Jungle Fever
Encyclopedia
Jungle Fever is a 1991 American drama film directed by Spike Lee
, starring Wesley Snipes
and Annabella Sciorra
. It was Lee's fifth feature-length film. The film mainly explores interracial relationships. This film was the debut of Grammy-winner Queen Latifah
as an actress.
Flipper Purify (Wesley Snipes
) is a successful, married African American
man who works at an architectural firm in New York City
. One day, an Italian American
woman named Angela "Angie" Tucci (Annabella Sciorra
) is hired as a temporary secretary
at the place. Flipper complains to his partners Jerry (Tim Robbins
) and Leslie (Brad Dourif
) about wanting an African American secretary; they tell him that they want "the best human being for the job."
When Flipper returns to his Harlem
home after visiting his friend Cyrus (Spike Lee
), he tells his wife Drew (Lonette McKee
) about his promotion. Drew tells him to be prepared if his promotion is declined, but Flipper tells her not to worry. Meanwhile, Angie returns to her Bensonhurst home, and cooks dinner for her father Mike (Frank Vincent
) and her two brothers Charlie (David Dundara) and Jimmy (Michael Imperioli
). Her boyfriend Paulie Carbone (John Turturro
) arrives and takes her out on a date.
One night, Flipper and Angie are working late at the firm, and they start to have a conversation about cooking. They continue to work late and have dinner in his office and they have sex on a desk. The next day, Flipper does not say anything when he is walking his daughter to school. Later, at the office, he tells Jerry and Leslie that he wanted to be partner at the firm. After his offer is declined, he abruptly quits his job. Later that night at the park, Flipper admits his infidelity to Cyrus who tells him the affair is problematic not only because his mistress is White, but also because she is Italian and from Bensonhurst. Then, Flipper's brother Gator (Samuel L. Jackson
) shows up with his girlfriend Vivian (Halle Berry
). He asks Flipper for some money so he can feed his crack habit
. Flipper initially refuses, but gives in eventually. Meanwhile, Angie tells her girlfriends that she is seeing Flipper, shocking them when she tells them he is African American. She then tells them not to tell anybody.
The next evening Flipper and Angela are ignored by the staff at a restaurant. He complains to a waitress (Queen Latifah
) about not being served, she in turn berates him for dating a white woman. Later, the rumors about them surface when Flipper comes home and sees a furious Drew throwing his things out of the window, forcing him to move back in with his mother Lucinda (Ruby Dee
), and his father, the Good Reverend Doctor (Ossie Davis
). Later that night, he confronts Cyrus for betraying his trust. Cyrus admitted he told his wife Vera (Veronica Webb
), but did not know she told Drew. Flipper insults Vera, causing a rift in his friendship with Cyrus.
The next day, Flipper tries to make things up to Drew by bringing her flowers at work, which she proceeds to refuse. Meanwhile, Angie ends her relationship with Paulie. His father Lou (Anthony Quinn
) finds Paulie in the bathroom and consoles him. When Angie returns home, a livid Mike violently beats her for dating a black man and throws her out of the house. Flipper and Angie move in to an apartment together, where they subsequently encounter social problems including a failed dinner with Flipper's parents, and another problem when they are walking down the street, they joke around and Flipper forces himself onto her, the police show up thinking he is raping her, she tells them that he is her boyfriend and threatens to have their badges. Flipper yells at her and does not want anyone else to know. Paulie attempts to start a similar relationship with an African American woman called Orin Goode (Tyra Ferrell
), but encounters problems of his own.
Lucinda has Flipper come over to inform him that Gator has taken the television, she wants him to try and get it back before the good reverend doctor comes home, he finds him at a drug house and sees him and Vivian smoking crack, he tells him that he pawned the TV to get money for the crack. Flipper slaps Vivian in the face and tells Gator that their mother is crying over him, Gator, who does not seem to care, says he is a crackhead. Flipper tells him that he is cutting him off for good and leaves. Eventually issues surrounding Flipper and Angie strain the relationship so much so that they breakup. Orin accepts Paulie's offer to take her on a date. But when he tells his father he is going on a date with an African American he exclaims "He is no longer his son!". On the way to meet with Orin he gets into fight but still heads to her house. One night, Gator looking for money to supply his drug habit storms into his parents' house while the Reverend is away, demanding money from Lucinda while trashing the house. The Reverend arrives and threatens to shoot him if he does not leave; Gator refuses to leave, antagonizing his father. The Reverend tells Gator he is better off dead, and shoots him. Gator dies in his mother's arms.
Flipper attempts to reconcile with Drew. After having sex with her, Drew, still hurt, tells him it's best for him to leave. While walking down a street, a prostitute offers to provide fellatio
for two dollars. Flipper, in response, hugs her and screams "No!" out to the heavens.
The film as of January 2011 has a rating of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes
based on 26 "Fresh" reviews and 5 "Rotten" ones.
Spike Lee
Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American film director, producer, writer, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983....
, starring Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes
Wesley Trent Snipes is an American actor, film producer, and martial artist, who has starred in numerous action films, thrillers, and dramatic feature films. Snipes is known for playing the Marvel Comics character Blade in the Blade film trilogy, among various other high profile roles...
and Annabella Sciorra
Annabella Sciorra
Annabella Sciorra is an American film, television, and stage actress. Sciorra received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead for the 1989 film True Love, and came to widespread attention in her co-lead role in Spike Lee's 1991 film Jungle Fever...
. It was Lee's fifth feature-length film. The film mainly explores interracial relationships. This film was the debut of Grammy-winner Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah
Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...
as an actress.
Plot
Before the opening credits begin, a dedication to Yusuf Hawkins is shown, who was killed on August 23, 1989, in Bensonhurst, New York, by neighborhood folk who believed the youth was involved with a white girl in the neighborhood, though he was actually in the neighborhood to inquire about a used car for sale in the area.Flipper Purify (Wesley Snipes
Wesley Snipes
Wesley Trent Snipes is an American actor, film producer, and martial artist, who has starred in numerous action films, thrillers, and dramatic feature films. Snipes is known for playing the Marvel Comics character Blade in the Blade film trilogy, among various other high profile roles...
) is a successful, married African American
African American
African Americans are citizens or residents of the United States who have at least partial ancestry from any of the native populations of Sub-Saharan Africa and are the direct descendants of enslaved Africans within the boundaries of the present United States...
man who works at an architectural firm in New York City
New York City
New York is the most populous city in the United States and the center of the New York Metropolitan Area, one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world. New York exerts a significant impact upon global commerce, finance, media, art, fashion, research, technology, education, and...
. One day, an Italian American
Italian American
An Italian American , is an American of Italian ancestry. The designation may also refer to someone possessing Italian and American dual citizenship...
woman named Angela "Angie" Tucci (Annabella Sciorra
Annabella Sciorra
Annabella Sciorra is an American film, television, and stage actress. Sciorra received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead for the 1989 film True Love, and came to widespread attention in her co-lead role in Spike Lee's 1991 film Jungle Fever...
) is hired as a temporary secretary
Secretary
A secretary, or administrative assistant, is a person whose work consists of supporting management, including executives, using a variety of project management, communication & organizational skills. These functions may be entirely carried out to assist one other employee or may be for the benefit...
at the place. Flipper complains to his partners Jerry (Tim Robbins
Tim Robbins
Timothy Francis "Tim" Robbins is an American actor, screenwriter, director, producer, activist and musician. He is the former longtime partner of actress Susan Sarandon...
) and Leslie (Brad Dourif
Brad Dourif
Bradford Claude "Brad" Dourif is an American film and television actor who gained early fame for his portrayal of Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and has since appeared in a number of memorable roles, including the voice of Chucky in the Child's Play franchise, Younger Brother in...
) about wanting an African American secretary; they tell him that they want "the best human being for the job."
When Flipper returns to his Harlem
Harlem
Harlem is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Manhattan, which since the 1920s has been a major African-American residential, cultural and business center. Originally a Dutch village, formally organized in 1658, it is named after the city of Haarlem in the Netherlands...
home after visiting his friend Cyrus (Spike Lee
Spike Lee
Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American film director, producer, writer, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983....
), he tells his wife Drew (Lonette McKee
Lonette McKee
Lonette McKee is an American film and television actress, music composer/producer/songwriter, screenwriter and director.-Biography:...
) about his promotion. Drew tells him to be prepared if his promotion is declined, but Flipper tells her not to worry. Meanwhile, Angie returns to her Bensonhurst home, and cooks dinner for her father Mike (Frank Vincent
Frank Vincent
Frank Vincent is an American actor, musician, author and entrepreneur. He is a favorite performer of director Martin Scorsese, having played important roles in three of Scorsese's most acclaimed films: Raging Bull , Goodfellas and Casino . He often plays a gangster and works both in features and...
) and her two brothers Charlie (David Dundara) and Jimmy (Michael Imperioli
Michael Imperioli
James Michael Imperioli , commonly known as Michael Imperioli, is an American actor and television writer. He is perhaps best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2004. He also...
). Her boyfriend Paulie Carbone (John Turturro
John Turturro
John Michael Turturro is an American actor, writer and director known for his roles in the films Do the Right Thing , Miller's Crossing , Barton Fink , Quiz Show , The Big Lebowski , O Brother, Where Art Thou? and the Transformers film series...
) arrives and takes her out on a date.
One night, Flipper and Angie are working late at the firm, and they start to have a conversation about cooking. They continue to work late and have dinner in his office and they have sex on a desk. The next day, Flipper does not say anything when he is walking his daughter to school. Later, at the office, he tells Jerry and Leslie that he wanted to be partner at the firm. After his offer is declined, he abruptly quits his job. Later that night at the park, Flipper admits his infidelity to Cyrus who tells him the affair is problematic not only because his mistress is White, but also because she is Italian and from Bensonhurst. Then, Flipper's brother Gator (Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel L. Jackson
Samuel Leroy Jackson is an American film and television actor and film producer. After becoming involved with the Civil Rights Movement, he moved on to acting in theater at Morehouse College, and then films. He had several small roles such as in the film Goodfellas before meeting his mentor,...
) shows up with his girlfriend Vivian (Halle Berry
Halle Berry
Halle Berry is an American actress and a former fashion model. Berry received an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and an NAACP Image Award for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and won an Academy Award for Best Actress and was nominated for a BAFTA Award in 2001 for her performance in Monster's Ball, becoming...
). He asks Flipper for some money so he can feed his crack habit
Crack cocaine
Crack cocaine is the freebase form of cocaine that can be smoked. It may also be termed rock, hard, iron, cavvy, base, or just crack; it is the most addictive form of cocaine. Crack rocks offer a short but intense high to smokers...
. Flipper initially refuses, but gives in eventually. Meanwhile, Angie tells her girlfriends that she is seeing Flipper, shocking them when she tells them he is African American. She then tells them not to tell anybody.
The next evening Flipper and Angela are ignored by the staff at a restaurant. He complains to a waitress (Queen Latifah
Queen Latifah
Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy...
) about not being served, she in turn berates him for dating a white woman. Later, the rumors about them surface when Flipper comes home and sees a furious Drew throwing his things out of the window, forcing him to move back in with his mother Lucinda (Ruby Dee
Ruby Dee
Ruby Dee is an American actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist, and activist, perhaps best known for co-starring in the film A Raisin in the Sun and the film American Gangster for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.-Early years:Dee was born Ruby...
), and his father, the Good Reverend Doctor (Ossie Davis
Ossie Davis
Ossie Davis was an American film actor, director, poet, playwright, writer, and social activist.-Early years:...
). Later that night, he confronts Cyrus for betraying his trust. Cyrus admitted he told his wife Vera (Veronica Webb
Veronica Webb
Veronica Webb is an American model, actress, writer, journalist and television personality. Webb was the first African-American to have a major cosmetics contract...
), but did not know she told Drew. Flipper insults Vera, causing a rift in his friendship with Cyrus.
The next day, Flipper tries to make things up to Drew by bringing her flowers at work, which she proceeds to refuse. Meanwhile, Angie ends her relationship with Paulie. His father Lou (Anthony Quinn
Anthony Quinn
Antonio Rodolfo Quinn-Oaxaca , more commonly known as Anthony Quinn, was a Mexican American actor, as well as a painter and writer...
) finds Paulie in the bathroom and consoles him. When Angie returns home, a livid Mike violently beats her for dating a black man and throws her out of the house. Flipper and Angie move in to an apartment together, where they subsequently encounter social problems including a failed dinner with Flipper's parents, and another problem when they are walking down the street, they joke around and Flipper forces himself onto her, the police show up thinking he is raping her, she tells them that he is her boyfriend and threatens to have their badges. Flipper yells at her and does not want anyone else to know. Paulie attempts to start a similar relationship with an African American woman called Orin Goode (Tyra Ferrell
Tyra Ferrell
-Career:She appeared in Jungle Fever , which starred Wesley Snipes and Annabella Sciorra. She also had roles in films such as Boyz n the Hood , White Men Can't Jump , and Poetic Justice...
), but encounters problems of his own.
Lucinda has Flipper come over to inform him that Gator has taken the television, she wants him to try and get it back before the good reverend doctor comes home, he finds him at a drug house and sees him and Vivian smoking crack, he tells him that he pawned the TV to get money for the crack. Flipper slaps Vivian in the face and tells Gator that their mother is crying over him, Gator, who does not seem to care, says he is a crackhead. Flipper tells him that he is cutting him off for good and leaves. Eventually issues surrounding Flipper and Angie strain the relationship so much so that they breakup. Orin accepts Paulie's offer to take her on a date. But when he tells his father he is going on a date with an African American he exclaims "He is no longer his son!". On the way to meet with Orin he gets into fight but still heads to her house. One night, Gator looking for money to supply his drug habit storms into his parents' house while the Reverend is away, demanding money from Lucinda while trashing the house. The Reverend arrives and threatens to shoot him if he does not leave; Gator refuses to leave, antagonizing his father. The Reverend tells Gator he is better off dead, and shoots him. Gator dies in his mother's arms.
Flipper attempts to reconcile with Drew. After having sex with her, Drew, still hurt, tells him it's best for him to leave. While walking down a street, a prostitute offers to provide fellatio
Fellatio
Fellatio is an act of oral stimulation of a male's penis by a sexual partner. It involves the stimulation of the penis by the use of the mouth, tongue, or throat. The person who performs fellatio can be referred to as the giving partner, and the other person is the receiving partner...
for two dollars. Flipper, in response, hugs her and screams "No!" out to the heavens.
Cast
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Wesley Snipes Wesley Snipes Wesley Trent Snipes is an American actor, film producer, and martial artist, who has starred in numerous action films, thrillers, and dramatic feature films. Snipes is known for playing the Marvel Comics character Blade in the Blade film trilogy, among various other high profile roles... |
Flipper Purify |
| Annabella Sciorra Annabella Sciorra Annabella Sciorra is an American film, television, and stage actress. Sciorra received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead for the 1989 film True Love, and came to widespread attention in her co-lead role in Spike Lee's 1991 film Jungle Fever... |
Angie Tucci |
| Spike Lee Spike Lee Shelton Jackson "Spike" Lee is an American film director, producer, writer, and actor. His production company, 40 Acres & A Mule Filmworks, has produced over 35 films since 1983.... |
Cyrus |
| Ossie Davis Ossie Davis Ossie Davis was an American film actor, director, poet, playwright, writer, and social activist.-Early years:... |
Mr. Purify |
| Ruby Dee Ruby Dee Ruby Dee is an American actress, poet, playwright, screenwriter, journalist, and activist, perhaps best known for co-starring in the film A Raisin in the Sun and the film American Gangster for which she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.-Early years:Dee was born Ruby... |
Mrs. Purify |
| Samuel L. Jackson Samuel L. Jackson Samuel Leroy Jackson is an American film and television actor and film producer. After becoming involved with the Civil Rights Movement, he moved on to acting in theater at Morehouse College, and then films. He had several small roles such as in the film Goodfellas before meeting his mentor,... |
"Gator" Purify |
| Lonette McKee Lonette McKee Lonette McKee is an American film and television actress, music composer/producer/songwriter, screenwriter and director.-Biography:... |
Drew |
| John Turturro John Turturro John Michael Turturro is an American actor, writer and director known for his roles in the films Do the Right Thing , Miller's Crossing , Barton Fink , Quiz Show , The Big Lebowski , O Brother, Where Art Thou? and the Transformers film series... |
Paulie Carbone |
| Frank Vincent Frank Vincent Frank Vincent is an American actor, musician, author and entrepreneur. He is a favorite performer of director Martin Scorsese, having played important roles in three of Scorsese's most acclaimed films: Raging Bull , Goodfellas and Casino . He often plays a gangster and works both in features and... |
Mike Tucci |
| Anthony Quinn Anthony Quinn Antonio Rodolfo Quinn-Oaxaca , more commonly known as Anthony Quinn, was a Mexican American actor, as well as a painter and writer... |
Lou Carbone |
| Halle Berry Halle Berry Halle Berry is an American actress and a former fashion model. Berry received an Emmy, Golden Globe, SAG, and an NAACP Image Award for Introducing Dorothy Dandridge and won an Academy Award for Best Actress and was nominated for a BAFTA Award in 2001 for her performance in Monster's Ball, becoming... |
Vivian |
| Tyra Ferrell Tyra Ferrell -Career:She appeared in Jungle Fever , which starred Wesley Snipes and Annabella Sciorra. She also had roles in films such as Boyz n the Hood , White Men Can't Jump , and Poetic Justice... |
Orin Goode |
| Veronica Webb Veronica Webb Veronica Webb is an American model, actress, writer, journalist and television personality. Webb was the first African-American to have a major cosmetics contract... |
Vera |
| David Dundara | Charlie Tucci |
| Michael Imperioli Michael Imperioli James Michael Imperioli , commonly known as Michael Imperioli, is an American actor and television writer. He is perhaps best known for his role as Christopher Moltisanti on The Sopranos for which he won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series in 2004. He also... |
James Tucci |
| Nicholas Turturro Nicholas Turturro Nicholas Turturro, Jr. is an American film, television and prolific on-stage character actor, perhaps best known for his role as James Martinez, on NYPD Blue from 1993 to 2000.-Early life:... |
Vinny |
| Michael Badalucco Michael Badalucco Michael Badalucco is an American actor most famous for his role as lawyer Jimmy Berluti on the ABC legal drama The Practice... |
Frankie Botz |
| Debi Mazar Debi Mazar Deborah "Debi" Mazar is an American actress, perhaps best known for her Jersey Girl-type roles; as sharp-tongued women in independent films; and for her recurring role as press agent Shauna Roberts on the HBO series Entourage.-Early life:... |
Denise |
| Gina Mastrogiacomo Gina Mastrogiacomo Gina Mastrogiacomo was an Italian-American actress born in Great Neck, New York. She moved to New York City when she was 18 years old... |
Louise |
| Tim Robbins Tim Robbins Timothy Francis "Tim" Robbins is an American actor, screenwriter, director, producer, activist and musician. He is the former longtime partner of actress Susan Sarandon... |
Jerry |
| Brad Dourif Brad Dourif Bradford Claude "Brad" Dourif is an American film and television actor who gained early fame for his portrayal of Billy Bibbit in One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, and has since appeared in a number of memorable roles, including the voice of Chucky in the Child's Play franchise, Younger Brother in... |
Leslie |
| Theresa Randle Theresa Randle Theresa E. Randle is an American stage, film and television actress.Randle was born in Los Angeles, California. She began her performing career by studying dance and comedy. She entered Beverly Hills College with a special program for the exceptionally gifted... |
Inez |
| Miguel Sandoval Miguel Sandoval Miguel Sandoval is an American film and television actor.Sandoval was born in Washington, D.C. He began working as a professional actor in 1975 when he joined a mime school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He later joined the troupe full time and continued his study of mime. He began his film career in... |
Officer Ponte |
| Charlie Murphy Charlie Murphy Charles Quinton "Charlie" Murphy is an American actor, comedian, and writer notable as being a cast member and writer on the Comedy Central sketch-comedy series Chappelle's Show... |
Livin' Large |
| Grand Bush | Friend of Gator |
| Doug E. Doug Doug E. Doug Douglas Bourne, better known as Doug E. Doug is an American actor, comedian, screenwriter, producer, and film director. He started his career at age 17 as a stand-up comedian... |
Friend of Livin' Large |
| Queen Latifah Queen Latifah Dana Elaine Owens , better known by her stage name Queen Latifah, is an American singer, rapper, and actress. Her work in music, film and television has earned her a Golden Globe award, two Screen Actors Guild Awards, two Image Awards, a Grammy Award, six additional Grammy nominations, an Emmy... |
LaShawn |
Awards
- 1991 Cannes Film Festival1991 Cannes Film Festival- Jury :*Roman Polanski *Férid Boughedir *Whoopi Goldberg *Margaret Menegoz *Natalia Negoda *Alan Parker *Jean-Paul Rappeneau *Hans Dieter Seidel *Vittorio Storaro...
- Best Supporting Actor
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Prize of the Ecumenical Jury (Special Mention)
- Best Supporting Actor
- Kansas City Film Critics Circle Awards
- Best Supporting Actor
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Best Supporting Actor
- National Board of Review
- 10th best film of the year
- New York Film Critics Circle AwardsNew York Film Critics Circle AwardsNew York Film Critics' Circle Awards are given annually to honor excellence in cinema worldwide by an organization of film reviewers from New York City-based publications. It is considered one of the most important precursors to the Academy Awards....
- Best Supporting Actor
- Samuel L. Jackson
- Best Supporting Actor
- Political Film SocietyPolitical Film SocietyThe Political Film Society is a nonprofit corporation that exists to recognize Hollywood films' ability to raise awareness in political matters in the world. Film makers are the ones who are awarded by this organization...
Human Rights Award
Reception
The film gained mostly positive reviews, with particular praise for Samuel L. Jackson's performance as crack addict Gator, which is often considered to be his star making role.The film as of January 2011 has a rating of 84% on Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes
Rotten Tomatoes is a website devoted to reviews, information, and news of films—widely known as a film review aggregator. Its name derives from the cliché of audiences throwing tomatoes and other vegetables at a poor stage performance...
based on 26 "Fresh" reviews and 5 "Rotten" ones.