NPR: Spike Lee Takes on Michael Jordan's Story

Spike Lee Takes on Michael Jordan's Story

Director Spike Lee photographed at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival.

Getty Images

While at the Cannes Film Festival to promote his new film, The Miracle at St. Anna, Spike Lee told reporters that he's working on a full-length documentary chronicling the life of basketball legend Michael Jordan.

According to AOL Black Voices:

The Jordan documentary will include extensive unseen footage shot by NBA cameras during the final two years in Jordan's career, the 2001-02 and 2002-03 seasons. Lee and Jordan previously collaborated on a series of Nike TV commercials.

'Mike wants to come to Cannes, so hopefully we will be here next year,' Lee said.

Lee's The Miracle at St. Anna, based on a novel by the same name, debuts this October. The film tells the powerful story of African-American troops, also known as Buffalo soldiers, based in Italy during World War II.

Are you looking forward to the Michael Jordan documentary? If so, what aspects of Michael's life should Spike Lee focus on?

Geoffrey Gardner

Tags: cannes film festival | michael jordan | spike lee | spike lee documentary film | spike lee michael jordan

1:03 PM ET | 05-23-2008 | permalink

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i thought MJ got his cameo and documentary in MJJ music video "JAM". That was enough nobody needs a whole hour of another b-ball dribbler unless mister Lee plans to include footage from the sweatshop conditions in vietnam and thailand factories making air jordan nike shoes and contrast that with the western urban craziness to acquire these shoes are over inflated prices and in some cases fights and death over the same...otherwise, it would not be well-rounded in my opinion.

Sent by K MJUMBE | 3:49 PM ET | 05-23-2008

I remember seeing "Michael Jordan to the Max" when it was out. It was a very good documentary about his final season with the Bulls. That was vintage MJ. However, a basketball documentary covering his years with the Wizards would not be as good.

If Spike can give a more holistic look at Mike the man then fine. However, if it is just a basketball film I'll pass.

Sent by T. Rogers | 11:34 AM ET | 05-27-2008

MJ was definitely a great athlete but I think he's undeserving to be honored with a film. I think an athlete who was also an activist-community minded person would be better. Some one like Muhammad Ali or Jim Brown, a person who actually helped or spoke out against injustice would be far, far better and deserving.

Sent by JC | 1:09 PM ET | 05-28-2008

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