Watch the film, Sorry to Bother You, by Boots Riley. It is available on Hulu. If you do not have Hulu, you can rent it on Amazon for a small fee. *** If you are using google chrome, Hulu only works on Incognito mode because Hulu’s coding is inefficient*** Open a new window in Incognito Mode and login to Hulu *** This message is only for those who use google chrome as their primary browser. ***
The film, Sorry to Bother You, by Boots Riley, is what is known as an allegory. An allegory tells a story using a series of symbols. Ultimately, each symbol and the plot’s movement leads to the metaphorical meaning/figurative meaning of the film as a whole. This wild film is essentially created from building blocks- each inspired by American History, current societal issues and phenomena, and how the United States’ History impacts current society societal issues. Excuse me for using a cliche, but nothing happens inside a vacuum. Even the setting is symbolic and important in this film, so pay close attention(For instance, the film’s setting is Oakland, California, in a non-specified time period. There is significant African American history in this city, and the city has since been gentrified).
Under the section entitled Nonfiction Readings(which includes documentaries), write about how these historical/present societal issues are alluded to/confronted in the film? Pick two-three significant historical/current allusions to write about, and how they are portrayed in the film.
Additionally, while some sources are available on this BlackBoard under Nonfiction readings, feel free to use other themes/events the film alludes to. There may be key aspects you are interested in that I have not listed. Feel free to choose them and expand on them. For instance, social media plays a key role in this film. You may find articles about social media to answer the question:
How does social media(insert chosen subject matter) contribute to the plot’s progression? What is the Director/Screenplay Writer, Boots Riley saying about social media (or other chosen subject matter) and its use in regards to the film and crucial theme in the film’s plot progression? of the plot’s progression. What is the ultimate message(s) of the film?
