spike lee

Here Are the Key Differences Between the ‘Blackkklansman’ Book and Film

Blackkklansman director Spike Lee has been earning a lot of buzz for the acclaimed film, even, receiving a standing ovation in this years Cannes Film festival. Recently rated a 97% on Rotten Tomatoes, this comedy-drama will surely garner many accolades in the upcoming award season.


But little do many fans of the film know, Blackkklansman was originally a book. Here are the key differences between the two.




1. In the film the script focuses on three social groups, The Black Student Union, the cops and the KKK. Author, Ron Stallworth goes in depth in the book by writing about other social groups


Film versions of books can oftentimes be simplified in order to tell the full bulk of the story. In the book, Stallworth goes into detail about additional groups such as Posse Comitatus , the International Committee Against Racism, the Progressive Labor Party, LAMECHA, People for the Betterment of People, and Anti-Racist Coalition, some are for the KKK and other work against. Being a lover of both film and books, I know that not every detail can be included in the script, but I would have loved if it would have been included in a bit.


2. Master Andy Landers does not exist in the book.


Landers plays a key role in the film he represents corruption within in the police force.



Image via Vox


3. Connie, the wife of KKK member Felix, doesn’t exist in the book, either.


One of the evilest characters in the film Connie (Ashlie Atkinson) the wife of the KKK member Felix (Jasper Pääkkönen), hates black people with a passion. She supports her husband’s tendencies, loves using the n-word and wants nothing more than to see the black race exterminated. The character of Connie doesn’t exist in the book, we only know that Felix has a wife who supports his racism.


4. In the book there is no huge action scene.


Director Spike Lee is partially known for being keen on violent scenes and combating racism through film. His choice to include an attempted bombing, Connie’s arrest and the end of the undercover investigation. The book does not include an action scene at all and the police department does not continue the undercover investigation in a fear of a media crisis.   


5. The endings differ.


The film ends with a cross burning and fading into footage of the violent white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, one year ago as a political statement on America’s current racial climate. The book reveals that Stallworth stole the documents that were used to write the book.


Feature Image via Time