Orion Pictures and MRC present “American Fiction,” the hilarious directorial debut of Cord Jefferson, which boldly confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing individuals to offensive stereotypes. In this thought-provoking film, Jeffrey Wright takes on the role of Monk, a disillusioned novelist who has had enough of the establishment profiting from “Black” entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes. To make his point, Monk adopts a pen name to craft an outrageous “Black” book of his own, thrusting him into the heart of hypocrisy and the very madness he claims to despise.
Film Details:
Written and Directed by: Cord Jefferson
Based on the Novel “Erasure” by: Percival Everett
Produced by: Ben LeClair, Nikos Karamigios, Cord Jefferson, Jermaine Johnson
Executive Producers: Rian Johnson, Ram Bergman, Percival Everett, Michael Bowes
Starring: Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown
Rating: R for language throughout, some drug use, sexual references, and brief violence
Release Information:
Select Theaters: December 15
Expanding: December 22
A Powerful Satire on Stereotypes and Identity
“American Fiction” is a thought-provoking satire that tackles the pervasive issue of cultural stereotyping head-on. The film follows the journey of Monk (played by Jeffrey Wright), a frustrated writer who decides to challenge the establishment’s exploitation of “Black” entertainment built on offensive clichés. Using a pseudonym, Monk pens a wildly exaggerated “Black” book that catapults him into a world of hypocrisy and absurdity, forcing him to confront the very madness he seeks to expose.
A Star-Studded Cast
This incisive exploration of identity and culture features an ensemble cast that includes some of Hollywood’s finest talent. Jeffrey Wright leads the way as Monk, with Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams, Adam Brody, Keith David, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown adding their exceptional performances to the mix. The film promises to deliver powerful and nuanced portrayals that amplify its thought-provoking message.
Winner of the People’s Choice Award
“American Fiction” received the prestigious People’s Choice Award at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, cementing its status as a must-see cinematic event. With its sharp wit, biting humor, and unflinching exploration of societal norms, this film is poised to challenge and captivate audiences when it hits select theaters on December 15, with a wider release on December 22.
A Captivating Examination of Identity
“American Fiction” promises to be an engaging and unforgettable cinematic experience that encourages viewers to reflect on the power of stereotypes, the complexity of identity, and the need for change in our culture’s perception of race and entertainment. Don’t miss this groundbreaking film as it sparks important conversations and leaves a lasting impact on the world of cinema.