American Fiction – Budget of $10 million – 1 hour and 57 minutes
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After Professor Dr. Thelonious “Monk” Ellison rages at another student, the school advisors think he should take some time off to focus on his upcoming book and spend time with his family. Monk hasn’t sold a novel in years, and several publishers turned down his latest manuscript. Monk slowly relents to the advisors and calls his agent, Arthur. Another publisher turned down Monk’s work because it wasn’t ‘black enough.’ Monk thinks that’s ridiculous because he is an African American man writing the book, and that should be enough.
Monk returns to Boston and attends a book festival, but the crowd is thin. Another author explains that everyone is at the session for Sinatra Golden. Monk quietly enters her session and becomes sickened by her book, ‘We’s Lives in Da Ghetto.’ He thinks her book appeals to the lowest demographic and panders to stereotypes. And it’s a best-seller. Later, Monk visits his sister, OB/GYN Dr. Lisa, at work, and she drives him to their mother’s home. Their mom, Agnes, points out Monk’s weight gain and asks about Lisa’s husband. Lisa reminds Agnes that they separated months ago. They enjoy a night out with Agnes.
Monk and Lisa meet for lunch, and she warns him that Agnes’s health is declining. Lisa needs financial help to get their mother tested and in the proper facility. Monk asks if their brother, Plastic Surgeon Dr. Cliff, will help, but he is in dire straits emotionally and financially since his divorce. Then, the unimaginable happens. Now, Monk has to come up with the money to care for Agnes. So, he sits and writes a book called ‘My Pafology’ with all the racial stereotypes and sends it to Arthur under the pseudonym Stagg R. Leigh.
Monk gets a phone call from a gleeful Arthur in the morning. A publishing company offered Monk $750,000 for his book. Monk assumes Arthur means the book under his real name, but they want the one from Leigh. Monk can’t believe it and rejects the offer because the book goes against everything he believes. Arthur reminds Monk Agnes needs help. Monk staggers to yes. Monk thinks this deal is one-and-done. However, Leigh’s rise could trigger Monk’s downfall.
Based on Erasure by Percival Everett, this movie bravely acknowledges issues in literature while defending it (FTC Affiliate Disclaimer). Companies love to shine a light on black voices but only tell the stories of violence and slavery. However, companies shouldn’t ignore or overlook these stories either. This film isn’t about those problems because the Ellingtons are a prominent, well-educated family dealing with everyday issues. Agnes has dementia, Lisa struggles to rally the family, Monk has identity issues, and Cliff is going through a crisis. This plot gives the viewer a glimpse into the writer’s process and multiple endings. Also, this movie makes the most uncomfortable moments hilarious. Don’t let preconceived notions stop you from seeing this film. It’s for everyone. So, do you believe Monk is a sell-out, or does the ends justify the means?
I give it 4.5 out of 5 stars
Please forgive me – Coraline
I have a confession – Monk
It’s a matter of row versus wade – Lisa
What are you doing here – Cliff
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