The stars of “American Fiction” hope the film’s success is a lesson for Hollywood

“American Fiction” actors Jeffrey Wright and Sterling K. Brown and director Cord Jefferson hope the film’s five Oscar nominations and enthusiastic public reception will help change some attitudes in Hollywood.

Written by Jefferson, the comedy-drama is based on the book “Erasure”, by Percival Everett, published in 2001 and focuses on Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a professor and writer who fails to publish his new literary novel. But, as a joke, he writes an outrageously stereotypical “black” book—and it becomes an instant hit.

The film also released successfully, winning the “People’s Choice” award in September at the Toronto International Film Festival, where it premiered. It’s also competing for Best Picture and Best Adapted Screenplay at the Oscars. Wright and Brown were nominated for Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor, respectively. Composer Laura Karpman’s score also received an Academy nomination.

But getting the project off the ground was a challenge, said Jefferson, who made his directorial debut with the film.

“A lot of people didn’t want to finance it. Luckily, we found some wonderful partners who were able to make the film with us, but most of the people we sent the film to didn’t want anything to do with it,” he said Jefferson, whose writing credits include television series such as “Watchmen” and “The Good Place.”

“I hope it’s a lesson, that it serves as some sort of example for Hollywood in the future when they’re nervous about financing something that’s a little different,” Jefferson, 42, said.

The film uses humor to address themes of race, family trauma, loss and acceptance. Thelonious Ellison and his family struggle with their own issues as they deal with the expectations placed on them as a black family in America.

Ellison’s experiences resonated with Wright. But while the actor says he doesn’t think the character’s journey is rare, it’s less common to see it depicted on screen.

“The film is partly about that, there is a wide range of experiences, black experiences that are outside the narrow confines of what we are often offered,” he said.

“Let’s recognize the breadth of the black experience and maybe we’ll find that, you know, it’s just like any other experience.”

Source: Terra

Rose

Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.