happened in the story with what’s
her for that.
interview. Colorful.
happening today.
Lee: What year was Malcolm X?
Lee: Loud.
Washington: Right, but Tonya gave me
Washington: But also quiet sometimes.
more meat on the bone [laughs].
What he didn’t say to me was very helpful,
John David, you worked with Spike on Malcolm X when you were how old?
and instrumental in my direction. But I
John David Washington: Six years old.
What’s the first set you remember
also learned what a well-oiled machine
Lee: I knew him before he was born.
being on?
of organized chaos looks like. Spike
Washington: My whole life. We’ve always
Washington: I remember being on Glory.
comes with a wealth of experience and
been a strong family unit, the Lees and the
Lee: In Savannah?
knowledge that he’s so open to share. I’m
Washingtons. But after my first experience
Washington: Yeah, I guess we were in
ready to just listen.
of working for him, I didn’t know if it was
Savannah. I think it was the final epic
Lee: Let this crazy old man talk, right?
ever going to happen again. You know, I
battle scene. I wasn’t in that, but I wish I
Washington: Nah, not old. Maybe a little
wanted it to.
was. But I was there for that scene. I do
crazy, though. ★
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D E A D L I N E .C O M / AWA R D S L I N E
1226 O4 - 5 - Dialogue_Spike Lee & John David Washington.indd 38
PHOTOGRAPH BY
Dan Doperalski
12/21/18 10:12 AM
