On the one hand, American Fiction is a razor-sharp satire that pokes fun at the hypocrisy of the literary and entertainment industry. It's only when Monk (Wright), a genius but esoteric writer, decides to pander and give in to what publishers have come to expect from Black authors (that is: trauma porn) that he is finally celebrated for his work. But on the other hand, the film is also a tender family drama. Monk sells out, as it were, partly because he’s fascinated by the stupidity of decision-makers and supposed intellectuals, but mostly because he needs to pay for his ailing mother’s care. His relationship with his siblings and deceased father likewise informs much of his character, and they complicate what could’ve been just an intellectual approach to a social issue. This is an educational and entertaining film, yes, one that looks at the complex intersection between identity, craft, and profit. But it’s also an empathetic film, told with a big heart and a surprisingly light touch.
Reviews
Awards
Nominee: Best Actor at the OscarsWinner: Best Adapted Screenplay at the OscarsNominee: Best Original Score at the OscarsNominee: Best Picture at the OscarsNominee: Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars
Winner: Best Adapted Screenplay at the BAFTA AwardsNominee: Michael Apted Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in First-Time Theatrical Feature Film at the Directors Guild of AmericaNominee: Best Performance by a Male Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy at the Golden Globes (USA)Nominee: Best Picture – Musical/Comedy at the Golden Globes (USA)Nominee: Best Feature at the Independent Spirit AwardsWinner: Best Lead Performance at the Independent Spirit AwardsWinner: Best Screenplay at the Independent Spirit AwardsNominee: Best Supporting Performance at the Independent Spirit AwardsNominee: Best Leading Performance at the Los Angeles Film Critics Association AwardsNominee: Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsNominee: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Leading Role at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsNominee: Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Supporting Role at the Screen Actors Guild AwardsWinner: Adapted Screenplay at the Writers Guild of America
Genre
Comedy, Drama
Director
Cord Jefferson
Actors
Adam Brody, Alexander Pobutsky, Bates Wilder, Becki Dennis, Carmen Cusack, Celeste Oliva, David De Beck, Dustin Tucker, Erika Alexander, Greta Quispe, Issa Rae, J. C. MacKenzie, Jeffrey Wright, Jenn Harris, John Ales, John Ortiz, Kate Avallone, Keith David, Leslie Uggams, Michael Cyril Creighton, Michael Jibrin, Michael Malvesti, Miriam Shor, Myra Lucretia Taylor, Neal Lerner, Okieriete Onaodowan, Patrick Fischler, Raymond Anthony Thomas, Skyler Wright, Sterling K. Brown, Tracee Ellis Ross
Language
English
Mood
Discussion-sparking, Easy, Lighthearted, Slice-of-Life, Smart, Sunday, Thought-provoking
Popular
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