Jungle Fever. 1991. Written and directed by Spike Lee

Film

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Jungle Fever. 1991. USA. Directed by Spike Lee. Image courtesy of Photofest.

Jungle Fever. 1991. USA. Written and directed by Spike Lee. With Wesley Snipes, Annabella Sciorra, Ruby Dee, Ossie Davis, Samuel L. Jackson. 35mm. 132 min.

Jackson’s electric, emotionally exhausting performance as crack addict Gator Purify in Spike Lee’s Jungle Fever garnered him a Best Supporting Performance award at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival—a discontinued honor that the festival jury revived specifically to recognize his efforts. Jackson drew on his own addiction issues to bring Gator’s unpredictable mix of charm and terror to the screen, and his dancing, fidgety portrayal of this wayward son remains one his most powerful performances.

This film accompanies Samuel L. Jackson: A Tribute.

Past events

Tue, Oct 8, 2024, 4:00 p.m.

MoMA, Floor T2/T1, Theater 2

The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 2
Sun, Oct 6, 2024, 4:30 p.m.

MoMA, Floor T2/T1, Theater 1

The Roy and Niuta Titus Theater 1

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