In-Depth Review of “Sorry to Bother You” (2018) Movie
Summary: “Sorry to Bother You,” directed by Boots Riley, is a genre-defying dark comedy that tackles capitalism, identity, and the cost of success. It follows Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield), who discovers that using a “white voice” can transform his fortunes in the telemarketing world, but this success comes at a moral price.
Character Arcs and Dialogues:
Cassius Green: Cassius begins as a struggling telemarketer, desperate for a breakthrough. His transformation starts with the adoption of the “white voice,” symbolizing societal pressures to conform. This voice, dubbed by David Cross, creates a stark dichotomy between Cash’s authentic self and the persona he adopts for success. The evolution of Cash’s character is marked by a pivotal dialogue with his friend Salvador (Jermaine Fowler):
Salvador: “If you get shown a problem, but have no idea how to control it, then you just decide to get used to the problem.”
This line encapsulates Cash’s initial resignation and eventual rebellion against the corporate machine. As he climbs the corporate ladder, his relationship with Detroit (Tessa Thompson) strains, reflecting the personal costs of his professional ascent.
Detroit: Detroit is the moral compass of the film, grounded in her principles and activism. Her artwork and performances, particularly the scene where she stands on stage covered in blood and holding a sign that reads “The Future is Female Ejaculation,” starkly contrast with Cash’s growing complicity. One of her most poignant lines to Cash is:
Detroit: “You have to be able to do that thing that people always talk about — stay woke.”
This dialogue underscores her unwavering commitment to her beliefs, serving as a counterpoint to Cash’s increasingly compromised ethics.
Steve Lift: Steve Lift, played by Armie Hammer, is the embodiment of unchecked capitalist excess. His character’s arc is less about transformation and more about the revelation of his true nature. His grand plan, turning workers into Equisapiens to boost productivity, is both absurd and terrifying. Lift’s dialogue during the infamous party scene where he tries to coax Cash into rapping is particularly telling:
Steve Lift: “Rap for us, Cash. Show us your skills.”
This moment highlights the racial exploitation and humiliation embedded in the corporate world, laying bare the dehumanizing aspects of capitalism.
Themes and Analysis:
Capitalism and Exploitation: The film’s portrayal of RegalView, the telemarketing company, serves as a microcosm of corporate greed. The absurdity of using a “white voice” to succeed comments on the systemic racism and the lengths to which people must go to fit into capitalist frameworks. The Equisapiens symbolize the ultimate dehumanization for profit, pushing the satire to its extreme.
Identity and Assimilation: Cash’s journey is a poignant exploration of identity and the cost of assimilation. The “white voice” is a powerful metaphor for the suppression of one’s true self to achieve societal acceptance and success. This internal conflict is vividly captured in a scene where Cash, in his natural voice, tries to connect with his colleagues but finds himself increasingly alienated.
Activism and Resistance: Detroit and the workers’ union represent the resistance against the oppressive corporate system. The climax, where the workers rally together, is a call to action, emphasizing the power of collective resistance. Detroit’s unwavering stance and the union’s fight against RegalView highlight the film’s advocacy for solidarity and activism.
Conclusion: “Sorry to Bother You” is a bold, innovative film that blends satire, sci-fi, and social commentary. Its critique of capitalism is incisive, its portrayal of racial dynamics is unflinching, and its narrative is refreshingly unpredictable. The performances, especially by Lakeith Stanfield and Tessa Thompson, anchor the film’s fantastical elements in emotional reality. Boots Riley’s debut is a striking and thought-provoking commentary on the cost of success in a capitalist society.
