WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

Episode 1675 - Spike Lee

Sep 4, 2025
Spike Lee joins to discuss his latest film, *Highest 2 Lowest*, featuring Denzel Washington and set in the vibrant landscape of NYC. He shares insights on his passion for teaching and documentary work, while also reminiscing about the impact of *Bamboozled*. The conversation dives into the evolving New York creative scene post-pandemic, the role of improvisation in filmmaking, and the critical legacy of Black filmmakers, emphasizing themes of race and representation in cinema.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Instant Yes From A Trusted Collaborator

  • Denzel Washington sent Spike Lee a script and Spike immediately knew he wanted to direct it.
  • Their long collaboration and trust made Spike accept the project without hesitation.
INSIGHT

Adaptation As Jazz Interpretation

  • Spike described adapting Kurosawa like jazz musicians reinterpreting standards.
  • He framed the film as a reinterpretation, not a remake, using the story as a foundation.
INSIGHT

Morals Drive Audience Engagement

  • Spike argued the film's core is moral weight and viewers project themselves onto Denzel's character.
  • That moral engagement is what makes audiences ask what they would do in similar circumstances.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app