SPIKE LEE

A biography that is fascinating because its subject is fascinating. Spike Lee is well known for his controversial statements and combativeness, especially over his work. Haskins (Power to the People, 1997, etc.) demonstrates these aspects of the artist and businessman with research from primary sources (Lee's published comments on his own work), as well as from many secondary sources (among these, Haskins quotes Rolling Stone quoting The New York Times without indicating if he went to the original source). Descriptions of Lee's films are included, from the earliest, She's Gotta Have It to his acclaimed Malcolm X, and up through Get on the Bus. Anyone interested in a career in film will learn a great deal from the book, but it is also invaluable in planting the seeds for enterprise of any kind: Politics, money struggles, deal-making, fund-raising, and public relations are just some of the issues for readers to ponder. (b&w photos, index, not seen, notes, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 12+)