Racial Tensions In The Film 'Do The Right Thing'

The film, Do The Right Thing, explores racial tensions in a neighborhood in Brooklyn as a way to depict and convey the frustration of the African American community. The major way in which racial tensions are portrayed and emphasized within the film is through eloquent and elaborate cinematography. To be more specific, the methodical way in which each of the scenes and overall film was set up, captured, arranged, and developed enabled the viewer to more clearly understand the message that was being transmitted. Without any doubt, the cinematography of the film was very particular and meticulous- to the point that it even served to strengthen the theme that dominated the entire film; this being the residents’ love and hate relationship with one another as a result of racial tensions.
To demonstrate how the cinematography of the film facilitated the understanding of the film’s theme, it is imperative to mention long shots. The use of long shots throughout the film allowed viewers to be transported to very specific
As an illustration, the low angle used on multiple occasion on Mother Sister when she sat by the window made her character appear tremendously important. Furthermore, the angle at which she was captured made it very easy to understand she was meant to be seen as a very respected figure: Always looking out for those who surrounded her and as someone meant to maintain the love and peace in the community. Similarly, close up angle shots were also extremely important to convey the film’s theme. This may be justified by continuing analyzing Mother Sister’s Character. To demonstrate, at the end of the film, viewers witness a scene in which this respected and strong character lost all her composure and strength. By closing up on mother sister, viewers saw mother sister as a vulnerable character for the first time; essentially enabling viewers to further understand the gravity of the