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A telemarketer struggles with his success, until he discovers the key to being impressively convincing.
This movie’s camera work, directed by Boots Riley and shot by Doug Emmett, is impressive. They use colors and angles in a way that really adds to the story, making the movie not just about the story, but also about how it looks and feels.
At the start, the film is full of bright colors like reds, purples, and blues. This really shows the simple, happy life of the main character, Cassius “Cash” Green, even though he doesn’t have much money. These colors make the movie look great and also show a big change later on.
When Cash starts doing better in his job, the colors in the film change to less vibrant, more dull tones. This shows how Cash’s life changes as he gets more involved in the corporate world. It’s like the movie is showing us how chasing money and success can make life less colorful and happy.
Some of the most notable songs from the soundtrack include:
In my view, the soundtrack is more than background music; it’s key in establishing the film’s tone and mood. The Coup’s lively and stirring songs, like “Hey Saturday Night” and “We Ready,” add a rebellious and daring feel to the story. Their music reflects the movie’s themes of defying social norms and resisting capitalist exploitation.
The use of Lakeith Stanfield’s vocals in “Nigga Shit” adds a layer of authenticity and connection to the character he portrays in the film. This choice blurs the lines between the character’s world and the real world, enhancing the viewer’s engagement with the story.
The soundtrack received critical acclaim, with Metacritic assigning it an average score of 80 based on 15 reviews, indicating “generally favorable reviews.” It was also recognized by PopMatters, placing it at number 5 on the “Best Hip-Hop of 2012” list, and the Los Angeles Times ranked it at number 8 on their “Best of 2012 Pop Music: Albums” list. This recognition speaks to the quality and impact of the soundtrack, which not only serves the narrative but also stands on its own as a powerful piece of music.
The primary themes of Sorry To Bother You include:
Sorry To Bother You, a film from 2018 by Boots Riley in his directorial debut, is a unique mix of satire and science fiction. It stars Lakeith Stanfield as Cassius Green, a black telemarketer who finds success using a “white voice,” voiced by David Cross. The story gets really interesting as Cassius climbs the corporate ladder and enters a strange and dark world.
The movie is set in a different kind of reality and looks closely at what happens when telemarketers use a special “power call” technology. It’s a smart look at how capitalism affects people and how race and class are connected in America.
Lakeith Stanfield is amazing as Cassius. He really shows how Cassius changes from just getting by to becoming a big deal in sales and then to a leader of change. His journey is a mix of wanting more, being a bit naive, and figuring out what’s right and wrong. The other actors, like Tessa Thompson, Armie Hammer, and Danny Glover, also give great performances that stick with you.
The film’s creative setting in an alternate Oakland, where telemarketing is a big deal and there’s clear racial division, touches on big issues like class conflict, greed in companies, and how workers are treated. Riley’s fearless way of making this movie makes you think about these issues in both a funny and serious way.
This film has a lot of smart and sharp humor that pokes fun at things like the tech world, the media, and advertising. It’s not afraid to be different and make the audience think, which makes it a really interesting watch.
What I really like about this film is how original it is. It brings new ideas to topics like fighting against corporate greed and class conflicts, and the strong acting helps bring these ideas to life. Its brave satire and unique view make it a must-see for people who love movies that are out of the ordinary.
Protagonist, Cassius Green
Sorry to Bother You was primarily filmed in Oakland, California. The city serves as the backdrop for the film’s dystopian future setting and its vibrant and diverse culture is prominently featured throughout the film. The film’s director, Boots Riley, is an Oakland native and wanted to showcase the city’s unique character and spirit in the film. The film also utilized several iconic locations in Oakland, including the historic Fox Theater and the Grand Lake Theater, as well as several of the city’s distinctive neighborhoods and street scenes.
