The Black community has distinct taste pools among art consumers and creators. There is a disconnect between elite Black intellectuals and down-to-earth, everyday Black folks when it comes to perceived value in entertainment. The taste divide is also relevant among Black creatives. Both separations were evident in Spike Lee and Touré’s initial criticism of Tyler Perry‘s “down-home” work, which is successful among blue-collar Black audiences. Screenwriter Cord Jefferson’s directorial debut, American Fiction, pokes fun at our differences while illustrating our subtle commonalities. The film, adapted from the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, nabbed the People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival before its U.S. debut on Dec. 15.
American Fiction stars award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright as Monk, a successful novelist who is more committed to his artistic integrity than commercial success. He suffers from internal frustration with his ego, being a critically acclaimed author who can’t sell a book; however, he remains focused on representing his perspective of Black excellence. Eager to get their commission and another win, Monk’s publisher and agent push him to compromise to appeal to a larger audience. When Monk’s story gets going, the film confronts the Black community’s struggle to overcome stereotypes while often being reduced to a monolith. It also dives into the battle middle-aged adults face caring for their parents as Monk and his sister navigate their mother’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis.
Things take a critical turn when Monk uses a pseudonym to write a stereotypical “Black” book, one that propels him to the heart of the hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain.
Jefferson was moved to adapt the book to film because he deeply related to its message.
“Erasure was published more than 20 years ago, yet the questions it asks remain painfully relevant: Why is American culture fascinated with Black trauma? Why aren’t Black professors depicted in books and films as frequently as Black drug addicts, or Black rappers, or Black slaves? Why is it that White people with the power to green-light films, books, and TV shows have such a limited view of what Black lives should look like? I’ve asked myself these questions many times before when I hear yet another slave movie is going into production, or when I see that another talented Black actor has been hired to portray a drug dealer, pimp, or simple mother who needs to overcome her unenviable lot in life,” Jefferson says.
Jefferson’s ability to tap into one of the most significant dividers for Black creators and viewers is addressed through a comical lens in the film. With an all-star cast that includes Tracee Ellis Ross, Erika Alexander, and Issa Rae, Wright is among a solid Black female ensemble cast that assists his character in redefining his identity and his commitment to the community.
Issa Rae‘s contribution is integral to the film’s overall message because the “Awkward Black Girl” podcast- turned-series that started her career showcased a Black woman uncommon to the mainstream. Rae’s work was fresh and appealed to a group of Black women who, until her series, felt ignored or undervalued. Later, the success of her HBO hit, “Insecure,” further validated that sector of women and allowed others to relate and celebrate yet another dimension of Black womanhood.
Every Black creative has had to deal with Monk’s obstacles and lessons at some point in their career. Often controlled by industry gatekeepers, Black creatives have had to grapple with the decision to remain true to their art or compromise with the intent to “crossover” or achieve mainstream success.
“The experience I’m most trying to communicate with this movie is the asymmetry between how individuals see themselves versus how the world sees them. This goes well beyond a Black person sick of slave narratives. I believe people of every identity can empathize with the struggle to be seen as a discrete being, whole and specific, with an interior life that goes well beyond strangers’ assumptions,” Jefferson says.
American Fiction is slated for release on Dec. 15 in theaters everywhere.
Artwork provided by DKC News
