Spike Lee made a triumphant return to the Cannes Film Festival Official Selection with his latest feature film, Highest 2 Lowest, which premiered tonight in the prestigious Out of Competition strand. This highly anticipated film features an impressive cast, including Denzel Washington, Jeffrey Wright, A$AP Rocky, and Ilfenesh Hadera. Drawing inspiration from the legendary Akira Kurosawa, this crime thriller received a remarkable six-minute ovation during its world premiere, showcasing its powerful storytelling and cinematic impact.
Highest 2 Lowest is a contemporary reinterpretation of Kurosawa’s 1963 classic, High and Low, which was originally based on the novel King’s Ransom by Ed McBain. The plot centers around a music mogul, portrayed by Washington, who faces a chillingly similar scenario of extortion in modern-day New York City. This film brings a fresh perspective to the timeless theme of crime and morality while maintaining the essence of the original narrative.
This exciting project marks the reunion of Lee and Washington for the first time since their collaboration on Inside Man in 2006. The duo has a rich history of working together, having previously teamed up on acclaimed films such as Mo’ Better Blues, Malcolm X, and He Got Game. Their partnership has consistently produced thought-provoking and culturally significant cinema, and Highest 2 Lowest promises to be no exception.
In an emotional moment leading up to the film’s premiere, Washington was honored with a surprise honorary Palme d’Or. Festival chief Thierry Frémaux expressed the festival's admiration for Washington, stating, “It’s a kind of way for us to tell you our adoration, what you have done in cinema.” This recognition adds another accolade to Washington's illustrious career, further heightening the anticipation surrounding Highest 2 Lowest.
This is Lee’s sixth appearance in the Cannes Official Selection, a significant milestone as it coincides with the 36th anniversary of his first appearance at the festival with Do the Right Thing in 1989. His other notable films showcased at Cannes include Jungle Fever (1991), Girl 6 (1996), Ten Minutes Older (2002), and BlacKkKlansman (2018). Lee's enduring presence at Cannes underscores his vital role in the film industry and his commitment to storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
The announcement of Highest 2 Lowest being part of the Cannes lineup was made by Lee on the same day the Official Selection was revealed, although the film was initially absent from the list due to awaiting confirmation of Washington's attendance. This anticipation added to the excitement surrounding the event, culminating in a memorable evening for all involved.
Produced by Apple and A24, Highest 2 Lowest is set to release in select theaters on August 22 and will be available on Apple TV+ starting September 5. The screenplay was co-written by Alan Fox and Lee, with Todd Black producing for Escape Artists alongside Jason Michael Berman for Mandalay Pictures. Executive producers include Lee for 40 Acres and a Mule Filmworks, Mandalay’s Peter Guber, as well as Juniper Productions’ Matthew Lindner, Chris Brigham, and Katia Washington. The project also saw the contribution of co-producer Jordan Moldo from Mandalay.
As the film garners attention and acclaim, audiences eagerly await its arrival, ready to experience the compelling narrative and dynamic performances that Spike Lee and his cast have to offer in Highest 2 Lowest.
