Do the Right Thing: Lighting

In the film Do the Right Thing the majority of the scenes are shot outside using high -key lighting. I believe the lighting adds to the feel of the hot heat wave they have been experiencing that summer. I believe the high- key lighting contributes to the theme of rising racial tensions. There are moments throughout the film where low-key lighting is used for example the lighting at the beginning of the film is low-key and gives a dark aggressive feel as Rosie Perez dances hard and aggressive to Public Enemy’s “Fight the Power”. 

 Another time during the film low –key lighting is being used when Mookie has an intimate moment with his girlfriend. The lighting is low as he rubs ice cubes over her body adding the sensuality of the scene.

Had the moments not be giving the correct lighting it would have left the scenes feeling fake and not authentic. I believe the lighting sets a mood and gives viewers a feeling appropriate to the scene before showing what the scene is actually about.