.048 - do the right thing: restrained tension

Spike Lee's visual style in "Do the Right Thing" underlines the film's vibrant world, color-wise, with consistent, ever-increasing tension from scene to scene.

1. Conversations are filmed asymmetrically; camera often focuses for a while on one character during a two way interaction. As a result of this prolonged visual attention, the viewer starts to empathize with the subject of the shot who is also more than often the subject of a verbal attack.

2. Use of tilted camera and wide-angle lens(fish eye effect) creates an uneasiness in arguments as if things could explode at any moment.

3. Atmospheric instability. Lights rock from side to side. Constant heat causes sweat to beat down characters' faces. Large graffiti in the backdrop invades and draws attention to itself during a confrontation.

As a result of this infusion of tension visually throughout the film, the viewer feels as if things will explode and break into a physical fight at any moment during every verbal altercation.

By the way, is it just me or did the opening sequence seem to parody the Cosby Show's opening credits...