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Classical Hollywood Narrative - Do the Right Thing

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Many believe that the classical Hollywood narrative ceased to exist during the 1970s, however a number of films have been made in the same structure since then. The Classical Hollywood Narrative structure usually centers on decisions, choices, and qualities of the main character or characters. It begins with an explanation of the character including their personality and their problem. After that, the problem arises until it climaxes in conflict. During this time, the character may experience a change in their values and/or attitude. The Classical Hollywood Narrative normally ends with the main character’s issue having been resolved. The Classic American film, Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing is a perfect example of a film which has a debatable narrative structure. Although Do The Right Thing ventures away from the conventional expectations of Classical Hollywood Narrative structure, it still possesses many of the qualities. Do The Right Thing has a Classical Hollywood Narrative structure, it displays this in a different way, however it remains in the category. Like the majority of Classical Hollywood Narratives, Do The Right Thing begins with the introduction of its characters including the Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood where it takes place. DJ Mister Senor Love Daddy is used as the common denominator throughout the film between the different characters and their personal issues. His introduction describing the extreme heatwave gives insight to factors that would affect the characters emotions and reactions throughout the film. The second commonality between Classical Hollywood structure and Do The Right Thing is mise-en-scene. The story takes place in a realistic neighborhood that plays as much a part of the movie as the characters do. The designs, from the setting of the neighborhood to the costumes, are true to life which is most common in classical Hollywood movies. Though most movies in this category have appointments or deadlines, the only appointment present in this film is Mookie getting his check after work. This event is reiterated throughout the movie to express the significance of the check to Mookie’s goal. The final parallel between classical films and Do The Right Thing is that it has two related story lines which are common in Hollywood films. Although characters in Classical Hollywood Narratives tend to focus on one problem with one or more peop

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