Spike Lee shared his experience of reuniting with Denzel Washington during the filming of their latest film “Highest 2 Lowest” at the Cannes Film Festival. The two legendary figures resumed their collaboration nearly twenty years after their last project, “Inside Man.” Lee expressed surprise at how smoothly the transition was, stating, “It was like it was yesterday. So we didn’t lose a step.”
“Highest 2 Lowest,” a new adaptation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic “High and Low,” marks the fifth collaboration between Lee and Washington. Washington had recently received an honorary Palme d’Or award, recognizing his impactful career in film. Though he was absent from the press conference due to commitments back in the U.S. for a Broadway production of “Othello,” his presence was felt among the cast, which includes Ilfenesh Hadera and Jeffrey Wright, who is also featuring in another film at Cannes titled “The Phoenician Scheme.”
Rapper A$AP Rocky attended the premiere with partner Rihanna but did not join the news conference. Lee’s remarks and the film’s reception at Cannes highlight the continued relevance of storytelling and collaboration among seasoned filmmakers, pointing to a hopeful future for cinematic artistry despite the challenges the industry faces.
This film premiere heralds not only a return to successful partnerships but also emphasizes the ability of artists to innovate and inspire audiences over decades, solidifying the bond between Lee and Washington as a powerful force in cinema.
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