Welcome to another edition of our Nudity Was Necessary series in which we look at nude scenes that were necessary to the plot of the theme of the movie. Today's film is a really important movie to American culture and to Black filmmaking. It is Spike Lee's epic flick Do the Right Thing in which the nudity in the movie is totally necessary.
1989's Do the Right Thing is considered one of the best American films ever made. It enjoys critical success when it was released, but the positive view of the film has only grown over the past three decades. The cultural impact of the film, and Spike Lee on filmmaking, is undeniable.
The movie was released with a BANG and that is felt even in the opening credits which feature Rosie Perez assertively dancing with a mean mug as "Fight the Power" plays. Not only that, but she is wearing a TOUGH outfit: boxing gloves, a black sports bra, and athletic shorts. She looks like she's gonna knock you out and she is inviting us to watch the movie. She is sexy, and tough, and she is welcoming us into the movie. It is one of the most memorable opening credits ever made and Rosie is the reason!
The story takes place in a Black neighborhood in New York City. There is an Italian pizzeria here that the locals all love. Black and white comes together in harmony over pizza...usually. On a scorching hot day, a young Black man is suddenly killed and protests break out in the streets which damages the pizzeria. Is there really racial harmony or was everything bubbling under the surface? That is what this film looks at and it continues to be relevant nearly 34 years later.
There is only one nude scene in Do the Right Thing, but it - for lack of a better description - does the right thing. Okay, sorry, I couldn't help myself! It is HOT and that is a big point of the film. The heat brings everything to a symbolic boiling point. To cool down and still get steamy, Rose shows off her juicy jugs when Spike Lee himself rubs ice on them.
These close-up shots of her breasts are skincredibly sensual. This scene takes a break from the chaotic heat on the streets of New York. We get a tender moment that proves to us that human beings are going to get down and dirty no matter what the weather is. The ice cube is just a hot - well, I guess cold - touch.
As you can see, this simple and sensual nude scene was necessary. It delivered relief, it made us empathetic to our lead characters, and it showed us just how hot it was outside (and how hot Rosie is). It's so hot that they need to use ice to cool off their bodies...and to get horny. It's one of the most famous scenes in the movie and Rosie's rack is partially why!
