In 1990, legendary filmmaker Spike Lee and acclaimed actor Denzel Washington teamed up for the first time in the jazz-infused drama Mo’ Better Blues. Released just a year after Lee’s critically praised Do the Right Thing, this film marked the beginning of a powerful creative partnership. While their later collaborations like Malcolm X and Inside Man gained more attention, Mo’ Better Blues remains a deeply personal and stylistic milestone for both men. Set in New York’s vibrant jazz scene, the movie explores ambition, ego, and the cost of success. It remains a must-watch for fans of Lee’s bold storytelling and Washington’s magnetic performances.
A Bold Follow-Up to Do the Right Thing
After the groundbreaking success of Do the Right Thing, Spike Lee chose a different path. Instead of repeating the social commentary-heavy style, he released Mo’ Better Blues—a character-driven story with a jazz backdrop. Lee knew expectations were high. In a clever nod to his past, the movie poster for Mo’ Better Blues even shows him standing next to a display of his previous film.
The story centers on Bleek Gilliam, played by Denzel Washington, a gifted trumpet player with a controlling personality. He leads a jazz quartet, but his self-centered approach strains relationships—both personal and professional. Wesley Snipes plays Shadow Henderson, a saxophone player and rival within the band, while Spike Lee takes on the role of Giant, Bleek’s longtime but troubled manager.
A Jazz Drama with Style and Depth
Unlike conventional narratives, Mo’ Better Blues is more a series of scenes than a plot-heavy film. It’s a slice-of-life exploration that captures the highs and lows of Bleek’s journey as an artist. Cinematographer Ernest Dickerson beautifully captures the nightclubs and city lights, adding a smooth, vibrant feel to the film.
The soundtrack, scored by Spike Lee’s father, Bill Lee, helps ground the story in authentic jazz roots. This connection adds a personal layer—Bill Lee was a professional jazz bassist, and his complex relationship with his son influenced the emotional core of the film.
Exploring Ego, Art, and Relationships
Bleek’s struggle is not just about music—it’s about identity. From childhood, his mother pushed him to practice the trumpet instead of playing outside. This pressure created a driven yet emotionally distant man. His ambition blinds him to the people who care about him, including two women—Clarke (Cynda Williams) and Indigo (Joie Lee)—who both challenge his worldview.
While Lee has faced criticism for his portrayal of women in other films, here he presents two complex female characters who influence Bleek’s evolution. They aren’t just love interests—they are central to Bleek’s internal conflict between success and connection.
A Timeless Collaboration
Mo’ Better Blues was the first of four collaborations between Spike Lee and Denzel Washington. They would go on to create the epic Malcolm X (1992), the father-son basketball drama He Got Game (1998), and the crime thriller Inside Man (2006). Their next project, Highest 2 Lowest, is set for release in 2025.
Each time they work together, Lee and Washington bring out the best in one another. Their combined focus on justice, identity, and emotion has made a lasting impact on American cinema—particularly in elevating Black storytelling in Hollywood.
Comparing with Modern Character Dramas
In recent years, films like Whiplash and Black Swan have explored the mental cost of artistic excellence. Mo’ Better Blues fits in this genre but does so with more warmth and cultural celebration. It honors jazz while still exposing the flaws of those who live for their art. Lee shows us that talent alone isn’t enough—empathy and humility matter too.
Why Mo’ Better Blues Still Matter
Thirty-five years after its release, Mo’ Better Blues still feels fresh. The story speaks to anyone who has chased a dream at the expense of everything else. Denzel Washington delivers a layered performance that hints at the greatness he would later show in Training Day and Fences.
For Spike Lee, this film wasn’t just about jazz or love—it was about what it means to create. As fame surrounded him after Do the Right Thing, Mo’ Better Blues let him reflect, in his own way, on the price of passion and personal sacrifice.
