Jeffrey Wrightplays an author who finds success in stereotyping himself in his latest role.
On Monday, Orion Pictures and Amazon MGM Studios released the trailer for 57-year-old Wright’s new movieAmerican Fiction, a satirical comedy based on Percival Everett’s 2001 novelErasure.
To Monk’s surprise, his “joke” book actually sells and grows into something of a phenomenon, leading Monk to create a fake ex-convict persona in order to promote the novel, which even receives a major movie deal.
As his popularity rises, Monk faces the reality that while his writing is more successful than ever, it is not true to his own life.
Tracee Ellis Ross and Leslie Uggams in ‘American Fiction’.Claire Folger
Claire Folger
The film’s official synopsis states that the movie “confronts our culture’s obsession with reducing people to outrageous stereotypes.” The synopsis describes Monk as “a frustrated novelist who’s fed up with the establishment profiting from ‘Black’ entertainment that relies on tired and offensive tropes.”
“To prove his point, Monk uses a pen name to write an outlandish ‘Black’ book of his own, a book that propels him to the heart of hypocrisy and the madness he claims to disdain,” the synopsis adds.
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Sterling K. Brown in ‘American Fiction’.Claire Folger
American Fictionmade its world premiere at theToronto International Film Festivalin September, where it won this year’sPeople’s Choice Award.
Erika Alexander and Jeffrey Wright in ‘American Fiction’.Claire Folger
“I’ve never directed anything in my life, not a commercial, not a short film. I had never written a movie before,” Jefferson toldVanity Fairin August. “All of a sudden I’m giving Jeffrey Wright acting notes? It’s like telling Michael Jordan how to do a jump shot."
Rian Johnson (Knives Out) is an executive producer on the movie, as well as author Everett.
Tracee Ellis Ross, John Ortiz, Erika Alexander, Leslie Uggams,Adam Brody,Issa RaeandSterling K. Browncostar alongside Wright.
American Fictionreleases in select theaters Dec. 15 and expands for a wider release Dec. 22.
source: people.com
