Internationally recognised art and literary critic, writer and cultural producer. Published in ELLE, Glamour, Esquire and Cosmopolitan; member of the Union of Writers.
American Fiction, the Oscar-nominated film by Watchmen writer Cord Jefferson, is now available online. This hilarious comedy mocks the stereotypes and expectations that surround African-American writers and their works. Find out why this clever film is more than just a laugh in this article.
What is American Fiction about?
The film follows Thelonious Ellison (Jeffrey Wright), a middle-aged writer and literature professor at Los Angeles University. He writes novels based on ancient dramas, but they are not very successful. The publishers think they are “not black enough” for an African-American author. Ellison is frustrated by this label, but he keeps writing what he loves.
However, his life takes a turn when he has to deal with a student protest over a racist story he teaches, Flannery O’Connor’s “The Plaster Negro”. The university sends him to his hometown of Boston to promote his latest book, which no one cares about. There, he faces the death of his sister (Tracee Ellis Ross) and the decline of his mother (Leslie Uggams) due to Alzheimer’s disease.
These events trigger a creative burst in Ellison. He decides to write a novel that is full of clichés and stereotypes about black Americans, from bad grammar to violent conflicts with relatives. He uses the pen name Stagg R. Lee, after the legendary black outlaw Lee Shelton. He sends the manuscript to his publisher the next morning and gets a huge offer to publish it.
What is the source of American Fiction?
The film is based on a novel by Percival Everett, published in 2001. Everett is a professor of literature himself, and he used his own experience to create the character of Ellison. He also explored the themes of race, identity, and writing in his book.
Cord Jefferson, the screenwriter and director of the film, also drew on his own background as a journalist. He said that he wanted to make his first film a self-portrait, and that he was inspired by Everett’s novel. He added his own touches to the story, such as the references to Watchmen and Station Eleven, two of his previous works.
Why is American Fiction a satire?
The film is a satire because it uses humour and irony to expose and criticise the absurdities and prejudices that exist in the literary world and society in general. It shows how black writers are often expected to write about certain topics or in a certain way, and how they are judged by their race rather than their talent. It also shows how the mainstream media and audience can be easily manipulated by sensationalism and controversy, and how they can miss the point of a work of art.
The film also makes fun of the conventions and tropes of the genres it parodies, such as crime, thriller, and drama. It exaggerates and twists them to create a contrast between the reality and the fiction that Ellison writes. The film also uses metafictional techniques, such as breaking the fourth wall, to comment on the nature and process of writing itself.
One of the most hilarious scenes in the film is when Ellison writes his novel in one night, using the help of some random people he meets on the street. He makes them act out his outrageous plot, and he dictates them his ridiculous dialogue. The scene shows how easy and ridiculous it is to write a stereotypical and sensational novel, and how different it is from Ellison’s true passion and style.
Why is American Fiction a success?
The film has been a critical and commercial success, earning five Oscar nominations, including Best Picture, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Original Score. The film has also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised its wit, intelligence, and originality.
The film is not only a comedy, but also a commentary on the issues and challenges that black writers and artists face in the modern world. It also raises questions about the meaning and value of art, and the role and responsibility of the artist. It is a film that makes you laugh, but also makes you think.
American Fiction is a brilliant satire that deserves all the attention and acclaim it has received. It is a film that challenges and entertains, and that shows the power and potential of writing. It is a film that you should not miss.“`
