Besides the one or two moments when my impatient self wished for a slightly quicker pace, I have no real complaints about American Fiction.
Writer/director Cord Jefferson’s latest comedy/drama stars Jeffrey Wright, John Ortiz, Issa Rae and Sterling K. Brown. It is a story about a black American author who finally finds success but at a cost he didn’t quite foresee. Jefferson’s film truly delivers on its trailer’s promise; for it is funny, very smartly written, and well-acted. It also features one of the most super clear and cleverly constructed analogies I’ve ever heard; one that just happens to feature the Scotch Whisky brand Johnnie Walker.
American Fiction is ultimately a movie about race and how the topic shows up in the literary world. I’m not sure that this subject has been explored quite as thoroughly, hilariously and cleverly as it is in Jefferson’s movie. And since it’s a subject that affects many writers of colour (Jefferson included), it’s no wonder that he has referred to the film as “the greatest honour of my entire life, truly.”
In addition to the aforementioned brilliant analogy, another key highlight is a wonderful scene where Wright and Rae’s characters have a highly engaging back-and-forth that I could have watched forever.
If it wasn’t already super clear, I had a great time watching American Fiction, as did the two guests who joined me at a London screening in November. As such, when you’re in the mood for something good, and funny, watch American Fiction. Especially since as per the words of Jefferson himself:
“I don’t intend this movie to be didactic. I didn’t intend it to teach any moral lessons or, scold anybody for anything. I wanted to make a movie for adults that allows you to think for yourself and allows you to have a good time.” _Cord Jefferson
American Fiction Release Dates: December 15th, 2023 (US); February 2nd, 2024 (UK)…
Happy Film Loving
G
The Movie My Life 
Have only heard good things about this one. Can’t wait.
That is great to know. It’s coming quite soon, especially if you’re stateside. Enjoy! 🥳🥂
I saw a trailer of this recently and loved the premise of it. Good to hear it’s as good as it looks. I like both of the main characters.
I tell you, I’ve watched the trailer so many times. It still makes me laugh. I hope you get to enjoy the movie too, very soon.
I just saw an ad for this. Hadn’t seen or read anything about it previously. I love Wright and it looks like a solid film. Great to hear you liked it!
Solid is exactly right. I hope you and Mrs Chess enjoy yourselves when you see it. 🤓🥂
Thanks for sharing this idea Anita
My pleasure, Anita. I hope you get to enjoy it soon. 🤓
Thanks for the review, sounds like one to watch!
Fully, my pleasure Tiffany. It now has two Golden Globe nominations. So I hope you laugh plenty when you watch.
Sounds like an inspired work of comedy! Adding to my watch list👏🏼🎭
Love Jeffrey Wright btw One of my fav character from Hunger Games. And also Bond
Me too! I absolutely loved him in Bond and wanted more of his character. Fingers crossed that we get more of Wright’s quality following the success of this movie.
I have no doubt we will.
Amen and yes, please! 🤓🙏
It really is. May you be amused and gleefully entertained when you watch. 🤓
Great review. This was a fantastic film. I really connected with its portrayals of a writer facing rejection. Films about the writing process have always fascinated me such as David Fincher’s “Mank”. Here’s why:
Thank you. 🤓 🙏
The idea of writing under strain that isn’t willingly self imposed sounds quite unpleasant. Especially when one looks at writing as a pleasure.