Spike Lee Respectfully Speaks Out Against Quentin Tarantino’s Django. [video]

Just two days away from the release of Quentin Tarantino’s Django and we are starting to hear more and more black celebrities talking out against the film.  Some are to be taken seriously like Spike Lee and some are to be taken with a grain of salt, like Kat Williams.

During a clip shown on Vibe TV Spike Lee is shown simply stating

“I can’t speak on it ’cause I’m not gonna see it.”

“All I’m going to say is that it’s disrespectful to my ancestors, to see that film. That’s the only thing I’m gonna say. I can’t disrespect my ancestors. I can’t do it. Now, that’s me, I’m not speaking on behalf of anybody but myself.”
Lee is upset at how the movie is being portrayed as a “Spaghetti Western”.  For those not familiar with the term, it refers to Westerns made by Italians started by Sergio Leone.  These films typically had an Italian director, Italo-Spanishtechnical staff, and a cast of Italian, Spanish, German and American actors.

Spike Lee also took to twitter and then, unlike most celebrities of his caliber actually intelligently and respectfully addressed and interacted with his fans.

American Slavery Was Not A Sergio Leone Spaghetti Western.It Was A Holocaust.My Ancestors Are Slaves.Stolen From Africa.I Will Honor Them.

— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) December 22, 2012

Initially I was gung ho about Django but hearing Spike Lee talk, I will still watch but differently.  I expect it to be an emotional ride but I also expect it to be a great film.  I also respect that Spike didn’t tell others not to watch but said it was a personal decision.  Much respect to Spike.  His talent and body of work speak for itself.  Here is his interview, as well as the official Django trailer if you haven’t seen it yet.

What do you think? Are you going to watch?

[more…]