The less a person of color sounds ethnic, the more likely they will be able to gain access to the service they want. Code-switching is something people of color often have to resort to because of the innate racism of society. Riley comments on how the capitalist system is geared to reward not the honest hard-working people like Cash's uncle, but people like Cash, who lie and try to manipulate the system to make their way to the top.Ĭash's eventual success is entirely built on lies and his "white voice" is the pinnacle of the lie. He immediately sets his eyes on becoming a "Power Caller" by utilizing the same "by any means necessary" attitude to work his way to the top. When he is found out, he is not punished, but rewarded for his sleazy methods and gets the gig. To help his uncle from losing his house and possible freedom, Cash goes into Regel View and lies in an attempt to get the job. They essentially become slaves for a corporation that doesn't believe in paying its workers. Worry-Free is a place where, in exchange for indentured servitude, people will no longer have to worry about rent, bills, or even grocery costs. He finds out his Uncle is on the verge of losing his house and is considering joining a company called Worry-Free. Living in his uncle's garage, unable to pay rent, and driving a car on the verge of explosion with 15 cents worth of gas in the tank, Cash is in need of a come-up. Cash is at the bottom when we first meet him. The commentary on capitalism plays a significant role in Sorry To Bother You.
It works, and Cash quickly rises through the ranks and becomes one of the coveted "Power Callers." The film follows Cash at his lowest lows and takes us to his highest highs. He soon finds out he has a gift when he is told by Langston (Danny Glover) to use his "white voice" to improve his sales. We follow Cassius Green, better known as Cash, as he begins his new job at Regel View as a telemarketer. Sorry To Bother You takes place in an alternate version of Oakland, California. Riley (an activist and a musician before he turned to filmmaking) has always been forthcoming with his anti-capitalist beliefs, and it would only be fitting that the themes of his directorial debut reflect that. But Boots Riley's film is also an anti-capitalist love-letter, and we definitely need to talk about that. It is a fun comedy steeped in magical realism, with fantastic acting and brilliant cinematography, a film that shouldn't be missed in theaters. We kindly request that persons who require reasonable accommodations to fully participate in this event contact the Office of Disability and Equity with any questions or to request accommodations: 30.Boots Riley's film Sorry To Bother You is a film people have been buzzing about for a while, for a good reason. Rated R (for pervasive language, some strong sexual content, graphic nudity, and drug use). As his friends and co-workers organize in protest of corporate oppression, Cassius falls under the spell of his company's CEO Steve Lift (Armie Hammer), who offers him a salary beyond his wildest dreams. But the upswing in Cassius' career raises serious red flags with his girlfriend Detroit (Tessa Thompson), a performance artist and minimum-wage striver who's secretly part of a Banksy-style activist collective.
#Sorry to bother you professional#
In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, black telemarketer Cassius Green (Lakeith Stanfield) discovers a magical key to professional success, which propels him into a macabre universe of "powercalling" that leads to material glory. He is also the lead vocalist of The Coup and Street Sweeper Social Club. He was one of the leaders of the activist group The Young Comrades. Fervently dedicated to social change, Boots was deeply involved with the Occupy Oakland movement.
The film premiered at the 2018 Sundance Film Fest and opened to strong critical acclaim in theaters nationwide later in 2018. Boots Riley wrote and directed Sorry to Bother You, a comedy fantasy sci-fi film, in his directorial debut. Additionally, individuals with tickets must check-in to the event by 6:15 pm, otherwise tickets will be released to the general public on a first-come-first-serve basis.īoots Riley is a provocative and prolific poet, rapper, songwriter, producer, screenwriter, director, community organizer, and public speaker. If tickets are no longer available, we encourage you to show up the day of the event for a livestream in the Larry D.
#Sorry to bother you free#
Join the Colorado Film School and Office of Student Life for a special screening of Sorry to Bother You followed by a live conversation with writer and director Boots Riley! Tickets are required and free to the general public.