Award-winning director Spike Lee worked with Netflix to bring a 10-episode remake of his directorial debut, "She's Gotta Have It." This time around, the story has more dimensions. There's certainly more room for character development that was denied to protagonist Nola Darling in the original 1986 film.
The original film was groundbreaking in itself. It is mostly a story focused on Darling's character and how she is able to break the preconceived gender roles of the time. She is carefree, confident about what she wants, and is not shy to express what she wanted sexually.
Owing to its serial presentation, 2017's "She's Gotta Have It" naturally has more room to develop the Darling character. One of the biggest differences is the scope. While the 1986 film centered on Darling's relationship and sexuality, the Netflix series adds new layers to the character for the viewers to discover.
For instance, the 1986 film shows Darling saying that she is an artist, but the audience never really gets to see her make art. In the series, she will be seen painting. In addition, she's got a part-time job as a teacher while waiting to receive an art grant. This creates opportunities for interaction with her students as well.
That said, her sexual relationships were not in any way toned down. She's in a casual relationship with three guys, and all of them at some point tried to get into a serious relationship with her. Her response, of course, was that if they want to be with her, it's got to be on her own terms.
In the series, Lee also shows his filmmaking fondness for Brooklyn. More than just a story about character, the series has been described as a story of place, as well. The way the 1986 setting was adapted into modern-day Brooklyn did not feel out of place.
"She's Gotta Have it" is currently airing on Netflix, and stars DeWanda Wise as Darling.
