American Fiction: The Oscar-Nominated Satire Making Waves in Contemporary America
In the midst of the 2024 Oscar season, one film stands out for its biting satire and thought-provoking commentary on contemporary America. “American Fiction,” starring Jeffrey Wright, has captured the hearts of audiences across the political spectrum since winning the People’s Choice Award at the Toronto Film Festival in 2023. Based on Percival Everett’s novel “Erasure,” the film tells the story of Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, an academic and author who adopts a new writing persona to meet the expectations of being a “black author.” It serves as a scathing critique of white liberals’ tokenization of black creatives in the publishing and entertainment industries, while also exploring themes of grief, family, and love.
Writer-director Cord Jefferson has received accolades this awards season, including the Bafta for best adapted screenplay. The film has garnered five Oscar nominations, including a best actor nomination for Jeffrey Wright, his first lead role in a film since 1996’s “Basquiat.” The success of “American Fiction” is notable as it breaks away from the common narrative of black stories centered around slavery, maids, or violent trauma. Instead, it joins a long tradition of works that tackle race in modern America within the arts and commerce.
Dr. Michele Prettyman, assistant professor of Communication and Media Studies at Fordham University, sees “American Fiction” as part of a broader creative impulse within black culture. She believes it reflects the ongoing discourse surrounding black cultural production and highlights the creativity that exists within black communities in the US and globally.
The title “American Fiction” draws inspiration from Langston Hughes’ poem “Let America Be America Again.” According to Cord Jefferson, it also carries multiple interpretations and serves as a pun related to bookstores and publishing. He believes that race is a subject ripe for comedy and humor, despite its complexities. Percival Everett, the author of the original novel, views race as a socially constructed category that has influenced everyone. He argues that the best approach is to strive for fairness and recognize that it is a shifting hierarchy of beliefs imposed by oppressors.
The film delves into the dilemma faced by black artists in navigating the creative industries. Monk Ellison, played by Jeffrey Wright, finds himself caught between his identity as a writer and the expectations placed upon him as a black author. The publishing industry’s reductive labels and demands for “authentic” black experiences clash with Monk’s own middle-class upbringing and intellectual pursuits. He rejects the notion that black writers should conform to stereotypical narratives of black pain and trauma. This struggle resonates with many black artists who face discrimination while striving to break free from limiting stereotypes.
In response to this conundrum, Monk adopts a pseudonym and writes a parody of black trauma novels titled “My Pafology.” The book becomes a bestseller, providing financial relief but also highlighting the skewed priorities of the industry. Monk’s experience reflects the challenges faced by black academics as well. Josslyn Luckett, assistant professor of Cinema Studies at New York University, notes that being a black academic can be more dangerous than being a black person in Hollywood. Recent incidents of censorship, firing, and banning have affected black staff and students, leaving them uncertain about expressing their views.
“American Fiction” has been lauded by some as an “anti-woke” film due to its commentary on cancel culture and white liberal hypocrisy. However, both Luckett and Prettyman argue that the film’s appeal lies in its portrayal of familial warmth rather than its satirical bite. The story revolves around Monk’s family crisis, including the death of his sister, his mother’s illness, and his brother’s coming out. These universal themes of loss, grief, and caregiving resonate with audiences of all backgrounds. The film also explores class differences within the African-American community through the character of Lorraine, the family’s housekeeper, who subverts the problematic mammy/maid trope of cinema’s past.
While “American Fiction” has sparked debates and discussions, some critics argue that the film falls short in dismantling the rigged system it satirizes. They suggest that it absolves the white gatekeepers it mocks from making meaningful changes. However, Everett believes that the film’s success has brought more attention to his work and the issues he raised in his novel over 20 years ago. He acknowledges that there are more opportunities for writers of color today but also notes an increase in stereotyping in popular media.
In the end, “American Fiction” stands out not only for its social commentary but also for its warmth and care in portraying its characters. It offers a nuanced exploration of race, identity, and the complexities of the creative industries. While it may not provide all the answers, it sparks important conversations about representation and the need for diverse storytelling.