Film SummaryLaunched in 1991, "Strictly Business" is an American comedy movie directed by Kevin Hooks and starring Tommy Davidson, Joseph C. Phillips, and Halle Berry. The movie revolves around the lives of 2 young black guys searching for success in realty and service while at the same time handling problems of racial bias and self-identity.
Plot SummaryThe movie's primary characters are Waymon (Joseph C. Phillips), a successful real-estate broker, and his mailroom clerk pal Bobby (Tommy Davidson). Waymon is an up-and-coming executive in a firm mainly run by old, white men, while Bobby is a free-spirited individual with imagine one day climbing the corporate world.
Waymon yearns to be promoted to partner in his company, and he gets the opportunity when he meets Natalie (Halle Berry), a club promoter who has an association with a millionaire financier. Seeing this as a chance, Waymon persuades Bobby to help him pursue Natalie in return for a promo within the company. The plot ends up being more made complex when Waymon starts developing sensations for Natalie, developing dispute in his personal and expert life.
Racial and Social Themes"Strictly Business" is a comedy, however it likewise discuss serious racial and social styles. Waymon's battle to suit the old, white, staid corporate world indicate issues of systemic racism in companies. His change from a conservative, by-the-book person to somebody who learns to accept his cultural identity is an expedition of societal pressures faced by black people pursuing success in predominantly white spaces.
On the other hand, Bobby represents the opposite side of the coin. He takes pride in his cultural heritage and doesn't avoid expressing it. Despite his lower position in the business, Bobby has aspiration and is excited for the opportunity to show his skills and prove himself.
Character Development and ConflictAs the plot unfolds, both Waymon and Bobby grow as individuals. Waymon learns that accepting his cultural identity does not diminish his professionalism or capability to be successful in his profession. He establishes a more nuanced understanding of success, which is not restricted to climbing up the business ladder however likewise consists of personal joy and satisfaction. This awareness leads to his dispute over whether to pursue Natalie really or utilize her to secure the promotion.
Meanwhile, Bobby goes on a journey of proving his worth and fighting stereotypes. His character deals with the normal perception that a mailroom clerk does not have the skills for greater functions, showing that ambition and persistence can get rid of structural barriers.
Conclusion"Strictly Business" is a significant film for its time, mixing funny with critical themes of racial bias, systemic racism, and personal identity. Although it leverages humor and a fairly basic plotline of two buddies' personal and career-related problems, the movie also brings out deeper implications about race, success, and identity. The characters' journeys from their preliminary positions to ultimate development showcases how they browse racial predisposition and expectations on their path to success. This film serves as a light-hearted yet noteworthy commentary on private struggles within a racially prejudiced society and business structure.
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