Spike Lee John David Washington

Spike Lee

John David Washington

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The director and star of BlacKkKlansman have shared a bond since before the younger man was born

BY JOE UTICHI

SPIKE 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.

How much did the movie becomeabout what had happened atCharlottesville in your mind?

Spike Lee: When our brother JordanPeele called us, Charlottesville had not happened. Charlottesville happened August 11th , and we started shooting in the middle of September. Kevin Willmott, my co-writer, and I, we felt that we could make a hit film—a contemporary film—that takes place as a period piece in the past, but that we wouldn’t have to dig long and deep to find things that connect what happened in the story with what’s happening today.

John David, you worked with Spike onMalcolm X when you were how old?

John David Washington: Six years old.Lee: I knew him before he was born.Washington: My whole life. We’ve always been a strong family unit, the Lees and theWashingtons. But after my first experience of working for him, I didn’t know if it was ever going to happen again. You know, I wanted it to.

Spike, when you cast him in Malcolm X, did you see the spark of talent?

Lee: Yeah, if he chose to do that. Everyone has their own path. But it was really when I saw him in Ballers.Washington: I also worked with his wifeTonya. She produced a movie calledMonster that I was in. So I must say,Spike picked me first, but I feel like Tonya believed in me first. She really fought forme to get the role, and it was a great role, to explore something totally different from myself. That experience; I’m indebted to her for that.Lee: What year was Malcolm X?Washington: Right, but Tonya gave memore meat on the bone [laughs].

What’s the first set you remember being on?

Washington: I remember being on Glory.Lee: In Savannah?Washington: Yeah, I guess we were inSavannah. I think it was the final epic battle scene. I wasn’t in that, but I wish I was. But I was there for that scene. I do remember my pops coming up out of the pit. It was just so dramatic in my mind. He 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 theMalcolm X set, I was in heaven. Spike had to calm me down.

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 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 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 read through. 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.Washington: I think it was beneficial for the performance; for the process of trying to figure out something like this in a film ofSpike Lee’s.Lee: It was my thinking that he would meet Ron and want to walk like him, talk like him. It wasn’t like playing Malcolm X.No one knew who Ron Stallworth was, and that gives you freedom.

John David, describe the experience of being directed by Spike.

Washington: Well, it’s a lot like thisinterview. Colorful.Lee: Loud.Washington: But also quiet sometimes.What he didn’t say to me was very helpful,and instrumental in my direction. But Ialso learned what a well-oiled machineof organized chaos looks like. Spikecomes with a wealth of experience andknowledge that he’s so open to share. I’mready to just listen.Lee: Let this crazy old man talk, right?Washington: Nah, not old. Maybe a little crazy, though. ★