Talk to Me (2007)

Talk to Me Poster

The story of Washington D.C. radio personality Ralph "Petey" Greene, an ex-con who became a popular talk show host and community activist in the 1960s.

Film Overview
"Talk to Me" is a 2007 biographical movie directed by Kasi Lemmons and written by Michael Genet and Rick Famuyiwa. The film stars prominent stars like Don Cheadle, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Taraji P. Henson, Cedric The Entertainer, and Mike Epps. It is mostly based on the life and profession of Petey Greene, a popular talk show host and comic. The movie is embeded in Washington, D.C., demonstrating how Greene initially started as a radio personality and eventually ended up being a prominent neighborhood activist.

Plot Summary
The film starts with Petey Greene (Don Cheadle) serving time in jail, fascinating fellow prisoners with his gift of the gab while hosting the jail's radio program. He is released too soon since of his convincing skill, and he later convinces Dewey Hughes (Chiwetel Ejiofor), the program manager at WOL-AM, to be employed as a radio host. Hughes is at first reluctant, perceiving Greene as unpredictable and doing not have professionalism, but eventually surrenders due to Greene's undeniable charisma.

In his radio program at WOL-AM, Greene uses humor to communicate openly about racial and social issues, getting a large audience throughout Washington. His charismatic personality and ability to speak about major and typically questionable subjects draws high ratings. Despite Greene's success, there's continuous tension and dispute in between him and Hughes due to their contrasting views on broadcasting and career approaches.

Assassination of Martin Luther King Jr.
. A significant and defining minute in the movie happens when Martin Luther King Jr. is assassinated. Despite Hughes' dismissal, Greene demands going on air, leading to among the most influential radio broadcasts in Washington's history. Greene's wholehearted commentary and feeling, combined with emotional music, manages to provide common convenience and promote peace amid the surrounding mayhem and riots.

Profession Progression and Decline
As the film advances, Greene's career increases as he transitions to television, making appearances on talk programs and winning an Emmy Award for his regional tv talk show. Regardless of his success, Greene's life begins spiraling due to his alcoholism and the decreasing popularity of his show.

Final Years and Legacy
The film concludes with Greene retiring due to health issues and leading a non-active life up until his death in 1984. In spite of their distinctions, Hughes stays a steadfast fan, showcasing his steadfast regard for Greene's skill and impact. The movie concludes on a note highlighting Greene's legacy as a groundbreaking radio and television character who utilized his profane humor and candidness to resolve crucial social problems and promote change.

Conclusion
"Talk to Me" is more than a representation of Petey Greene's life; it is a picture of an era-- the late '60s to '80s-- in which Washington and the rest of America underwent considerable social, political, and cultural changes. The film not only covers Greene's increase to fame from being a found guilty however also importantly communicates the impact of his voice and message on people throughout a transformative duration in the USA. Through Don Cheadle's masterful embodiment of Greene and Chiwetel Ejiofor's portrayal of Hughes, the movie presents a dramatic, entertaining, and poignant view of a man's exceptional journey and his undeviating impact on his neighborhood and beyond.

Top Cast

  • Don Cheadle (small)
    Don Cheadle
    Ralph Waldo 'Petey' Greene
  • Chiwetel Ejiofor (small)
    Chiwetel Ejiofor
    Dewey Hughes
  • Taraji P. Henson (small)
    Taraji P. Henson
    Vernell Watson
  • Martin Sheen (small)
    Martin Sheen
    E.G. Sonderling
  • Mike Epps (small)
    Mike Epps
    Milo Hughes
  • Cedric the Entertainer (small)
    Cedric the Entertainer
    'Nighthawk' Bob Terry
  • Vondie Curtis-Hall (small)
    Vondie Curtis-Hall
    Sunny Jim Kelsey
  • Sean MacMahon
    Ronnie Simmons
  • J. Miles Dale (small)
    J. Miles Dale
    Program Director
  • Herbert Rawlins
    James Brown
  • Donald James Malmberg
    Johnny Carson