In the world of filmmaking, few collaborations are as iconic as that of cinematographer Matthew Libatique and director Spike Lee. The two native New Yorkers have teamed up on five notable films: Inside Man, She Hate Me, Miracle at St. Anna, Chi-Raq, and their latest project, Highest 2 Lowest, which premieres today in U.S. theaters. This film marks Lee's first New York-shot project since 2014’s Da Sweet Blood of Jesus.
Highest 2 Lowest is a reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic film High and Low, set against the vibrant backdrop of Manhattan and Brooklyn. The film features gripping action sequences that showcase Lee’s unique storytelling style. One standout moment is the Puerto Rican Day Parade sequence, which has quickly become a highlight of New York cinema. The crime-thriller stars Denzel Washington as a music executive entangled in a kidnapping gone wrong, alongside a talented ensemble cast including A$AP Rocky, Ilfenesh Hadera, Jeffrey Wright, and Elijah Wright.
In an exclusive interview, Libatique shared insights into the film’s production, including the challenges of shooting on live subway cars and executing complex sequences in the shadow of Yankee Stadium. He also reflected on his experiences working with Denzel Washington and the creative process behind their latest collaboration.
Libatique’s journey with Spike Lee began unexpectedly. "I’m from Elmhurst, Queens, but I met Spike for the first time in California," he recounts. "I got a call from my agent saying, ‘Guess who called?’ It was Spike Lee. I was so excited." Their immediate connection set the foundation for a long and fruitful collaboration.
When asked about the distinctive energy that defines Lee's films, Libatique describes him as "fearless" in his approach to filmmaking. Unlike other directors who may utilize multiple cameras, Lee often captures entire scenes in a single shot. "He’s like a jazz musician," Libatique says, emphasizing Lee's ability to weave together various elements of a scene, including music and performance, to create a cohesive vision.
Libatique elaborated on how Lee approached the film without a formal pitch, saying, "Spike simply told me, ‘Matty, I’m doing Kurosawa’s High and Low with Denzel.’ That was it." This straightforward approach reflects the trust and understanding that exists between the two filmmakers.
Filming in New York presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to logistics and navigating the city’s vibrant life. Libatique explains, "The city is full of people who aren’t in the film industry, and there’s not a high tolerance for taking over a whole block to shoot something." This reality makes negotiating locations and managing time constraints particularly challenging.
The film also features innovative cinematographic techniques, especially in the memorable Puerto Rican Day Parade sequence. Libatique reveals that they shot this scene just a few blocks from Yankee Stadium, utilizing handheld cameras and various film formats to enhance the visual storytelling. "I wanted to feel like the cinematography had different perspectives," he notes.
As technology evolves, Libatique acknowledges the growing influence of AI in filmmaking. "AI tools have changed the game," he states, referencing how they can now address issues that would have previously been impossible to fix. "We have to keep up with technology," he adds, highlighting the importance of adapting to new tools in the industry.
Highest 2 Lowest is now playing in theaters and will be available on Apple TV+ starting September 5. As audiences anticipate this latest collaboration between Libatique and Lee, it’s clear that their combined talents will continue to push the boundaries of storytelling in cinema.
