AMERICAN FICTION
US, 2023, 117 minutes, Colour.
Jeffrey Wright, Sterling K.Brown, Issa Rae, Erika Alexander, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Keith David, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Raymond Anthony Thomas.
Directed by Cord Jefferson.
Quite a generalised title and audiences will have their own ideas of what American fiction is, whether they like it or not. With this humorous, satiric story, there is a lot to like, as well as a great deal of disapproval!
American Fiction was nominated for five Academy Awards, including Best Film, Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, music – and winning for Best adapted screenplay by the director, Cord Jefferson. So, quite some standing amongst the American films of 2023.
We are introduced to Thelonious Ellison (and his nickname, Monk, after the musician). He is played by Jeffrey Wright, Oscar nominee. He lectures at the University, has written books, can be a stuffy academic, disdainful when he listens to a reading by a successful novelist, using the language and jargon of the streets to illustrate African-American life. He thinks that this is destined to appeal to the consciences of one people.
Monk is alienated from his family, though bonding with his sister who, sadly dies. His mother is becoming senile and the issue of the aged care. His plastic surgeon, gay brother, Oscar nominee Sterling K.Brown. Which brings him back to his family life, not very happy about it, but very attracted to Coraline who lives across the street, beginning a relationship with her. But she will feel the effect of his crankiness.
And, Monk is cranky with his publisher, upset at lack of progress with his own books, then getting the mischievous idea to write an anonymous parody of the kind of book he loathes. They create an anonymous author, a former prisoner, background, not well educated… And, his dismay when publishing agents enthusiastically praise the manuscript, huge advance payment, want instant publication, Hollywood after the film rights. And his surly assertion for a four letter title – which is accepted.
And his friend likes the book, praising it, furthering his crankiness.
He is also a member of a book judging committee, having discussions with the author of the book he loathed who makes some interesting comments about his, not knowing he was the author. The publishers then enter his book into the competition and, of course, in a climax scene at a banquet, he is the winner.
Tongue goes firmly into cheek for the final part of the film, the discussion with the Hollywood producer, discussions about all kinds of possible endings – which are visualised for us. But, will Monk succumb to success and popularity, or…?
And for non-Americans, enjoyable to see Americans sending themselves up!
1. The focus on American literature, American fiction, Afro-American fiction, serious, popular, academic interpretations,?
2. The opening, introducing Theolnious Ellison, nickname Monk, age, endemic position, lectures, attitude towards literature, discussions with the students, Flannery O’Connor, the discussion about the word “negative”, student walking out? The discussion with the Dean, complaints against Monk, his going to Boston, attitude towards his family, suggested that he take time off? The prospect of his new book? His past books, academic, well reviewed, not red?
3. Monk going to Boston, meeting Lisa, revelations about the past, his father’s favourite, the rule of his father, doctor, Lisa and Clifford being doctors, going to visit their mother, her presence, personality, beginnings of senility?
4. The panel, the few people attending? Hispresence at Sentara Golden’s reading, the acclaim, standing ovation, his puzzle, her book, the title, popular African-American language, content?
5. Lisa, her collapse, her death, the funeral, their mother, Cliff arriving, is attitude, from Phoenix, plastic surgeon, the clashes with Monk? The issue of his sexual orientation, marriage breakup, lover, whether his father knew? His mother’s saying she was glad he was not gay?
6. Monk and is meeting with Arthur, promoting his books, the conversation, is one and his exasperation with the popular literature, for black audiences, for white audiences, their sense of guilt, feeling the need to read such books, their interpretation?
7. His decision to write the book, imagining the situations, the confrontation between the characters, their asking him for advice, setting up the situations – a quick device for establishing the writing of the book? Taking it to Arthur, his reaction? The decision to send it out? The publishers, their acceptance, rave comments, the huge money advance, the impact on Monk, the phone calls, the PR buildups, Arthur urging Monk to assume the author’s character, tone of voice, vocabulary? Monk and his hesitation? Decision for it to go ahead? The film offer? The meeting with Wylie, the false background, his being a fugitive, prison sentence, telling his story on his own style?
8. The complications for monk with his mother, Lisa having helped, money issues, Cliff not having money, the reliance on Lorraine, her devotion to the family, to Agnes, to Monk? Maynard, the police, the past friendship, Lorraine and Maynard as a couple, the proposal? The visits to the aged care home, Agnes’s reactions, moving in, emptying the house, souvenirs for Lorraine? That they would movie in after the wedding?
9. Monk, the encounter with Coraline, helping with the groceries, her ex-husband, the growing friendship, conversations, her having read his books, the relationship? Her coming to meals, the across the street? The bonding? A humane outlet for Monk?
10. The publication of the book, the issue of the cover, the issue of the title, Monk and his proposing Fuck, initial reactions, the decision? The publication, the acclaim, popularity, sales? The film rights? Wylie, the meeting, the ambulance for his mother, rushing out, wildly interpreting this is his apprehensive is about the police? Adding to the credibility?
11. Coraline reading the book, Monk and his negative reactions, the clash?
12. The competition, the request to Monk to be on the panel, Sentara Golden on the panel, the other members, white, the range of books, discussion about reading the first hundred pages? Sentara and her dislike of Fuck? Monk warming to her, but the clash and the argument?
13. The buildup to the awards, the invitation to Coraline? Announcing the winner, the acclaim?
14. The ending of the film, creative fiction, one going to the podium, taking the trophy, but the variety of possible endings, discussing them with Wylie for the film, speculations? Acceptance, Coraline, the speech, the reconciliations all round, the speculation that the police had identified the author, fugitive, the police invasion, the shootout?
15. The serious dimensions about American literature, images? The satirical take on American fiction?
