Cinematography in "Do the Right Thing"

In Spike Lee's "Do The Right Thing", the style of cinematography is manipulated specifically to emphasize the racial tensions between the characters. This is implemented through camera angles, camera movements and distance. Throughout the film camera angles become a direct medium for expressing the relationships between characters. For instance, the use of canted angles during a scene with Radio Raheem and Tony in the pizza parlor. As they are arguing the camera appears to be flip flopping between the two but at slanted angles, emphasizing the anger and animosity amongst them. Canted angles are especially critical in that they visually express that there is something demented or dysfunctional about the relationship between these characters. There are also low angles used in the same scene which highlight dramatic differences in stature between Radio Raheem and Tony and how they see one another.
The movements of the camera also plays a part in conveying the racial tensions amongst the characters. Much of the camera's movements are rapid shot-reverse-shots, because characters are often yelling at one another throughout most of the film. These fast paced camera movements create a heightened sense of tension and confusion. The speed of the camera adds an edginess to the dialogue through which the audience learns that the characters allow their personal struggles to interfere with their judgement about other races. Lastly, the camera's distance from the characters allows the audience to be more emotionally involved with the characters point of view. For example, the camera is normally close up on characters, placing the audience in the middle of the immediate action line. It increases the sense of mental and emotional stress that characters endure from dealing with one another in the heat of the moment.