MOVIE POSTER FOR “American Fiction.”
The film “American Fiction” is a satire…what is satire, you ask?
Simply put, satire is the use of humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.
“American Fiction” is a lesson in satire.
Summary in the blink of the EYE: Jeffrey Wright plays the part of Monk, a very intelligent but frustrated novelist. His book sales have grown cold, and his latest novel hasn’t been picked up by a publisher. Publishers don’t feel his novels are “Black enough.”
After hearing fellow author Sintara Golden, played by Issa Rae, read from her bestselling novel on the Black experience, Monk is basically appalled, angry, and offended on how the establishment profits from Black entertainment that relies on tired and offensive content.
To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish “Black” book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
There is also more to this, his family issues: his sister’s death (Tracey Ellis Ross), his younger brother’s (Sterling K. Brown) issues; his relationship with a woman he just met named Coraline played by Erika Alexander.
This film is Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut, and he has knocked it out of the park. He along with Percival Everett have picked a phenomenally talented cast and brought to the forefront stereotypes most of us have had to live with.
I remember when I have gone on auditions and was told I didn’t speak or look Black enough.
Robert Townsend’s 1987 film HOLLYWOOD SHUFFLE depicted the trials and tribulations of Black actors in Hollywood. It definitely paved the way for films like “American Fiction.”
How does it end? What does Monk learn? What does the audience take away after seeing it? You will have to see the film to find out.
It’s funny, crazy, sad, and an eye opener.
“American Fiction” gets 4 and a half winks of the EYE!
Until next time keep your EYE to the sky!
