Sorry to Bother You (2018)

In an alternate present-day version of Oakland, telemarketer Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success, propelling him into a universe of greed.

Director:

Boots Riley

Writer:

Boots Riley

Stars:

LaKeith Stanfield, Tessa Thompson, Jermaine Fowler

17 wins & 53 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
LaKeith Stanfield	...	Cassius Green (as Lakeith Stanfield)
Tessa Thompson	...	Detroit
Jermaine Fowler	...	Salvador
Omari Hardwick	...	Mr. _______
Terry Crews	...	Sergio
Kate Berlant	...	Diana DeBauchery
Michael X. Sommers	...	Johnny
Danny Glover	...	Langston
Steven Yeun	...	Squeeze
Armie Hammer	...	Steve Lift
Robert Longstreet	...	Anderson
David Cross	...	Cassius's White Voice (voice)
Patton Oswalt	...	Mr. _______'s White Voice (voice)
Lily James	...	Detroit's White British Voice (voice)
Forest Whitaker	...	First Equisapien / Demarius

Storyline

In an alternate version of Oakland, Cassius Green gets a telemarketing job and finds the commission paid job a dispiriting struggle as a black man selling to predominately white people over the phone. That changes when a veteran advises him to use his "white voice," and the attitude behind it to make himself more appealing to customers. With a bizarrely high-pitched accent, Cassius becomes a success even as his colleagues form a union to improve their miserable jobs. Regardless, Cassius finds himself promoted a "Power Caller" selling the most morally abhorrent but lucrative products and services as his connection to his girlfriend and colleagues fades away. However, Cassius' conscience arises anew as he finds himself in the midst of his boss' bizarre world of condescending bigoted decadence and his sinister plans to create the perfect subservient work force with Cassius' help.

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Plot Keywords:

absurdism | oakland california | telemarketing | slave labor | social satire | 

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Genres:

Comedy | Fantasy | Sci-Fi

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for pervasive language, some strong sexual content, graphic nudity, and drug use

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

13 July 2018 (USA)

Also Known As:

Sorry to Bother You

Filming Locations:

Oakland, California, USA

Box Office

Opening Weekend USA:

$727,266, 8 July 2018

Gross USA:

$17,493,096

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$18,170,707

Company Credits

Production Co:

Cinereach, Forest Whitaker's Significant Productions, MACRO

Technical Specs

Runtime:

112 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Donald Glover originally planned to play the lead role of Cassius Green, but was unable to do so due to scheduling conflicts with Solo: A Star Wars Story (2018). He recommended his Atlanta co-star LaKeith Stanfield for the role instead.

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Goofs

The workers aspire to become 'Power Callers' with all the attendant rewards. The path to this promotion is laid out clearly by the company and is open to all without discrimination (demonstrated by Cassius's success).

However, instead of attempting to better themselves by following this path, the workers go on strike to protest their low pay. Even worse, when one of their own is eventually promoted on merit they vehemently complain, in fact, verbally abuse Cassius on his way to work at his new job.

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Quotes

[first lines]
Anderson: So it says here that you were manager of the Rusty Scupper restaurant for five years. And then a bank teller at Bank of Oakland between 2014 to 2016. Oh, and you were employee of the month! What's that trophy in the bag there?
Cassius Green: Oh, Oakland High moot court champion. I'm a salesman at heart.
Anderson: *That* is intriguing. Mainly because I was the branch manager at the Bank of Oakland between 2014 and 2016, and you, Mr. Green, you never fucking worked there.

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Connections

Referenced in Ride with Norman Reedus: Bay Area with Steven Yeun (2019)

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Soundtracks

Twisty Flutti
Composed by Max Robin
Courtesy of APM Music

User Reviews

Enjoyable artistry

You just need to set aside your rationale, sit back and let the picture steer the wheel for your creative mind! This movie isn't trying to sell any opinions, it just is what it is and that's nothing short of a pleasant scenery. I recommend it to fans of Black Mirror or such movies.