MovieChat Forums > Hollywood Shuffle (1987) Discussion > Spike Lee meets Monty Python

Spike Lee meets Monty Python

posted 13 years ago by JoeRob
6 replies | jump to latest

Ok, I'm not doing this to start the inevitable flame war, but I have to say that this movie is every bit as on-the-mark as any Spike Lee film in terms of race relations. However, unlike most Spike movies, this one has a sense of humor that, while at times bleak, never turns into a sermon. Although Spike is a competent filmmaker, I find a satire like Hollywood Shuffle much more enjoyable than, say, Bamboozled (which dealt with a similar-ish topic).

And I honestly believe that part of what helped make the message in Townshend's film work was the use of comedy... at times, even absurdist comedy. For example, the BLACK ACTING SCHOOL sketch is something that could have been pulled straight from Monty Python's Flying Circus (the show). And though it was humorous, it still retained that morbid edge in showing how far Hollywood hadn't come in roles available for black actors. But goddammit, it was funny too!

So, while it was indeed a social commentary on the lack of quality roles available to black actors, the use of comedy made it that much more poignant and, to me at least, more relevant and poignant than one of Spike's half-cocked (but beautifully filmed) two-hour sermons.

[–] 13 years ago

[deleted]

[–] smellovision 13 years ago

I agree that this film was more effective in getting its message across than Bamboozled, which was a bit of mess. Something just felt off about that film. I could see what Lee was trying to do, but it was done in a such a clumsy, heavy-handed fashion. Hollywood Shuffle flowed much better and made its points but was still extremely funny. However, with Do The Right Thing, Lee definitely got it right. He perfectly balanced the humor and drama and was able to make his points without sermonizing. The film had some really funny moments but also wrenching, poignant scenes. One of the things that made Do The Right Thing such a powerful film is that it didn't preach or give a safe pat ending but rather challenged the viewers to reflect on the issues raised in the film. It's more serious in tone than Hollywood Shuffle, but both are top-notch films that deal with serious issues of race.

[–] RobBase086-1 11 years ago

This was the first time in years that I have watched this movie. The last time I saw it on cable TV was back when USA Network was its own independent network before it became the sister station to NBC. Plus, it was before Barry Diller owned it and for a profit he screwed up selling it to NBC. Yes this film did make some very good points about stereo typing African American actors. It has changed so much.

I did like the Black Acting School. That was great on how they were poking some fun at how to act as a black actor.

[–] therefdotcom 10 years ago

true. bamboozled had a great basic idea, awesome actors and a great writing stuff. nevertheless, the film doen'ts raise a single point. it jumps around without saying anything.

hollywood shuffle on the other hand was nothing but the hard truth, delievered in a bitter sweet satirical bon bon.

i disagree on do the right thing, though. while apropriate back in the days i find it to be extremely overrated.

"laugh and the world laughs with you. Weep and you weep alone." - Dae-su Oh

[–] activista 9 years ago

DO THE RIGHT THING is one of Spike Lee's best films, period,bar none. It has its flaws, but it still holds up in certain ways. The OP didn't have to put down Spike's work just to compliment Townsend's work---there's no need for that, and besides, Spike is clearly the far more talented of the two---his films are better when he has a major point to make,anyway. However, as much as I've always liked Spike's work, Bamboolzed should have been a way better film than what it was---it made its points, but then it began to go completely off the rails, and ceased to make any damn sense after that--it was ridiculous. The Spike Lee meets Monty Python is pretty interesting through.

[–] RobBase086-1 11 years ago

I agree with what you are saying about this. It has been ages since I have watched this film. The last time I saw this on TV it had to be in the late 80's or early 90's on the old USA Network back when they would show movies like this on the weekends.

Both Robert Townsend and Keenan Ivory Wayans did a fantastic job in writing this movie. They did prove a point about how Hollywood does stereo type it's characters. They have gotten better now than what they were like 20 and more years ago.