What better time than Black History Month to talk about Jeffrey Wright's hit movie 'American Fiction' and the very bad nigga at the center of the story.
They're both wonderful. Naturally, the book delves more deeply into the subject matter. But I'm so glad to see a movie version with Jeffrey Wright, Leslie Uggams, Tracy Ross Ellis, and Sterling K. Brown. Thanks so much for reading and weighing in. I really appreciate it.
I, too, felt sad for Billy when I heard that song back then. Today, I think about all the “Billys” that are shot and those who never had the chance others have had. I feel sad for them, too.
Maybe Erasure/American Fiction will begin a new conversation about identity and self reflection.
That would really be a great outcome. I don't know yet how the box office for American Fiction stacks up against that for Precious, say. But I suppose the extent of the conversation you suggest will depend on how many people see the film and are affected by it. Some movies have the power to do that. Look what Shaft did for the leather jacket. And there was a time when it seemed everybody wanted to look like Super Fly.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your insightful and hopeful thoughts. Much appreciated!
Both American Fiction and Erasure have been on my TBR but your wonderful piece moved them to the top of the list.
They're both wonderful. Naturally, the book delves more deeply into the subject matter. But I'm so glad to see a movie version with Jeffrey Wright, Leslie Uggams, Tracy Ross Ellis, and Sterling K. Brown. Thanks so much for reading and weighing in. I really appreciate it.
I, too, felt sad for Billy when I heard that song back then. Today, I think about all the “Billys” that are shot and those who never had the chance others have had. I feel sad for them, too.
Maybe Erasure/American Fiction will begin a new conversation about identity and self reflection.
That would really be a great outcome. I don't know yet how the box office for American Fiction stacks up against that for Precious, say. But I suppose the extent of the conversation you suggest will depend on how many people see the film and are affected by it. Some movies have the power to do that. Look what Shaft did for the leather jacket. And there was a time when it seemed everybody wanted to look like Super Fly.
Thanks so much for reading and sharing your insightful and hopeful thoughts. Much appreciated!