EXCLUSIVE: Spike Lee Recalls The One Mistake Which Michael Jackson Kept Correcting For Him

As a lifestyle expert with a deep appreciation for the arts and a keen eye for stories that inspire, I find myself captivated by the unique bond between Spike Lee and the late Michael Jackson. Their dynamic, born out of mutual respect and shared experiences, is a testament to the power of mentorship and the importance of following one’s dreams, no matter how unconventional they may seem.

Spike Lee recently shared a lighthearted memory about Michael Jackson, revealing how the King of Pop would repeatedly correct him on one particular mistake. The renowned filmmaker opened up about their unique dynamic during his time as a professor at New York University, providing a glimpse into their professional and personal relationship.

For more than a decade, renowned director Spike Lee, who teaches at New York University, frequently imparts his insights to his pupils by recounting personal anecdotes. During one of these classes, he screened some of his short films, reminiscing about the time when Michael Jackson offered him a particular piece of advice.

In a recent conversation, Lee mentioned that Jackson was fond of calling his projects “short films” instead of “music videos.” Quoting Jackson, Lee said, “Spike, I won’t tell you again. We’re not making music videos; we’re creating short films.

Speaking as a die-hard admirer, let me share my take on Jackson’s speaking style, as recounted by Lee: While Jackson was soft-spoken most of the time, he wouldn’t shy away from making his point clear when necessary. Quoting Lee, I’d say, “He’d speak gently, but if things weren’t right, he’d exclaim, ‘Spike!'” Having a good chuckle, Lee confessed that there were instances when Jackson’s voice sounded unfamiliar to him when he was called out.

Spike Lee’s relationship with Michael Jackson started when he was a devoted fan, as they were around the same age. Lee remarked that they both experienced pivotal historical events such as the civil rights movement and fortunately missed being drafted for the Vietnam War. For Lee, collaborating with Jackson was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

Looking back at their joint project, the short film ‘They Don’t Care About Us’ from 1997, Lee reminisced about finding a legal pad with Michael Jackson’s handwriting that said, “To excel, learn from the exceptional.” This straightforward yet impactful message stuck with him.

The advice that had the most significant impact on Lee’s life was given by his parents. In an interview with Vanity Fair, Lee explained how his parents encouraged and backed his ambition to become a filmmaker, even when others considered it unconventional. Lee noted that many parents can be dream-killers, but his family never discouraged him from following his dreams.

Rather than standing aloof, they rallied behind him, expressing, “We’ve got your back, we believe in you.” Their support emboldened him to venture into an arena where few Black filmmakers were present. Eventually, this backing played a significant role in his rise to prominence as one of the industry’s most impactful directors.

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2024-12-12 15:07