'American Fiction' Q&A: Cord Jefferson, Sterling K. Brown, Tracee Ellis Ross | TheWrap Screenings

Writer/director Cord Jefferson discussed the origins of his film 'American Fiction,' starring Jeffrey Wright as a desperate writer who spins a small lie into a big headache, as part of TheWrap Screening Series this past Friday alongside cast members Sterling K. Brown, Tracee Ellis Ross, Erika Alexander and John Ortiz.
“I had a really huge professional failing in 2020, where this TV show that I thought was going to get on the air and was confident would go got killed at the last minute,” Jefferson told TheWrap awards editor Steve Pond.
See the full story here!: www.thewrap.com/american-fict...
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[@elainadariah2431]

Erika Alexander is no longer identufied as Maxine Shaw. Her perfect depiction of a middle aged black woman seeking to be in a relationship gave us so much humanity. The tenderness she portrayed toward his family. How when you really care for a person you partner with them in a way your support does not overstep, because you observe the dynamics to see where you can add light and love. This has instantly become one of my all time favorite movies.

[@Ron_Ne1214]

Incredible cast!!!! More Erika Alexander plssss!!! Going to watch the film tonight, can't wait!

[@XcuzeTheMessDeer]

She looks incredible . Erica has not aged since Living Single

[@karihodson]

Cord is a genius!

[@lawandasmith5920]

What a great conversation!

[@heatherhiller5581]

The outstanding author Percival Everett should garner praise in each interview❤. So much of his work is film worthy.

[@breatheandsoar]

Love love Karen Malina White, thank you for mentioning her Erika. Great conversaion.Saw the film at a screening and it's absolutely awesome. Sooo glad it was made!!

[@XcuzeTheMessDeer]

Erica Alexander Has not aged since playing Max in Living Single

[@Fluuuv]

I was thinking the same thing. She's older than Tracey and Sterling but looks a lot younger.

[@staciestacie1327]

Damn, this is such a good movie. I mean EVERYBODY gave such amazing performances. OH, such a fun, silly, and funny depiction of a Black Family in America. I laughed so much.

[@janetrobertson9199]

Cant wait to see this film.

[@airiellelewis1109]

This movie was phenomenal!!!!

[@angelorossowrites]

Great film. Great conversation. Thank you.

[@sailingsam3815]

This is one great movie...something I have not seen...😊 This deserves a few Oscars and a big box office...

[@naychagirl2389]

The movie was great! The marriage was fabulous - I loved the black on black love. Every element had brevity but nothing was overdone. Loved seeing Erika.

[@randombrokeperson]

Wonderful interview, wonderful cast, wonderful movie

[@user-qb5jb1oq3n]

Erika rapping?!! Mind blown 🤯

[@JudahBenJudah93]

I haven’t finished watching this but I feel their should be a shout out to Robert Townsend because his movie from the 80s “Hollywood shuffle” tackled a lot of the issues that are in this film.

[@jamalamirihamed442]

Spot on! I thought of the same film leaving the theater! Especially the ending!

[@marcelogorenman3253]

I've seen the movie twice, and it is absolutely brilliant. From every angle. I'm so glad they made it! (and for the record, I am not even remotely close to being African-American)

[@MsEriKaT]

Whoa where is the audio???

[@Matell]

This has been my experience working in the industry, from Fox to MGM Studios, from Alcorn to Atlas Studios, while hustling as a struggling singer and actor. I was in Tom Arnold's film, and Paris Hilton's film Bottom Up. I worked with the late Aaron Carter on several songs out now 'Honest Man.' Coming in 2024 are my cover songs of Bob Dylan, the band Journey, Andy Gibb, and Teddy Pendergrass. We're all struggling to make something happen, but people, fans, and executives really need to stop pigeon-holding the actors and make decisions on talent, not race, and they have to sell that to the public. Give the audience a purpose for knowing what they like. Here's an example of an actress, Susan Walters(I) - she has been in every project as a mother, teacher, doctor, and mayor in 88 TV shows/film projects. In all those projects, how about calling on minority actresses? Don't get me wrong, she's good in her role. Come on, Hollywood cast a wider net of actresses.

[@GaztGallery]

Can't wait to see more projects from this great director.❤

[@reginaldblack8326]

Why is there no sound until 2:50?

[@Fluuuv]

Copyright.

[@Storyraymond]

I saw this on Prime, not knowing it was nominated. The cover intrigued me and I recognised the actor. AND I loved it. It felt like a personal film and a piece of art, just like a well written book is. Its interesting that I saw myself in the main character, even though I live on the other side of earth and I am very white:)

[@cherylclark2816]

Just saw this movie ❤💯💯

[@williammisener2389]

This film premise makes me think of a “Boondocks” episode.

[@latrinkaowens]

This movie is so good. I literally cannot wait to watch it again

[@KeyforChange]

WHAT WAS THE MEANING OF THE MAN IN STRAW HAT?

[@agaddy1231]

You have to take a risk!!

[@GaztGallery]

This movie is a truly masterpiece ❤ so perfect, congratulations to all the people involved 👏👏👏 it's a shame it didn't got at least an F* Oscar. 😢

[@heyleighmikaila]

KZbin's Copyright bots are so silly with this muting of the audio for the trailer when the whole video is about the film!

[@cjo2012]

I REALLY feel strongly about the fact that Lorraine and the sheriff, AND mom, were not only NOT 'window dressing' but IMPORTANT. Plus I'm gonna say THIS: I feel a desire from my heart and from the soul God gave me and the life that I AM that transcennds how much melanonin I DON'T have in my skin. I've been crying over movies like this since roots, so I DARE you to tell me I have no right to opine as A HUMAN BEING that's been loving black culture and music since I have MEMORY. When I see Tracee's mom's EYES I get emotional, never mind hear her precious uniquely angelic voice. PS it's relevant that two night's before seeing American Fiction, I watched the new doc about the making of We are the world. Tracee's mom could've claimed historic priviledge to be at her luxurious hotel sweet for that 9 hour overnight session. But she stayed, waiting patiently with elegance that defines class and humanity. ~ ANYWHOO my POINT is that Lorraine and momma interject into the movie the things that remind us ALL, what REALLY matters most in life! That YES, brilliant black folks who can no longer tolerate stereotyles can NEITHER tolerate shallow, assnine, PC pandering white folks who think they should define the next wave in colored people's literary aims. I HATE PC, and LOVE how the movie derided it! But how do Lorraine and Momma serve us reminder and gentle wisdom? They are there as if to say..."child, don' get all caught up in that mess, because HUMAN decency, love, gentility, grace and compassion matter most child" That's why the tears I shed in this movie were over momma and of course, Lorraine's wedding? So, "window dressing?"....don' GET MEEE started!! 💜🤓😛🙏😊🙏😇♥️💜💜💜💜💜

[@ayishajeffriescisse3055]

Since we're discussing biases, "isms" AGEISM... Can we reimagine replacing "OLD PEOPLE" with Elder, or more "matured actors". The Age Culture in America is so demeaning. Erica got it in her reference to mature couples having an intimate loving relationship

[@cjo2012]

Dear person, for a start, you couldn't be more right. Now mind you, I'm no PC hero of social justice, in fact I think, as a classic liberal who now recoils in dismay to the right, for reasons of wild over-correction, nonetheless, as a 59 yr old white dude, I was set off my heals in distaste over either mom, OR Lorraine, referred to as 'old people'. Erica is a wonderful and amazing actor, but, she needs to ask herself if she'd talk like that if Tracee's REAL LIFE MOM was standing there. Hello? Excuse me right quick but I'mma talk black. "For real girl? You gon' talk all this mess 'bout black stereotypes then come out cho face like THAT bout cho ELDERS?" "C'mon now"

[@Veon_Ray]

As an older person, being called an older person will suffice... It's by no means "ageism", in this context or in the true definition of the word, it's not that serious, it's not that deep... Some things are not worth the time, thought, and energy we give them.

[@MichelleG333]

Just saw the movie. It was great, a lot of people in the audience were laughing

[@Fluuuv]

Yep. I was the only black person in the cinema and everyone was cracking up. Such a good movie!!

[@lavettacannon3138]

❤

[@sunshinesheis]

Oh so this is what Taraji was referencing saying the internet said, Jeffrey hasn't been in a leading role in decades? In Actors on Actors, Jeffrey states that statement is not correct. 😅😅

[@rochellewarren5008]

No sound

[@jojosaylor8996]

Love Erica Alexander and Ross they are older sisters in my head ❤ 24:25

[@cynthiarose4056]

No audio

[@trifree]

Fast forward a bit

[@kshinokevin]

this film, "American Fiction," reminds me of "HollyWood Shuffle" (Robert Townsend's directorial debut) and/or "Bamboozled" (with Damon Wayans; by filmmaker, Spike Lee ("BlacKkKlansman" with Eddie Griffin ("Undercover Brother"). These three films are cool: "Black Dynamite (2009)": Michael Jai White and Arsenio Hall; "Dolemite is My Name (2019)" (with Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore); "I'm Gonna Git You Sucka (1988)" (Keenan Ivory Wayans' 1970's blaxploitation love story (directed/written by); stars; Keenan (Ivory Wayans), Bernie Casey and Antonio Fargas (as "Huggy Bear," Fargas was the/a stereotypical flashy "Don "Magic" Juan/pimp" character) from Starsky and Hutch (a 1970's buddy cop TV series) ) Jeffrey Wright was great as the 1980's New York-based street artist "(Jean-Michel) Basquiat."