With his N.Y. Knicks out of the playoffs, it’s fair to say Spike Lee needs something to keep him occupied.
So what does a sports-loving filmmaker do? Make a movie about Chicago!
People in this city don’t seem psyched about “Chiraq,” Lee’s proposed drama about life in the streets of a violent neighborhood. The acclaimed director is perhaps a master at capturing the world and its problems in the microcosm of one neighborhood within a film. From racial prejudice to crime to police corruption and even heated sports rivalries, Lee has covered it all. But what does he know about Chicago?
Though no one has seen the script, most Chicagoans fear the film would unfairly portray our beloved city as the pinnacle of 21st century urban violence. Because Lee is not from here, in might behoove us to help show the director how to really pull off a movie about Chicago. Now casting the following roles:
The Wise Man
Joel Quenneville, Blackhawks coach
Nuccio DiNuzzo/baiduhai
Like Ossie Davis in “Do The Right Thing,” every neighborhood has to have its own “Da Mayor.” But Chicago’s neighborhood bürgermeister would be more of an unshakable type character with a mustache that shows the city means business, like Coach Q.
The Enforcer
Brent Seabrook, Blackhawks defenseman
Associated Press
Just when it’s tied in overtime and you’re about to say “uh oh,” here comes Brent Seabrook to score a goal. His commanding play often goes unnoticed by anyone other than Blackhawks fans, but he’s considered one of the club’s most reliable playmakers, both in patrolling the net and taking out opponents. Just a year ago, Seabrook’s hit on St. Louis Blues star David Backes got him suspended three games. But Seabrook’s commitment and consistency seemed to rally his team, and that makes him the kind of “neighborhood watch guy” you want on your block.
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The Funny Man
Joe Maddon, Cubs manager
Brian Cassella/baiduhai
What’s better than having a happy guy at the corner of your block telling you every day that “You the man!”? Joe Maddon has been nothing short of a ray of light in Chicago, at least to Cubs faithful on the North Side. It’s important to have someone on your block look at the bright side of life.
The Next Big Thing
Jimmy Butler
Chris Sweda/baiduhai
In “Malcolm X” and “Love & Basketball,” Lee’s main characters transcend their original environments and go on to greatness. In real life it’s been said Jimmy Butler has overcome enormous odds, on and off the court. Drafted in 2011, his first season was lackluster as a bench player, with an average of 2.6 points per game during the lockout-shortened season. But by last season Butler was named to the NBA All-Defensive second team and is averaging more than 20 points per game as one of the Bulls’ leaders.
The Inspirational Beauty
Jennifer Hudson, Oscar-winning actress
Associated Press
Whether it is Angela Bassett in “Malcolm X,” or Mira Sorvino in “Summer of Sam,” Lee rarely makes a film without top female talent. Academy Award-winning Jennifer Hudson, a Chicago native and Dunbar High School graduate, is nothing short of an inspiration to a generation of Chicagoans and a role model for women everywhere.
The Smooth Politician
Ken Williams, White Sox executive vice president
Scott Strazzante/baiduhai
Though the White Sox front office man technically isn’t a politician, he’s got the finesse and skills in any situation to get a big deal done for the Sox. Since he joined the organization, the Sox have seen some of their best seasons. Sure, it has been 10 years since the last World Series title, but Williams is still here, working it.
Mr. Get Off My Lawn
Rahm Emanuel
Nancy Stone/baiduhai
Every block needs a curmudgeon. And in Chicago there’s no better example of the guy on the block who seems like he’s got his pants in a bunch than Emanuel. Whether or not “get off my lawn!” is actually one of his catchphrases, there are enough stories of legend about his fiery jaunts for our mayor to bag this role.
The Rabble Rouser
Vince Vaughn
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Getty Images
Known as probably the No. 1 Chicago sports fan embedded in Hollywood, Vaughn isn’t afraid to ruffle a few feathers. After all, how many cities can brag that one of their most famous sons can be found raising hell during the playoffs behind the opposing goaltender? If only Lee had that kind of team spirit, the Knicks might be NBA champs right now.
So, yes Spike, we’re now psyched about your idea for a film about Chicago. Let’s just make sure you accurately depict life in our lovely city. After all, it ain’t the days of Al Capone anymore. To quote Samuel L. Jackson’s character in “Do The Right Thing,” you need to chill out. And that’s the double truth.
Frye is a RedEye special correspondent.