Movie Description
SHE'S GOTTA HAVE IT formally introduced the name Spike Lee to audiences all over the world. The film, an intelligent comedy shot in black-and-white with one sequence of color, places--for among the first time--a young, bright African-American woman in the cinematic spotlight. Nola Darling (Tracy Camila Johns) is an attractive young woman with a problem--three problems to be exact. She is simultaneously being wooed by three hopeful, but hopeless, male suitors: Jamie (Tommy Redmond Hicks), a sensitive type who wants to settle down with her; Greer (John Canada Terrell), a narcissistic model who sees her as his trophy; and Mars Blackmon (Lee himself), an aggressive and funny bike messenger who makes her laugh. Nola is attracted to the best in each of them, but is unable to make up her mind as to whom she likes best. She even entertains the notion that something may be wrong with her, thinking perhaps she's oversexed. When a visit to a therapist fails to clear her mind, Nola finally comes to the realization that she must take control of her life. Lee's feature-length debut features a lush jazz score by his father, Bill Lee, and demonstrates a witty, distinctive style. The critical success of the film paved the way for a new generation of independent African-American filmmakers to begin to be recognized by Hollywood on their own terms.
| Credits | | Cast: | John Canada Terrell, Raye Dowell |
Editorial Reviews
"...[Lee displays] exemplary depth and talent....[The] camerawork of Ernest Dickerson is most impressive and stylish..."
Variety - Herb. (03/26/1986)
"...A joyfully idiosyncratic little jazz-burst of a film, full of sensuous melody, witty chops and hot licks..."
Los Angeles Times - Michael Wilmington (08/21/1986)
"...For all the laughs and sweet moments it provides, this film forces its audience to consider rather than drool over the subject of sex..."
Chicago Sun-Times - Roger Ebert (08/21/1992)
3 stars out of 5 -- "[The script] crackles with energy and sex, Ernest Dickerson's camerawork is fluid and assured and the smoky score sets a laconic rhythm."
Total Film - Matt Mueller (07/01/2006)
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