Focus Features has released the first trailer for the highly anticipated fact-based drama BlacKkKlansman, and it’s wildly entertaining. Directed by Spike Lee and produced by Jordan Peele, BlacKkKlansman is based on the true story of Ron Stallworth, who went undercover in the 1970s as the first African-American detective to infiltrate the Ku Klux Klan. Back in 2014, Stallworth detailed his experience in his book Black Klansman.
John David Washington stars as Ron Stallworth, who partnered with Flip Zimmerman (Adam Driver), a white cop, in order to successfully penetrate the Colorado branch of the KKK. From the trailer alone, we are instantly aware that BlacKkKlansman is indeed a Spike Lee joint, as the visionary filmmaker’s trademark style is present in full-force.
The trailer immediately grasps our attention as we watch Stallworth play his role as an undercover cop surprisingly well, altering his tone of voice while speaking to KKK leader David Duke. “Since you asked, I hate blacks. I hate Jews, Mexicans and Irish, Italians and Chinese,” Stallworth says over the phone, with a bluntness that leaves the entire office astonished. “But my mouth to God’s ears, I really hate those black brats. And anyone else, really, that doesn’t have pure white Aryan blood running through their veins.” Later, we see the important position that Zimmerman plays, disguised as Stallworth during his in-person interactions with the Klan. Yet, suspicion develops in regards to Zimmerman’s true agenda, because he evidently “asks too many questions.” Will he break his cover? We’ll have to wait until the end of summer to find out.
Mixed with suspense, humor, and Spike Lee’s symbolic style, BlacKkKlansman is guaranteed to be the movie of the summer. Catch it in theaters on August 10th.
