All Of It: Spike Lee on "Highest to Lowest"

Podcast: All Of It
Host: Alison Stewart
Guest: Spike Lee
Episode Title: Spike Lee on Heading Back to NYC in 'Highest 2 Lowest'
Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction to "Highest to Lowest"

In this episode of All Of It, host Alison Stewart engages in a comprehensive conversation with acclaimed director Spike Lee about his latest film, "Highest to Lowest." The film features a stellar cast including Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, Wendell Pierce Lachanze, and newcomers Ice Spice and A$AP Rocky. The narrative centers on David King (Denzel Washington), a wealthy music mogul faced with a heart-wrenching dilemma: whether to pay a hefty ransom of $17.5 million to save his son or sustain his struggling business.

Notable Clip:

Spike Lee [00:57]: "Listen, listen, beloved, I see all you do. And I can never stop thanking you for what you did for me. But I never really asked you for anything... You're asking me for $17.5 million. That's all people do is ask me for stuff."

Collaboration with Denzel Washington

Spike Lee delves into his longstanding professional relationship with Denzel Washington, highlighting their collaborations since the film "Mo Better Blues." Lee emphasizes the deep bond and mutual respect they share, both personally and professionally.

Spike Lee [02:22]: "Denzel and I have been working together since 'Mo Better Blues.' Our relationship is not just about being each other's presence. We have a bond. We have a love. Our families are close."

Lee expresses profound trust in Washington's instincts, noting that receiving the script for "Highest to Lowest" from Denzel reaffirmed his confidence in the project.

Spike Lee [03:35]: "It was a blessing when Denzel called me and said I'm sending you a script. I knew I was doing it even before FedEx arrived with the script."

Adaptation from Kurosawa and Ed McBain

"Highest to Lowest" is a loose adaptation of the Akira Kurosawa film "High and Low," which was itself based on a novel by Ed McBain titled "King's Ransom." Lee approaches this adaptation akin to a jazz musician reinterpreting a classic standard, infusing his unique cultural and contemporary perspectives into the narrative.

Spike Lee [03:38]: "I took the approach of a jazz musician who's doing a reinterpretation of a standard classic."

Themes of Wealth, Class, and Privilege

The film scrutinizes the nuances of wealth and privilege, particularly how David King's affluence influences his interactions and decisions. Lee discusses how the portrayal of opulence serves as a shorthand to communicate King's status and the high stakes he faces.

Spike Lee [10:20]: "He got bank. You want to see the money where he lives and on the walls. It's the shortcut that, you know, this guy got. He got bank."

Lee also touches upon the visual elements used in the film to depict King's wealth, including meticulously curated artwork and luxurious settings.

Characterization of David King as a Music Industry Titan

Choosing to portray David King as a music mogul allows Lee to explore the intersection of art and business. This decision opens avenues to integrate music deeply into the film's fabric, reflecting Lee's passion for the art form.

Spike Lee [07:14]: "I love music. Music has been a very important part of my filmmaking."

King's resistance to technological advancements, such as social media and AI, underscores a generational clash and adds depth to his character's internal struggles.

Spike Lee [08:19]: "These computers don't have a soul, they don't have a heart. He's against it, like me."

He further elaborates on his skepticism towards AI, highlighting concerns over authenticity and the impact on creative industries.

Representation of Black Excellence

Alison Stewart brings up the critical acclaim "Highest to Lowest" has received, with praise highlighting its fearless and proud portrayal of Black excellence. Lee reflects on this, emphasizing that his identity as a Black man inherently embodies excellence without needing an elaborate definition.

Spike Lee [12:57]: "I'm black, so I do excellent work. That's black excellence."

Working with Young Talent: A$AP Rocky and Jeffrey Wright

Lee discusses his collaboration with A$AP Rocky, praising his natural charisma and ability to transcend his rapper persona to deliver a nuanced performance.

Spike Lee [13:37]: "Charisma just oozes out of his pores. He got it. The smile, the swagger."

Regarding Jeffrey Wright, Lee lauds his versatility and consistent excellence, noting how Wright elevates his performance through a strong supporting cast.

Spike Lee [17:35]: "We have a phenomenal cast. The acting around Denzel makes him lift up his performance, too."

Art and Visual Storytelling

Art plays a significant role in "Highest to Lowest," with Lee overseeing the art direction to reflect the protagonist's taste and wealth subtly. He shares anecdotes about his personal art collection and its influence on the film's aesthetic.

Spike Lee [11:15]: "My wife and I have great, great art. Last year had an exhibition in the Brooklyn Museum with all the... copies of the real thing."

Filming in New York City and Gentrification

Lee recounts unique set pieces filmed in New York City, particularly in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, where the film captures the vibrant local culture amidst the backdrop of events like the Puerto Rican Day Parade. He touches upon the impact of gentrification on Fort Greene, though he chooses to reserve an in-depth discussion for another time.

Spike Lee [22:15]: "That is another show. You know what you do you can go Google and do the night. And I went berserk."

Tribute to Eddie Palmieri

A poignant moment in the film pays tribute to the late Eddie Palmieri, a legendary salsa musician. Lee shares how Palmieri's involvement added emotional depth to the film, particularly in a live performance scene that resonated deeply with audiences.

Spike Lee [22:51]: "The song he sent me, the title is 'The Lowdown.' Big, big, big loss for not just salsa music, not for just Puerto Rico, for the world."

Final Thoughts and Encouragement to Support Theaters

Concluding the interview, Lee passionately urges listeners to support theatrical releases, emphasizing the communal and immersive experience that cinemas offer, which cannot be replicated on personal screens.

Spike Lee [24:10]: "We need to support opening day weekend. Let's go. Let's keep it going."

He wraps up with a light-hearted comment about the Knicks winning the year, showcasing his personable and humorous side.

Conclusion

Spike Lee's "Highest to Lowest" promises to be a compelling exploration of wealth, family, and moral dilemmas, enriched by stellar performances and Lee's signature storytelling prowess. With high critical acclaim and a dedication to authentic representation, the film stands as a testament to Black excellence and the enduring spirit of New York City.

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