‘American Fiction’ is an original drama script that uses satire to speak of society. At least in American society. I don’t know if it would resonate as much with non-American audiences. Jeffrey Wright plays Monk Ellison, a college professor, who feels frustrated with white America's sense of guilt over history and pandering to ideas that perpetuate black stereotypes. Ellison, who is black, doesn’t see people for the color of their skin but for the content of their ideas. He writes novels using proper English and aspires to be considered a ‘great author’ rather than a ‘great Black author.’ However, he realizes the ideas that make money and get picked up by publishers are based not on actual good ideas. To mock the publishers and the system, he, under a pseudonym, writes a novel that uses every stereotype that people might have for black Americans. Ellison depicts himself as Stagg R. Leigh, a violent, drug-using, escaped convict from prison wanted for murder (every other stereotype you can think of), using street lingo in writing as a massive troll job. To his dismay, a publisher picks up the novel, not realizing the whole thing is satire and mockery. Monk’s agent convinces him to play along, even if it means going against everything he believes in. The rest of the film is him trying to grapple with reality and make sense of his worldview.
Acting, directing, witty writing, and cinematography are on point. The entire cast was likable, but Wright stole the show. It’s a very well-done film that uses satire to express points that people have difficulty talking about. I believe social commentary for serious subjects is best done using comedy, so people can better appreciate it rather than become alienated. I believe Monk feels that society should not use racism to fight racism, and I think it’s correct. Ideas should not be judged on race. The only way racism ends is by focusing on what MLK Jr. said: judge not on the color of one’s skin but the content of their character/ideas. The film dwells on other ideas, including depression, mental health, family drama, and sexual orientation. I don’t have the film rated higher because the ending felt like a cop-out. Perhaps ending it satisfyingly would be difficult. The pacing wasn’t always great either.
Would I recommend this? Yes, it’s worth watching. Some people may not get it, but I think there is depth in the ideas if you look.
Review by HSBlockedParent2024-05-01T01:23:47Z
‘American Fiction’ is an original drama script that uses satire to speak of society. At least in American society. I don’t know if it would resonate as much with non-American audiences. Jeffrey Wright plays Monk Ellison, a college professor, who feels frustrated with white America's sense of guilt over history and pandering to ideas that perpetuate black stereotypes. Ellison, who is black, doesn’t see people for the color of their skin but for the content of their ideas. He writes novels using proper English and aspires to be considered a ‘great author’ rather than a ‘great Black author.’ However, he realizes the ideas that make money and get picked up by publishers are based not on actual good ideas. To mock the publishers and the system, he, under a pseudonym, writes a novel that uses every stereotype that people might have for black Americans. Ellison depicts himself as Stagg R. Leigh, a violent, drug-using, escaped convict from prison wanted for murder (every other stereotype you can think of), using street lingo in writing as a massive troll job. To his dismay, a publisher picks up the novel, not realizing the whole thing is satire and mockery. Monk’s agent convinces him to play along, even if it means going against everything he believes in. The rest of the film is him trying to grapple with reality and make sense of his worldview.
Acting, directing, witty writing, and cinematography are on point. The entire cast was likable, but Wright stole the show. It’s a very well-done film that uses satire to express points that people have difficulty talking about. I believe social commentary for serious subjects is best done using comedy, so people can better appreciate it rather than become alienated. I believe Monk feels that society should not use racism to fight racism, and I think it’s correct. Ideas should not be judged on race. The only way racism ends is by focusing on what MLK Jr. said: judge not on the color of one’s skin but the content of their character/ideas. The film dwells on other ideas, including depression, mental health, family drama, and sexual orientation. I don’t have the film rated higher because the ending felt like a cop-out. Perhaps ending it satisfyingly would be difficult. The pacing wasn’t always great either.
Would I recommend this? Yes, it’s worth watching. Some people may not get it, but I think there is depth in the ideas if you look.
8/10