Clint Eastwood: Spike Lee Should "Shut His Face", Lee Responds, "We're Not On A Plantation"

UPDATE:
"First of all, the man is not my father and we're not on a plantation either," Spike Lee told ABCNEWS.com about Clint Eastwood. "He's a great director. He makes his films, I make my films. The thing about it though, I didn't personally attack him. And a comment like 'a guy like that should shut his face' -- come on Clint, come on. He sounds like an angry old man right there."

"If he wishes, I could assemble African-American men who fought at Iwo Jima and I'd like him to tell these guys that what they did was insignificant and they did not exist," he said. "I'm not making this up. I know history. I'm a student of history. And I know the history of Hollywood and its omission of the one million African-American men and women who contributed to World War II."

"Not everything was John Wayne, baby..."

"I never said he should show one of the other guys holding up the flag as black. I said that African-Americans played a significant part in Iwo Jima," he said. "For him to insinuate that I'm rewriting history and have one of the four guys with the flag be black ... no one said that. It's just that there's not one black in either film. And because I know my history, that's why I made that observation."

******
PREVIOUSLY:

Clint Eastwood has advised rival film director Spike Lee to "shut his face" after the African-American complained about the racial make-up of Eastwood's films.

In an interview with the Guardian published today, Eastwood rejected Lee's complaint that he had failed to include a single African-American soldier in his films Flags of Our Fathers and Letters from Iwo Jima, both about the 1945 battle for the Japanese island.

In typically outspoken language, Eastwood justified his choice of actors, saying that those black troops who did take part in the battle as part of a munitions company didn't raise the flag. The battle is known by the image of US marines raising the American flag on Mount Suribachi.

"The story is Flags of Our Fathers, the famous flag-raising picture, and they didn't do that. If I go ahead and put an African-American actor in there, people'd go: 'This guy's lost his mind.' I mean, it's not accurate." Referring to Lee, he added: "A guy like him should shut his face."

Keep reading

-or-

Read Spike Lee's Clint Eastwood criticism from Cannes just last month:

"He did two films about Iwo Jima back to back and there was not one black soldier in both of those films," Lee said Tuesday at the Cannes Film Festival, where he was a judge in an online short-film competition.

"Many veterans, African-Americans, who survived that war are upset at Clint Eastwood. In his vision of Iwo Jima, Negro soldiers did not exist. Simple as that. I have a different version," Lee said.

Comments

[KillgoreTrout43]

I agree with Eastwood. Flags of Our Fathers was basically about the flag raising and the lives of those that raised it. Hence the title; Flags of Our Fathers.
Quit your bitchin Spike. Not everything is a Black/White issue. Eastwood makes better films. Get over it.

[robXdion]

What are you so afraid blacks should get recognition for participating? You've been provided an article showing you it's the truth. Why does the race issue scare you so badly?

[aubrey8]

Looks like the race issue scares you more than him.

[KillgoreTrout43]

I SERVED with Black Marines. How about you sparky?

[Ping]

Not scared at all. There were no Blacks in that movie because racial segregation was practiced in the United States at that time. It is the shame of our country. What are you scared of?

[djmarch]

Why does this ethnic group always think they are owed something ? Clint portrayed correct history accounts. History is what it is and what it was, and unfortunately there are some who want to change it.

[aubrey8]

some people can't stop trying to get blood out of a turnip.

[Mike169]

"The story is Flags of Our Fathers, the famous flag-raising picture, and they didn't do that. If I go ahead and put an African-American actor in there, people'd go: 'This guy's lost his mind.' I mean, it's not accurate." Referring to Lee, he added: "A guy like him should shut his face."

The movie was a movie about the inaccuracy of the actual raising of the flag. Much of movie lore has nothing at all to do with history and everything about entertainment - something Clint Eastwood and Spike Lee share in common. American audiences don't know history beyond five minutes ago anyway. What is disturbing about your response is the use of "this ethnic group" that thinks it is "owed something". What's wrong with you? Perhaps "this ethnic group" dislikes the representations made about them by other ethnic groups for what, sometimes appears to be racially motivated reasons. You may have missed the howl of Michael Moore's documentaries - whose ox was gored then? Did you post something to the effect that some "political groups think they are owed something"? I don't think so. In the end it's just a movie.

[KillgoreTrout43]

The movie was touted as beineg historical. Many movies have been made about events in history. Some are not very accurate and some are very accurate. Your blanket judgement of films is very narrow-minded.
Lee needs to realize, that not eveything in life is about blacks vs whites or vice versa. But I feel we are only seeing the beginning of whiney blacks now that Barack may become president. Suddenly, black persecution will abound.
Like Obama's wife, bitching and moaning about the way blacks are treated so unfairly, yet she has an ivy-league education and a job in one of the top law firms in Chicago, and she is ungrateful to the max. She definately shows an heir of entitlement.

[UNR]

What ethnic group are you talking about? This isn't about ethnic groups at all, buddy...it's about historical accuracy and acknowledging the sacrifices made by citizens of this country. And it's long overdue. It's nonsense like you're spouting that cause people to have a need for a "Black History Month" or so on. There should only be one history, American History, but unfortunately the history makers are blind to all of it except for one color.

I saw a documentary on WW2 the other night, talking about the invasion of Italy. Apparently there was a highly decorated and successful Japanese-American battallion that fought with distinction and heroism, even while their fellow Japanese-American's were being herded into internment camps. Why don't we hear more stories like these? Simply irresponsible.

[yhgtup]

What do you mean, "Why does this ethnic group always think they are owed something?" First of all, "this ethnic group" does not feel we are "owed something", we just want our just do's. We want credit for our participation in making this country what it is today. This country was built on the backs of African Americans. We did all the work, remember, while white folk sat under oak trees, being fanned by "house negroes', WATCHING US SLAVE!! Get over yourselves!! We don't feel you "owe' us. You could NEVER repay what was taken from us anyway!!

[writerforhire]

I agree with this statement. I wish more historical accounts of the great contributions by African Americans during a time when segregation stopped many a man's dream were depicted in motion pictures. Where does the burden lie for this absence?

Racism is pestilence. It makes its way into the dark corners of ones mind, soul and very being. Opposed Racism is the same. The tide of angry black individuals using the "race card" to stop or discriminate against the white race is as negative an influence as white-black racism.

[UNR]

Spike was even more right than I thought. Apparently a black soldier even provided the pole for the flag raising....

http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2284542,00.html

Just admit you're wrong Clint, and let's all move on.

[KillgoreTrout43]

How is Eastwood wrong? There simply were no blacks involved in actually raising the flag. The story has been told before. It is about those that raised the flag and how that affected their lives afterward.

[robXdion]

Read the link provided, genius.

[Midnightrain]

Ok Spike, a legitimate criticism, but did you have to use the word negro? C'mon.

[FunGuy13]

While I am neither black or white, I am a person of "color" & Spike is correct in his accusation. As an invisible American, since I am neither of black, white or Hispanic background, I always found it amusing that when I see modern movies of historic significance, the minorites were always placed in the periphery, even when they have contributed signifcantly to the topic germaine to that movie. Also, in most movies, the cast who is the minority is the first to die or be eliminated, which means that they will not earn as much as the other Euro-white cast members. Woody Allen is another great example of a director that never casts minorities in his films, yet he is married to his Korean-American babysitter/nanny. Clint I belive is married to an American of Mexican heritage.

[middleoftheroad]

Spike Lee just has a huge chip on his shoulder. If all he got out of "Letters" was that he did not see black faces in the short time there were Americans even in the movie then he has really lost it. In this year where Americans are about to elect the first African American PRESIDENT a guy like Spike Lee just can't take YES for an answer. Get over it Spike-Or we are going to turn the page without you!!!!

Spike just wont know what to do with himself when there is less hate in the world.

[Midnightrain]

And what do you call that thing on your shoulder? Check out your tone, dude.

[aubrey8]

The guy is right man, get that chip off your shoulder and shut your face. The guy is right.

[consciousempress]

Hey Sweetness,
I'm sure you have never been forced to turn off the TV while your children were watching cartoons because the commercials, seventeen in a row, did not feature any children of color.

I'm sure your dad didn't serve in the US Navy in Korea and get Ni@@er and threatened by his own countrymen. (And then not ever see his experience portrayed on any screen, big or little). And please don't bring up Men of Honor.

I'm sure you don't have to explain to your children why there aren't any black superheroes.

I'm sure you don't have to face Christmas searching for toys and dolls that reflect your child's beauty. (often unsuccessfully, unless you know where to go.)

There are numerous Black films made every day that reflect the spectrum of the African Diaspora, from comic to tragi, and everything in between. These films don't get nationwide distribution; the money doen's come. Heck, Spike had to beg the studio for money to allow him to complete Malcolm X, and Oprah, Bill, MJ and others still had to chip in.

Clint could pitch a film about Godzilla picking his nose and would get the funding. Black Marines were at Iwo Jima; they were an integral part of the operations. They should have been in the film. Period.

Google it for yourself. That's what Spike is complaining about. Our INVISIBILTY. And what is visible and marketed is not very affirming (see: BET&A) And that is no longer Black-owned.

[KillgoreTrout43]

"Clint could pitch a film about Godzilla picking his nose and would get the funding. Black Marines were at Iwo Jima; they were an integral part of the operations. They should have been in the film. Period."

Oh quit your whinning. The movie was about the "flag raisers," and the actual raising of the flag.
Nobody is denying that there were black Marines at Iwo. It's just that the movie wasn't about them. There were Marines all over the place that didn't take part in the flag raising. Is anybody bitching about them??? No. Lee needs to realize that not everything is black and white.

[Ping]

This comment is pending approval and won't be displayed until it is approved.

Consciousempress wrote:

"There are numerous Black films made every day that reflect the spectrum of the African Diaspora, from comic to tragi, and everything in between. These films don't get nationwide distribution; the money doen's come. Heck, Spike had to beg the studio for money to allow him to complete Malcolm X, and Oprah, Bill, MJ and others still had to chip in."

The film industry is a business. The long and short of it is that Spike Lee's movies do not make money. He has trouble raising money for his projects because his films are for the most part box office FAILURES.

By the way, the head of the studios is Richard Parsons.

[hv112221]

I'm with Spike Lee on this one...it is important that all American contributions be recognized.

[CellarDoor]

Me too! As long as you don't dictate my creativity. I believe that's called tyranny.

[KillgoreTrout43]

That's not what the movie was about. It was about the flag raising. It wasn't a documentary on the invasion of Iwo. It was a story about the actual raising of the flag and how it affected those that raised it. It's just a historical fact that there were no black Marines involved. In the over-all invasion, yes, but the movie wasn't about the overall invasion.

[littlepuffycloud]

I've always loved Clint Eastwood as an actor and director, but his response of 'Spike should shut his face' is typical of powerful men of his generation. They can't deal with legitmate obversation/comment/criticism, so they resort to 'old man shouts at cloud' tactics. Spike Lee is as great a director as Eastwood and deserves more than Eastwood's old man response. And Spike is historically correct; but that doesnt seem to matter to Eastwood. I have to ask: Can't we just all get along?!

[bbbear]

Exactly! I like old Clint's films, but he's soooooo last century! Why not admit it and, in so doing, step into the 21st century. Including black faces in those films simply didn't occur to him. Clint's omission is merely a symtom of an age tainted by segregation..
Been there, done that.

[aubrey8]

and you're old mind seems to be fresh out of logic.

[CVale]

Yes. I'm reminded here of Charlton Heston's remarks to Michael Moore in "Bowling For Columbine", when Mr. Heston started saying many of our country's problems stemmed from the mixing of the races. How last century.

[Ping]

The Army was segregated during WWII. Blacks, and Asians were "invisible" during the second world war. You were supposed to come out of the theater and ask, "What happened to all the Black people?", then you were supposed to read a book or go check out a video on Iwo at the public library.

[danton2000]

Spike is right on the money! As a white man it is embarrassing that history is still being revised and "colored" by false accounts. A film is a powerful thing and in future generations can be misconstrued as fact. The people that are telling Spike to "give it a rest" and insulting him are betraying themselves to show their lazy thinking and subtle, albeit, possibly unconscious racism. Do you think the history books you read in your little public school were accurate about slavery in this country? Or on the slaughter of native Americans? If you do well... That's sadly pathetic.

peace

[aubrey8]

It's sad people are as ignorant as the one who made the original post above. It takes very little research, less than 5 minutes to find out what this movie was about.
Unfortunately this person and Spike Lee were to lazy to look for the truth or were more interested in their own selfish self promotion.
Spike Lee and guys like this need to shut their face.

[UnknownSoldier]

It is sad that you do not comprehend what Spike Lee is saying very well. Let me lay it out for you. THERE NO BLACK AMERICANS in either movie Clint Eastwood directed about Iwo Jima. Spike Lee is saying correctly that BLACK AMERICANS were on the Island Fighting and Dying for AMERICA. Clint Eastwood is saying that there were no BLACK AMERICANS there AT ALL and this was his reason as to why he did not put them in the movie.

Spikes Point was that he could have at least added some BLACK extras, is that so much to ask for to depict things accurately.

So now take your own advice and use your 5 minutes to look up Black Americans at Iwo Jima and while you at it Black Soldiers were at Normandy on D-Day too, but none of them were in Spielberg's Saving Private Ryan. I was told that by a man who was there, God Bless Him.

[DontBeFoolish]

Not sure what your thinking here Aubrey8, I saw the movie and enoyed it. However, what Spike Lee is saying is that Black people participated in that fight before the flag was raised and after it was raised. A very simple and obvious point. No need to argue, I or anyone else really doesn't need to pick up a book to research this point. It pretty much a sure bet that black americans were there fighting side by side those (4)four young men.

[NoLove4HillaryAnymore]

You and your type can't handle the truth...

[Midnightrain]

What are so afraid of? Sheesh!

[danton2000]

Oh Aubrey Aubrey Aubrey .. I wasn't going to waste my time writing to you but you are unfortunately so representative of the ignorance in our culture. You have been listening to too many pundits spewing false rhetoric and semantics and your brain has gone soft... You typed all this stuff... but you actually said... nothing. When your already in a hole, stop digging. Go now and be in peace.

[CVale]

I agree with you danton2000. For example, I did not learn anything about the internment camps for Japanese-Americans during WWII while I was in school. When I found out via a TV documentary and later asked my WWII-era parents about it they got very defensive and mad. Also, I am still not educated as to how many and what roles Aftican-American and other minority race Americans played in WWII. I shudder to think only Hollywood films made during more prejudice years will be a source of historic fact.

[danton2000]

YES! The Japanese internment camps are another very specific example of this.

[rzan]

A much more recent example of our racism is how the tragedy in New Orleans was dealt with. One of Spike's greatest works, in my opinion, was When the Levees Broke. By the way, not all the interviewees in that documentary were African Americans. There were others negatively affected, one of them a blatantly racist white man. He was treated with respect by Spike Lee, and his experience was recorded for the film.

[larose501]

Being true to a story is important and so is telling the truth about history but all I want to know is, "What kind of guy is a guy like him?"

[NYed]

Little Sheldon "Spike" Lee is a great PR man and a lousy director.

[Leper]

>>Little Sheldon "Spike" Lee is a great PR man and a lousy director.

He is a very good directory. There is not a single movie of his that I have not liked (which is why I am not listing any of them here).

And, while Clint Eastwood has earned two acadamy awards, his movies "Bloodwork", "True Crime", "White Hunter, Black Heart, "Sudden Impact", and "Bronco Billy" were real stinkers (I have not seen "Space Cowboys" so I can't comment on it). I did like "Honkytonk Man", "The Outlaw Josey Wales", "Absolute Power", "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil", "Bird", and Mystic River". I was not as impressed everyone else with "Unforgiven" and "Million Dollar Baby", but I didn't dislike them as much as the stinkers listed above. At best, you could call him inconsistant.

[mathme]

If you've not watched a lot of his early Westerns or have only watched them in passing, then Unforgiven might not seem all that great. It is a great deconstruction of many Western film tropes and devices. I actually think it's a durn brilliant film.

I liked Firefox... but that's just because of the plane and the fact that i was little when I first saw it. I always thought it was admirable that he didn't kill the soviet pilot when he had the chance and, likewise, the soviet returns the favor. There was something about that that struck me even as a child who understood very little of the intrigue early in the movie.

I know, everyone was on the edge of their seat waiting to hear what I had to say about two clint eastwood movies that are not being discussed. :)

Anyway, I do have to agree that Spike is an amazing director Malcolm X WAS robbed that year. It wasn't even nominated for Best Picture... I don't even remember what won that year (92?) or who got best Actor. But NO African-American actor had won best actor at that point... I think it was a bit more complex than thinking that no Black actors could act and that the movie wasn't nominated because it "sucked."

[cherrycola]

Give it a REST, Spike Lee!!!

[robXdion]

This leaves plenty of further ammunition if the row deepens, as McPhatter, who became a US navy lieutenant commander and served in the Vietnam war, does claim a black American took part in Iwo Jima flag-raising. Not in the actual dramatic moment, immortalised by the Marines Corps memorial at Arlington national cemetery, but by providing a flagpole. "The man who put the first flag up on Iwo Jima got a piece of pipe from me to put the flag up on," he said.

http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2284542,00.html

[mathme]

That must be revisionist, leftist, socialist, commie,... umm... race baiting... err... did i say "revisionist"? Oh... I did...

[john85msy]

Partisan right-winger.

[robXdion]

http://film.guardian.co.uk/news/story/0,,2284542,00.html

He (LEE) said: "I never said he should show one of the other guys holding up the flag as black. I said that African-Americans played a significant part in Iwo Jima.

"For him to insinuate that I'm rewriting history and have one of the four guys with the flag be black ... no one said that. It's just that there's not one black in either film. And because I know my history, that's why I made that observation."

This leaves plenty of further ammunition if the row deepens, as McPhatter (black Marine serving at Iwo Jima), who became a US navy lieutenant commander and served in the Vietnam war, does claim a black American took part in Iwo Jima flag-raising. Not in the actual dramatic moment, immortalised by the Marines Corps memorial at Arlington national cemetery, but by providing a flagpole. "The man who put the first flag up on Iwo Jima got a piece of pipe from me to put the flag up on," he said.

[robXdion]

READ THIS ARTICLE FOR THE TRUTH AND STOP LYING TO YOURSELVES.

[isis]

Clint Eastwood IS a mean angry old man and a lot of what he does isn't that great. I get sick of bang bang from all of the little boy directors out there.

[Abaddon]

Whenever you want to make a movie, knock yourself out. I am sure all of the "bang bang little boy directors" will get their tickets early.

[Leper]

Whenever you want to be taken seriously as a critic of someone else's critique, at least have something intelligent to say.

[KillgoreTrout43]

How old are you ISIS? "A mean angry old man?" How do you arrive at this conclusion. Everytime I see him, he's got a smile on. What in the world does he have to be angry about?