Quotes by Spike Lee

About Spike Lee:

Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American film director, producer, writer, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

We grew up in a very creative environment and were exposed to the arts at a very young age, so it's not a surprise that all of us are in some form of the arts.

Spike Lee

I'd like to state that Spike Lee is not saying that African American culture is just for black people alone to enjoy and cherish. Culture is for everybody.

Spike Lee

First of all, what in this world does not revolve around money? But money is a big part of film, unlike a lot of other art forms.

Spike Lee

When I went to school, you had to take art, you had to play an instrument. You had to play an instrument. But it's all degraded since then. I do not know what kind of nation we are that is cutting art, music, and gym out of the public-school curricul...

Spike Lee

My grandmother lived to be 100 years old. Her grandmother was a slave, yet she was a college graduate in the Spellman class of 1917. She taught art for 50 years and she saved her Social Security checks for her children's education.

Spike Lee

I think the best actors in the world are here in New York City. And this city is just so vibrant the energy is just phenomenal. Great crews here. All the technicians, all the artists that work in this industry. I've just been very happy with the body...

Spike Lee

Don't think that because you haven't heard from me for a while that I went to sleep. I am still here, like a spirit roaming the night. Thirsty, hungry, seldom stopping to rest.

Spike Lee

Everything I do is always scrutinised. But that's all I'll say about that.

Spike Lee

I think people who have faults are a lot more interesting than people who are perfect.

Spike Lee

A lot of times, we censor ourselves before the censor even gets there.

Spike Lee

It comes down to this: black people were stripped of our identities when we were brought here, and it's been a quest since then to define who we are.

Spike Lee

There's an unwritten law that you cannot have a Jewish character in a film who isn't 100 percent perfect, or you're labeled anti-Semitic.

Spike Lee

There's a lot of Americans, black and white, who think that we've arrived where we need to be and nothing else needs to be done and affirmative action needs to be dismantled.

Spike Lee

What's the difference between Hollywood characters and my characters? Mine are real.

Spike Lee

You have to do the research. If you don't know about something, then you ask the right people who do.

Spike Lee

'Do the Right Thing' was like the first film where I really felt comfortable working with actors.

Spike Lee

I think it is very important that films make people look at what they've forgotten.

Spike Lee

'Do the Right Thing' was my first union film. I looked at the rosters, and for the most part, it was white males. Especially the Teamsters. So we had some conversations.

Spike Lee

People of color have a constant frustration of not being represented, or being misrepresented, and these images go around the world.

Spike Lee

I tend to favour films that have multiple plot and story lines, multiple characters and ensemble pieces.

Spike Lee

Author Bio

  • NameSpike Lee
  • DescriptionAmerican film director, film producer, writer, and actor
  • BornMarch 20, 1957
  • CountryUnited States Of America
  • ProfessionFilm Director; Actor; Screenwriter; Film Producer
  • AwardsList Of Awards And Nominations Received By Spike Lee; Primetime Emmy Award; George Polk Award