Not a giant review this time - which isn't a reflection on the quality of the film. American Fiction is a fantastic film from first time feature director and writer Cord Jefferson which takes a look at racial representation in today's media. I think this is going to be one of those films that will be overlooked initially before coming back to the zeitgeist due to it's topical subject. American Fiction focuses on how far are you willing to go, to appease the mass media. This is led by a strong performance from the always reliable Jeffrey Wright. Wright's character, Thelonious Monk is a talented but plateauing writer. Fed up with his position in life, after being told his writing isn't black enough, Monk decides to write a piece where his voice is turned up to 11. Originally conceived as a joke, he begins to find success and while keeping his pseudonym a secret, he begins to find more success as the media laps up his heightened characteristics.
It's a delicate topic yet Cord Jefferson writes and directs so that it's extremely accessible. The film never feels like a burden, and it's jazzy score underlines that there is a emotional depth and humour to all of this. Not sure how well the ending landed with me. While I understand the message behind the ending, I felt the film lost it's way slightly. A good portion of the film is spent around family, and while family drives Monk to do what he does, it at times feels like two different films.
That aside, American Fiction is an excellent first film from Cord Jefferson. He's going to be one to watch for the future.
Review by TheLazyReviewerBlockedParent2024-03-03T11:08:56Z
Film 106 (Goal: 300) of 2024
Not a giant review this time - which isn't a reflection on the quality of the film. American Fiction is a fantastic film from first time feature director and writer Cord Jefferson which takes a look at racial representation in today's media. I think this is going to be one of those films that will be overlooked initially before coming back to the zeitgeist due to it's topical subject. American Fiction focuses on how far are you willing to go, to appease the mass media. This is led by a strong performance from the always reliable Jeffrey Wright. Wright's character, Thelonious Monk is a talented but plateauing writer. Fed up with his position in life, after being told his writing isn't black enough, Monk decides to write a piece where his voice is turned up to 11. Originally conceived as a joke, he begins to find success and while keeping his pseudonym a secret, he begins to find more success as the media laps up his heightened characteristics.
It's a delicate topic yet Cord Jefferson writes and directs so that it's extremely accessible. The film never feels like a burden, and it's jazzy score underlines that there is a emotional depth and humour to all of this. Not sure how well the ending landed with me. While I understand the message behind the ending, I felt the film lost it's way slightly. A good portion of the film is spent around family, and while family drives Monk to do what he does, it at times feels like two different films.
That aside, American Fiction is an excellent first film from Cord Jefferson. He's going to be one to watch for the future.