Tyler Perry, appearing on 60 Minutes, said he was “insulted” and “pissed off” by Spike Lee’s criticisms of Perry’s hit TV shows and movies. Read the full post.
Oct 25
2009
08:25 PM ET
Tyler Perry rips Spike Lee on '60 Minutes': 'I'm insulted' and 'pissed off' by Lee's 'insults'
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Perry’s problem with his films is that while they make money, he hasn’t grown as a filmmaker. You watch enough of this films and they’re all the same: woman suffering from a bad marriage/relationship, evil boyfriend/husband, too-good-to-be-true boyfriend, wise elders, sassy friends, a gospel choir, and Madea. Throw in some Harlequin-esque romance, good-vs-evil drama, slapstick comedy, religious preaching, gospel music, and basically you get the same old, same old. Nothing wrong with pandering to your fanbase, but even that fanbase wants at least SOME growth in your work, not the same old stuff you churn out year in and year out. I thought Perry showed promise in Diary Of A Mad Black Woman, but now I feel like I’m watching the same film in several different variations. Spike Lee may have been a little harsh, but he does have a point. I highly doubt Spike is jealous of Perry. If anything, if it hadn’t been for Spike, Perry wouldn’t exist.
I couldn’t agree more. The audiences he says he cares about, deserve more than all these retreads.
Is he afraid to challenge his audiences? Is he afraid to challenge himself?
you got that right! while I am glad that Perry is a rich Black man, his movies could be a lot better.
fiveagainstone wrote:
[I highly doubt Spike is jealous of Perry. If anything, if it hadn’t been for Spike, Perry wouldn’t exist.]
There were Black filmmakers before Spike Lee was born so let’s not exaggerate.
Perry did not direct Diary of a Mad Black Woman. And in my opinion, that was the weakest Perry adaptation. His best films have been “Why Did I Get Married”, “Daddy’s Little Girls”, and “I Can Do Bad All By Myself”. But everything else has been pretty good and enjoyable. If people don’t like him they should just continue to keep it moving. Spike Lee is just bitter that even with an attempt to go mainstream with “Inside Man” he is still not directing as many mainstream projects. Also, people are tired of him. And the feud with Eastwood didn’t help him either. Don’t attack a director like Eastwood who has been on an incredible roll since “Mystic River” and expect no fallout.
ICAM! Before “Diary” I had never heard of the guy, me and a few friends went to see his movie, no expectations, never read any reviews, all six of us came out groaning thinking how badly written and amateurish the whole story was. Anyone could predict what the outcome was going to be and what each character was about to say! I honestly didn’t think Perry would ever make another film. Now he’s a film factory.
Perry caters to a more working class just wants to be entertained for two hours, happily ever after kind of movie.
Lee is going after the serious, big statement artistic kind of film, just ask him. Has Spike Lee ever laughed or even smiled?
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Uhhh what! Ok first off, I would love to hear Spike Lee’s response to this. I do not completely agree with Spike Lee’s comment as most of Tyler Perry’s movies and shows are geared toward us(the African American). Not us making asses out of our race in order to make a buck. All of his movies have a positive topic. Primarily Love and God. It may not be “Good Times” but its our new version. Not to say that if you are black you can relate to having a “Madea” in your family or down the street as a child. Or how about having a “Mr. Brown” as an uncle in your family. So its about relating. Oh and he is paying for the shows and movies all on his own!!! So stop hating. Spike Lee isn’t even on the same caliber of Tyler Perry. They are both great men on the opposite ends of the spectrum and guaranteed, they will both be able to sit, have a drink and hash it out like men! If Spike has a problem specifically with someones style of directing, then he should co direct one of Tylers movies. How about that!!!!
Actually, one film critic who just happens to be black, has suggested that Perry’s screenplays might be better served if they were directed by someone else.
This guy who writes for the Boston Globe says that Perry is too simplistic in his dramatic construction and is too lacking in irony.
I tend to agree.
But the problem with that is he can make the stories be uplifting without being so degrading about it. As a black woman, I do feel offended with his portrayal of the black community. He does not need to be so stereotypical about the representation. We get it enough in mainstream films that are not catered to black audiences, so why must we excuse a black man for doing this?
Perry’s portrayal of the Black community offends you more that the entire line-up of BET programming? If you would watch stuff like BET for the first time you would think Black people only liked music videos and shaking their butts. There are FAR more degrading things for Black people. Perry’s movies aren’t one of them. I have never seen more positive movie-going experiences when I went to see a Perry movie. At 10AM on a Sunday the theater was filled to capacity with a combination of African American people of all ages who enjoyed the film. It was nice and things like that just don’t happen often.
I have read through several comments and decided to add my two cents. Spike Lee is more than capable of having an opinion on the things that are out here in his industry. I feel that to say he is jealous of Perry is like saying Micheal Jordan is jealous of Tyger Woods. There’s no competition here at all. Spike has to respect Tyler’s vision as we respected his when he first started. Everyone didn’t get Radio Raheem either. Spike told the black college/youth experience and Tyler is telling the gospel experience.
Umm, well, if this WERE an article about BET, then I’d actually state that. I’m in no way endorsing what BET, or MTV shows and in no way endorsing how they exploit blacks everyday. So, let’s slow that up for a minute. Both Perry, BET, and MTV are degrading to black people. And the sad thing is I see this at my job everyday, what these black youth aspire to be, and this is based off of what is being emulated in the media. At the end of the day, I think that he could still portray the message that he is trying to without succumbing to the stereotypes that we have fought so hard to bury. Take a look at our role in the advent of media over the years and maybe you can understand the comparison, and the frustrations that people hold against him. I respect what he is trying to do, but I think it could be done better. And I wish that Hollywood would not have to relegate us to being in films like this. Why do we just have to be in films for black people? There are so many talented people out there that don’t need to restrain their talents to the chitlin circuit. It’s 2009, almost 2010. It’s time for a change.
I agree
I agree is true just live the man alone Mr Perry is doing something Good he ia a man of God that what Mr Lee need to do go and find the Lord
I agree is true just live the man alone Mr Perry is doing something Good he ia a man of God that what Mr Lee need to do go and find the Lord to see if he can be a dfrent man
Having grown up in a family with an African-American mother, I can honestly say that the Madea movies are spot on. Madea is my mother, aunt, and grandmother all rolled into one. It’s not stereotypical to portray real people. Mr. Perry, please continue entertaining us.
Madea is ONE type of African American woman. We are not a monolith.
So true.
And can we PLEASE stop using the “He’s/She’s just jealous” excuse whenever someone has a gripe? That has got to be one of the biggest cop outs in the history of debate. Whether you agree with him or not, anyone would have to admit that Spike Lee has enjoyed his share of success and respect in the movie industry. He may be hard on Perry, but that doesn’t mean he’s a hater.
“coonery” and “buffoonery.” LOL!
Using words he shouldn’t be using to describe the work of a fellow African American director who has built an entire brand after being HOMELESS. Spike has no shame. Where is the “Coonery” and “Baffoonery” tag when the Wayans brother’s did the movie “White Chicks”?
I don’t see the pobrlem. She’s waiting for the bus but then her friends pull up and offer a ride. Are you saying that just because she got to the bus stop she has to stay there and wait for the bus even after her friends just happen to come along? Is this some sort of perverse commitment ideal? Or are you denying the pivotal element of chance encounters in the unfolding of human history? I just think that whole bus critique is a little superficial. So.Oh… good song.
Spike Lee hasn’t made a great or important movie since “25th Hour.” The guy needs to shut his trap, lay low, and come out swinging with a movie that will justify all the smack-talking. He needs us to talk about how great a director he can be again.
Uh, Didn’t you see Inside Man? That was a great film that Spike directed that came out in 2006.
And that same year, he released When The Levees Broke to HBO. A great AND important film by Spike.
Ummm…how about Miracle at St. Anna? It wasn’t the best, but it’s better than any Perry movie I have ever seen.
Inside man was great.
However, remember, even Spielberg has hits and misses. All directors and writers have hits and misses…Tarantino, Ridley Scott….
Tyler only appeals to one audience niche and he keeps making the same cooky cutter movies with the same actors over and over again…however, I will state this, it’s the only way that black actors can get work is through Tyler’s movies. Otherwise they wouldn’t work, waiting on Hollywood.
Although Tyler Perry’s movies may be light in substance and lack alot in the dialogue department his movies still have a message that he is trying to deliver in a way he knows. Spike Lee could have held back some of those words being a black man PERIOD.
Agreed! Blacks hating on other Blacks. Spike Lee should know that Whites love that – and it makes us look bad.
Spike, pull Tyler Perry to the side and tell him this. Don’t say this for everyone to read.
“Agreed! Blacks hating on other Blacks. Spike Lee should know that Whites love that”…what does this statement even have to do with the debate? This is a racist statement against Whites if I’ve ever heard one!! Just lump us in one catagory because all Whites think like that!! Yea, Right. YEESH!!
spike does suck though
I agree that Spike Lee has an annoying habit of acting as the head of the Negro police. As such, he can’t resist calling out all the people who don’t meet his standards of black political correctness.
But just because he provides too much unrequested commentary, doesn’t mean he’s always wrong.
I’m not a huge fan of Tyler Perry’s work…but I respect him so much for giving black actors job. I watched Madea Goes to Jail and there were so many talented black actors in that movie…actors that are usually ignored in “white” Hollywood. And it seems like his work is something a lot of black people can relate to unlike other Hollywood movies. I think Spike Lee isn’t being very fair. Again-not a huge fan of Perry…but I respect him for what he’s done!
I agree. It is so rare to see any leading roles for black women in hollywood films. I enjoy the fact the Perry is giving leading roles to black actors. I enjoy that my sister and aunt are excited to see his next flick or talk about it afterword.
Forget Spike, Tyler! He is jealous of an American success story who was educated in the ‘School of Hard Knocks’. Your movies are funny, and your fans can relate to the underlying stories. I am from rural Louisiana and respect your giving credit to your mother, who is obviously a woman of great substance. Spike needs to direct his criticism to the plethora of foul-mouthed rappers, comedians, athletes, and other ‘celebrities’ who exude examples of “coonery” and “buffoonery” in abundance. God bless you!
got to a flick 30 minutes early and had to endure an endless loop advertising House of Payne. absolute torture it was so @#$#@! bad. just because Perry gives black actors work doesn’t mean the movies are good. Spike gets credit for being honest.
Im Moment kann man lideer nicht für Bilder voten. Es ist aber geplant, das wieder einzurichten.
Sure, Tyler Perry occasionally write interesting parts for black actors. He also creates insipid, awful films and television shows. He does absolutely nothing to dispel stereotypes. I completely agree with Spike Lee (a much more talented filmmaker), who is certainly allowed to speak his mind about a fellow filmmaker. This is just dumb.
@Adam, Spike made a great little film called “Inside Man” a couple of years ago. Sequel is coming out next year.
Perry needs to pick just one skill and work on that… don’t write, direct, produce, and star in a movie. Just directing will suffice. And I agree that he needs to expand his topics, introduce his audience to something new, and stop being so damn formulaic with his movies. He has enough of a following, they will go see whatever he puts his name on. (although that could be a gift and a curse).
It’s depressing to think about the fact that the only way many talented black actors get work is if they appear in Perry’s movies.
They deserve better movies. But Perry is so defensive he can’t or won’t admit that his films are not very artful.
Tyler, making money and making good art are not mutually exclusive things.
The fault lies with Hollywood and Black directors like Spike Lee.
Perry is appealing to Black actors and actresses for the following reasons.
1. Perry has no qualms having a BLACK actress as the lead character in a movie. Spike Lee isn’t so chivalrous.
2. Perry focuses on Black family life, a subject that Hollywood and Spike Lee are still reluctant to tackle.
3. Perry OWNS a movie and TV studio that provides plenty of steady work. The “proudly Black” Lee owns squat.
So, you can’t blame a lot of Black actors being pro-Tyler Perry.
it’s not about what Perry owns, its about what he promotes. Its great that he owns his own studio, but if you keep putting forth the SAME stories over and over again, what’s the point.
Since he owns his own studio, he has the ability and money to make a quality independent film for the African-Americans and others who would like to see something else besides the same Madea crap. Not every black person feels like Perry’s focus on the black family is reflective of their personal experience.
“1. Perry has no qualms having a BLACK actress as the lead character in a movie. Spike Lee isn’t so chivalrous.”
Let’s see: Tracy Johns (She’s Gotta Have It), Alfre Woodard (Crooklyn), Kerry Washington (She Hate Me). Yes, he has cast black women as leads. You either don’t remember or never seen his films.
“2. Perry focuses on Black family life, a subject that Hollywood and Spike Lee are still reluctant to tackle.”
Crooklyn, Jungle Fever, He Got Game.
“3. Perry OWNS a movie and TV studio that provides plenty of steady work. The “proudly Black” Lee owns squat.”
Ever heard of 40 ACRES AND A MULE PRODUCTIONS? Yes, Spike owns a production company.
You might want to actually watch a Spike Lee film before you compare him to Tyler Perry.
Responding in order
1. I give you “Gotta Have” it for have Black woman cast as the lead in a movie. The other two don’t fall in that category.
By the way, what is it about Lee portraying Black woman as having sex with anyone that moves? Isn’t that playing into old slavery time stereotypes?
2. Crooklyn is the only Spike Lee film focusing on a traditional Black family. He Got Game is about (yawn) a deadbeat dad while Jungle Fever shoves Black families to the margins in favor of commentary on race riots.
3. Three things on the studio topic.
First, a movie studio is not the same as a production company. In fact, it’s typical for a studio to own one or more production companies.
Second, Perry is indeed the FIRST Black person to own a major studio:
http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4505236n
Finally, Spike Lee sold off 40 Acres years ago, thus causing lots of Black people to lose their jobs:
http://bayouperspective.blogspot.com/2009/10/spike-lee-dismisses-tyler-perrys-work.html
Who’s the sellout again?
five against one wrote:
[You might want to actually watch a Spike Lee film before you compare him to Tyler Perry.]
I have which is why I can compare their films with such authority.
“Perry has no qualms having a BLACK actress as the lead character in a movie. Spike Lee isn’t so chivalrous.”
Spike Lee had a black actresses as the lead character in his very first film: She’s Gotta Have It and also in Girl 6. In addition, in Crooklyn I believe the young girl was the main character.
Auf jeden Fall. Wann ist unser nächster großer Auftritt? Es juckt schon wedeir in den Fingern
Tyler Perry and his corny movies are an embarrassment to African Americans everywhere. Only simpletons enjoy his work.
All the negative comments are coming from Spike Lee’s camp, because anyone hating on a man that can write, produce, act, direct, write books, can not be one dimensional. By the way, where is his production company, on paper. The man wanted people to think he was from New York, no ATL. Tyler did something is Spikes hood. and nothing in New York either. That cricket was rude to my band many moons ago, and I tried to respect the border line pisces, but no more hater.You just couldn’t be happy that a man found his passion, and the people responded. Go sit down cricket.
They are just movies if a movie can embarrass all of African Americans I feel sorry for you cause ITS JUST A MOVIE go deal with some real problems.
WOW!!!!! really? simpleton? So many people still have so much to learn.
You would be amazed at what people watch and view as entertainment for them. Anderson Cooper watches the Real Housewives of Atlanta. He’s a journalist whom I would imagine is well educated and well rounded. The RHOFA is well…..does that make him a simpleton? Let’s just call it a choice. I have a right to watch what I want and so do you. Spike Lee can write and produce what he wants and Tyler Perry can do the same. They both have an audience At the end of the day it’s all about choice.