He Really Can Act: Richard Pryor was mostly known for his stand-up comedy and comedic film roles. In this movie, he gives a widely praised dramatic performance.
Unintentional Period Piece: The film gives away its time period with its fashion as well as its plot based around Midwest union manufacturing jobs. Zeke's tax scam also became impossible after 1987. note He was claiming a bunch of fictitious dependents on his return; the IRS started requiring Social Security numbers also be listed to claim an exemption because this was actually a real thing people were doing at the time.
