Sorry to Bother You is a trippy, odd, long and utterly original film that I think I liked? Honestly I’d have to rewatch it to have an actual opinion. I know 2 things for sure: it was entertaining and Tessa Thompson stole every scene.
Tessa played Lakeith Stanfield’s partner in the film; Detroit to his Cash. As is the norm in most mainstream Hollywood films, Detroit acted as the moral standard for her mate. When Cash strayed from his values, Detroit was there to remind him what mattered.
As a partner she was generous and kind. As a character, she was captivating. Her every scene featured an act of integrity with an admirable flair of badassery.
Badassery: (noun) bad.ass.ery; the act of being a badass
Detroit carried this film. She was not only STBY’s Greek chorus, she was also its style icon. She added the retro, provocative style that became this movie’s identity.
See above a visual representation of Detroit belonging in the STBY world while everyone else (even her partner Cash, pictured ) could do better.
The entire film was funky, wild and colorful. Just like Detroit. It felt like Sorry to Bother You was created in her image. In fact, she she made more sense in the film than her partner, the main character!
The Mind Behind
This was Boots Riley’s first film as a director. He previously worked exclusively on music videos. Honestly, it’s obvious in hindsight. He has a bold, dramatic style that’s evident in every scene.
Considering his career history, it’s easy to relegate Detroit to the status of “video vixen”. But, to do so would be a grave disservice to her character.
Her role is much more complex than eye candy. She is the standard Cash must meet to be worthy of her partnership. She is the encourager to his failure, the artist to his corporate greed.
She plays a lot of roles in this movie. And she looks damn good playing them all. Every one of her ensembles is memorable and aspirational.
From the oversized blazer look to the plastic hands that only cover her lady parts; every outfit was so cool that I still think of them 3ish years later.
In fact, her statement earrings actually inspired me start making earrings myself. The earrings I made are disgraces compared to the ones above.
But, Detroit clearly had a powerful impact to delude me into thinking her style is somehow contagious.
I had the same feeling about her hair. That almost silver with an orange ombre? Genius. Unexpected and absolutely gorgeous. I’m tempted to buy a wig modeled after it now…
I would take the plunge and just dye my hair, but I’m afraid I’m not as brave as Detroit yet. There is also a part of me that realizes even if I get the exact color, it probably won’t look as good on me as it does on her.
Her incredible looks just have the power to delude me into thinking I’d look the same in them!
And that’s what great style icons do; just by them wearing a style or outfit well, they convince you it would have the same effect on you. I believe with good fashions and remixing the look a little to suit your specific style, any iconic look can work on anyone!
I’m hoping I can make one of Detroit’s looks my own. Honestly, if I could have every outfit from my style icon, Detroit, I’d be content.