It’s rare when first-time directors hook you within a few minutes of a film by not doing anything flashy. Yet, Cord Jefferson utilizes humor and timing to draw the audience into this emotionally rich satire. However, it’s a damn shame that he doesn’t continue to be “so brave” when it comes to the overall film’s pacing. For all the greatness in AMERICAN FICTION, it could’ve used another pass in the editing room to trim some of the fat.
“Okay, let’s begin,” by discussing what works so well in the movie. I absolutely loved the dialogue and the performances in AMERICAN FICTION, especially Jeffrey Wright. There’s a reason why his role as Monk, a sad-sack writer, is getting comparisons to a character you would find in an Alexander Payne film. And he delivers in a role that would’ve made any of Paul Giamatti’s characters in a Payne film proud (SIDEWAYS and THE HOLDOVERS). Elsewhere in the cast, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, and Sterling K. Brown all turn in fantastic work and compassionately perform Cord Jefferson’s dialogue from his Oscar-worthy screenplay.
What I find fascinating about AMERICAN FICTION is if it receives Oscar nominations, it might be the first movie to deliver an Oscar bait-style film that satires the genre. And despite the film’s unevenness, I would love to see that happen.
It’s available in limited theatrical release starting December 15th.
