In this section of our Colossus Movie Guide for Do the Right Thing, we delve into the significance of the film’s title.
Cast
- Spike Lee – Mookie
- Danny Aiello – Sal
- John Turturro – Pino
- Richard Edson – Vito
- Bill Nunn – Radio Raheem
- Rosie Perez – Tina
- Giancarlo Esposito – Buggin’ Out
- Ossie Davis – Da Mayor
- Ruby Dee – Mother Sister
- Samuel L. Jackson – Mister Señor Love Daddy
- Roger Guenveur Smith – Smiley
- Rick Aiello – Officer Gary Long
- Miguel Sandoval – Officer Mark Ponte
- Joie Lee – Jade
- Martin Lawrence – Cee
- Leonard L. Thomas – Punchy
- Christa Rivers – Ella
- Robin Harris – Sweet Dick Willie
- Paul Benjamin – ML
- Frankie Faison – Coconut Sid
Why is the movie called Do the Right Thing?
The title Do the Right Thing might appear straightforward, suggesting a simple moral directive to make ethically correct decisions. However, as the film unfolds, it becomes clear that determining what constitutes the “right thing” is steeped in layers of complexity, ambiguity, and subjectivity.
Da Mayor’s directive to Mookie to “do the right thing” early in the film sets the stage for the narrative’s exploration of morality, ethics, and societal pressures. His advice, though seemingly simple, resonates throughout the movie as we observe characters navigating their personal moral landscapes amid escalating tensions. Initially, the quote seems to foreshadow a traditional morality tale where characters will face clear choices between right and wrong, a concept most audiences are familiar with.
The deeper meaning of the title lies in the fact that what may be deemed as “right” is often a matter of perspective. Depending on one’s values, experiences, beliefs, and even their place in a social or racial hierarchy, the definition of the “right thing” can drastically differ. For instance, the character Mookie throws a trash can through the window of Sal’s pizzeria, which, on the surface, is a violent act of vandalism. However, in the context of the story, it can be viewed as an expression of pent-up anger, frustration, and a desperate cry for justice following the death of Radio Raheem. Is Mookie doing the right thing? From his viewpoint, this act was perhaps a necessary measure to draw attention to racial violence. However, to others, his actions might seem destructive and unproductive, potentially escalating the conflict.
By the end of the movie, Da Mayor’s quote takes on a more profound significance. The climactic conflict at Sal’s pizzeria, culminating in Mookie’s act of throwing the trash can through the window and the subsequent riot, forces the audience to grapple with what the “right thing” truly means in such circumstances. Is it peace at the cost of justice, or is it a disruptive act to draw attention to a grave injustice? The ambiguity inherent in Da Mayor’s advice thus becomes a point of reflection for the audience, prompting them to reconsider their understanding of morality and justice.
In the broader context, the title serves as a commentary on systemic racial and social inequalities that still persist in society. It underscores the fact that individuals from marginalized communities often have to navigate a complex moral landscape where the “right thing” may differ vastly from the mainstream narrative. In the face of systemic oppression, their fight for equality might be deemed as an act of defiance, disobedience, or even criminal activity by those in power.
The title’s deeper meaning lies in its challenge to the audience. As viewers, we’re urged to question our notions of what is “right” and “wrong.” We’re prompted to examine our biases, our preconceived notions, and the societal narratives we’ve accepted. This demand for introspection and self-reflection continues to resonate long after the film ends, causing us to grapple with these issues in our own lives.
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