Persistent telemarketers have surpassed unscrupulous real-estate developers as contemporary villains. Hip-hop recording artist Boots Riley, front-man of the Coup, makes an ambitious debut as writer-director in this confrontational, absurdist, corporate satire. Set in Oakland, CA, the story centers on Cassius “Cash” Green (Lakeith Stanfield), who gets caught faking credentials for a telemarketing position at RegalView but lands the job anyway. Eager to move out of Uncle Sergio’s (Terry Crews) garage and into an apartment with his artsy, activist girlfriend Detroit (Tessa Thompson), Cash struggles on the phone, respecting RegalView’s edict: “Stick to the script.” But then, heeding the advice of cubicle-mate Langston (Danny Glover), black Cash adopts a “white” voice (dubbed by David Cross), using certain verbal tones, common phrases, and cultural references. Suddenly, Cash closes so many deals that he is promoted upstairs as one of the “Power Callers”—an executive position with an upgrade in wardrobe, automobile, and living conditions. Meanwhile, Squeeze (Steven Yeun), another low-level telemarketer, tries to form a union to improve working conditions, pay, and benefits. Significantly, the only other employment open to Cash is at the WorryFree factory, where workers sign lifetime, multi-generational contracts in return for guaranteed on-site housing and food—a slavery concept that incites the ire of protest group Left Eye. When Cash is invited to a swanky party hosted by WorryFree’s coked-out CEO (Armie Hammer), he’s faced with sacrificing his morality/conscience while encountering an insidiously surreal choice. An innovative, politically-charged fable, this is recommended. (S. Granger)
Sorry to Bother You
Fox, 100 min., R, DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $34.99, Oct. 23 Volume 33, Issue 6
Sorry to Bother You
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