Cord Jefferson’s recent film American Fiction is creating a splash this award season with numerous nominations including the highly prestigious BAFTA and Oscars. From being a film that no one wanted to finance, to being one of the most critically acclaimed films on racial identities, American Fiction has certainly left a mark. With the talented Jeffrey Wright in the lead role, the film tackles black-victimhood stereotypes, showcasing Wright and actor Issa Rae as rival writers. The star-studded star cast also includes prominent names like Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown and Adam Brody in pivotal roles.
Following a successful theatrical run worldwide, this comedy-drama film, based on the novel Erasure by Percival Everett, is now streaming exclusively on Prime Video.
But before you indulge in the critically acclaimed fictional masterpiece, on Prime Video, here’s all you should know about American Fiction-
An interesting jab at cultural stereotypes
The film follows Thelonious ‘Monk’ Ellison, an upper-class writer of African-American origin, frustrated by his readers’ interest in topics like melodramatic plots, deadbeat dads, gang violence, and drugs, who frustratingly mocks it all only to be offered a movie deal from a celebrated Hollywood producer.
If you’re tired of literary clichés expected throughout genres of cinema and literature, then American Fiction rightfully voices out an epic jab to the often stereotypical imagery of ‘Black Writers’ only for the sake of cultural appropriation.
A comic interpretation of literary issues
American Fiction’s protagonist, Thelonious “Monk” Ellison is a middle-aged black professor, who is frustrated with his failures as a writer. The film uses humor to explore a common problem in literature: authors feeling pressure to write sequels, or similar stories that meet readers' expectations, even if it compromises their creative vision.
The film tackles this issue from the perspective of Ellison, offering a humorous yet witty insight into the stupidities in modern culture.
An ever-evolving sub-plot
At the center of mockery and comedy, the film also sports a hilarious sub-plot of writer ‘Monk’ pretending to be a seasoned criminal on the run from the cops. These subplots cleverly introduce elements like Police brutality and gun violence weaving them into Monk’s satirical writing journey. Monk’s narrative takes a compelling turn culminating in the adaptation’s intense yet clichéd backstory.
Easy access to the award-winning film
After premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, where it won the People's Choice Award, and a limited theatrical run, the film is all set to be available for your streaming convenience exclusively on Prime Video. So look no further this weekend, the critically acclaimed film can be enjoyed from the comfort of your homes!
The film marks Cord Jefferson's directorial debut and is based on the 2001 novel, Erasure by Percival Everett. Make sure you catch it before the Oscar weekend, streaming exclusively on Prime Video in India, and who knows the film might even win big.