Toe Cleavage – Talk To Me

Because I was just blown away with this film Talk To Me, that came out in August of 2007 and totally escaped my notice until recently. I’ve decided to start doing DVD Reviews in short, that will heretofore be called “Toe Cleavage”.

We all know Don Cheadle is an A-List actor, but I still don’t think he gets enough recognition for being an Actor’s Actor. He’s every bit as good as Sean Penn or Bob DeNiro, if not better.

The film depicts the life of radio shock jock, Ralph “Petey” Greene (Cheadle). Petey is a total hustler, an ex-con, who prefers the term “miscreant”. He’s got a lot of bravado, a lot of style, and a lot of mouth, says exactly what’s on his mind, no matter the consequence. Surprisingly, the combination catapults him into being the “voice of the people” during the turbulent, racial tension of the late 60’s early 70’s. His on air words are a poetic balm to the people of D.C. on the night of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s death. In fact, there are several scenes that offer a particularly moving and realistic re-creation of those horrifying days in history.

And on the lighter side, Taraji P. Henson (Benjamin Button) is so ghetto fabulous! I loved her tight mod outfits and huge Afro wigs.

Director, Kasi Lemmons (Eve’s Bayou) set exactly the right tone of humor and reality. She made the film so much more than a biopic. The film examines success. When people say, I don’t want the fame and fortune, “it’s not me”, is that true? Or is it always just fear that won’t allow one to reach their pinnacle?

I feel Talk To Me was worthy of Oscar buzz, but even if it didn’t go that far, Lemmons should have been all over the Golden Globes that season.

Rating: Pretty Big Toe