Boots Riley, musician, activist, screenwriter, and director, joins Rivka and Frank for a discussion on his film Sorry to Bother You. They delve into his creative process, depiction of organized labor, and the relevance of the story in 2023. They also explore the idea of 'company towns' and the impact of technology on jobs. The conversation touches on the evolution of film, storytelling, and the themes in the movie.
Sorry to Bother You explores the importance of collective action and empowerment in addressing personal and societal issues.
The film satirically critiques capitalism and its exploitative nature by presenting exaggerated and absurd elements reminiscent of our own capitalist system.
Sorry to Bother You delves into themes of social and economic injustice, challenging the notion of a meritocratic society and advocating for systemic change.
Deep dives
The Power of Organizing and Finding Personal Agency
Sorry to Bother You explores the importance of people finding their power and engaging with the world around them. The protagonist, Cassius Green, starts off as a struggling telemarketer, but his use of a white voice and subsequent rise to success exposes the nefarious practices of his company. As his coworkers begin to unionize and fight for their rights, Cassius finds himself torn between management and his comrades. The film emphasizes the significance of collective action and the impact it can have on both personal and societal levels.
Highlighting the Absurdities of Capitalism
Sorry to Bother You presents a satirical critique of capitalism and its impact on society. Through exaggerated and absurd elements, such as the worry-free corporation and the concept of worrying-free workers, the film highlights the exploitation and dehumanization inherent in capitalist systems. By portraying these elements as part of a fictional world that closely resembles our own, the film prompts viewers to consider the absurdities and inherent contradictions of the capitalist system.
Addressing Social and Economic Injustice
The movie delves into themes of social and economic injustice, highlighting the realities of poverty, homelessness, and inequality. It challenges the widely held notion of a meritocratic society and examines how systemic issues perpetuate and exacerbate social disparities. By depicting the struggles of working-class individuals and the intersections of race and class, Sorry to Bother You prompts viewers to question and critique the existing power structures and advocate for change.
Importance of Hope in Music and Organizing
The podcast explores the importance of maintaining a sense of hope and optimism in music and organizing efforts. The speaker reflects on how anger and rage, although present in certain forms of music, can sometimes hinder people's motivation to take action. They emphasize the need to address the question of how things can be changed and advocate for a more hopeful and absurd approach that challenges existing power structures.
The Power of Art and Absurdity in Filmmaking
The podcast discusses the role of art and absurdity in filmmaking, using the example of the movie 'Sorry to Bother You.' The speaker highlights how incorporating elements of absurdity and contradiction in storytelling can create heightened contradictions and amplify social and political messages. They draw parallels between comedy and tragedy, noting that comedy allows for a deeper exploration of contradictions and a more natural reflection of human experiences. The speaker also talks about using music-related techniques to evoke visceral emotions and the influence of film history on narrative structures.
Rivka and Frank are joined by musician, activist, screenwriter, and director Boots Riley for a discussion about his film debut — the 2018 satire set in the world of telemarketing, Sorry to Bother You. Boots talks about his creative process, including his personal experience working in the telemarketing industry. They also discuss the depiction of organized labor in the film, how the story feels even more relevant in 2023 than it did five years ago, and how we could see a resurgence of “company towns” like the WorryFree Corporation.
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