Bamboozled

Spike Lee can be defined as one of the most important, innovative, and intelligent living filmmakers by looking at this film alone. Television execs pilot a modern day minstrel show that’s an instant success. The racial themes of the movie aren’t sublimated in the least but poignant and digestible for anyone interested in being reminded of the horrific stereotypes perpetuated by the entertainment industry. But the genius of the film comes from Lee’s innovative breakaway from traditional narrative structure and continuity. Scenes become television commercials, the viewer’s perspective shifts from the first and third person, and Lee even switches between digital and film formats. Bamboozled will resonate long after the credits roll, something that always happens when a director makes his or her point so clearly but on a fictional platform that makes you wonder, “could this really happen?” And the answer: scary but yes.