"Do the Right Thing" Intro Analysis

The intro to "Do the Right Thing" features actress Rosie Perez dancing to the music of "Fight the Power" by Public Enemy. The first few shots are jump cuts that make Rosie flash across the screen in a manner somewhat similar to cartoon animation, all synchronized with the beginning of the song's beat. Rosie starts out in a red dress with a black belt and black shoes, but she also wears a blue leotard outfit as well as a boxing outfit with silver shorts and a black sports bra. Rosie dances and moves around to the music, mirroring the energy of the song.
Rosie seems to dance freely instead of scripted dance moves. This reflects the message of the song to "Fight the Power." Medium and full body shots are used throughout to capture the energy of her dancing in conjunction with the movement and energy of the music. Rosie's dancing gives her a sense of strength and independence. A close up reveals a look of anger or defiance on Rosie's face. The close up captures her emotion, showing that her dancing isn't for recreation but to prove a point or to send a message.
The background to Rosie's dancing is a typical New York apartment building with its stoop. This sets the tone for the setting of the movie: the streets of Brooklyn. The color of the background is dull or muted, and Rosie stands out with her brightly colored outfits and energetic dancing. Red and blue lights create different moods. The red gives the viewer a sense of heat or tension, which is built upon in the movie with the high heat of the city. The bluish lights create a feeling of the mystery of a New York City night. Overall, I believe the purpose of the intro is to set the tone of defiance and tension that will be explored in the movie.