Unpacking Boldness: The American Novel
Written by: Gene Seymour, Rewritten by: A.I. Assistant
Dutch it up, folks: telling gripping tales of regular folks earning a living by penning books - assuming they're not hiding under the radar in a foreign land, like our beloved romance novelist from "The Stone" in 1984. That's one thing the silver screen hasn't mastered.
Consider "American Novel," an ambitious and risky endeavor from Director Cord Jefferson. The movie, based on Percival Everett's 2001 novel "Erasure," has garnered two Golden Globe nominations, an Oscar, and rave reviews from critics. Our industry pros hold the film in high regard in spite of its box-office risks.
Protagonist Thelonious "Monk" Ellison (Jeffrey Wright) writes clever and creative novels - but his bank balance hardly reflects his talent. Society has repeatedly told him that his novels won’t sell or garner publication, as they don't meet the "black enough" standard.
For years, Ellison made a living as a college professor. He refused to compromise integrity by writing the audience expects or desires. Passionate about his teaching, he faced challenging scenarios, such as one of his white students demanding a strikeout of the "n" from a word in their Flannery O'Connor lesson, claiming it was offensive. Challenging the student, he pointed out how he had spent his life dealing with such abuse. His principal encouraged him to take a break once the student left in tears.
"American Novel" marks the entrance of Cord Jefferson, known for iconic TV shows like "The Good Place," "Watchmen," and "Station 11." However, don't jump to conclusions. The film isn't an overt political critique, but a heartwarming narrative that explores Ellison's life, inspired by real-life events.
Ellison's break from teaching came as a result of his financial troubles. Without enough income from book sales, he was forced to write under the pseudonym "Stage R. Leigh" for a gritty series about gangsters and drug abuse. To his surprise, his agent told him the series would sell like hotcakes. White publishers and critics were captivated, intrigued by his "authentic street voice."
With dwindling resources, Ellison's life unfolds - battling to convince his mother she requires full-time care and wrestling with reconciliation with his estranged brother. He moves to a beach house in Massachusetts, close to his old home.
Ellison's life continues to evolve as he tackles these challenges, but he never loses sight of the person he is.
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Is the film "American Novel" an audacious attack on political correctness? Likely not. The film's underlying themes explore writer's block, financial hardship, and the injustices faced by creators, provoking thought-provoking conversations among audiences.
John Ortiz, starring as Ellison's agent, plays a pivotal role in this emotionally gripping film. The film offers a humorous and heart-warming take on Ellison's relationships with his family and friends, as they grapple with the challenges presented by white gatekeepers in the publishing industry.
Note: All source citations and additional information have been omitted to comply with limitations.
