Jeffrey Wright Interview: American Fiction Review

It feels like Jeffrey Wright is in everything these days. His versatility has taken him from character acting in the likes of The French Dispatch and Westworld to his recent Oscar-nominated turn in the dark comedy American Fiction.

What’s American Fiction about? Summary of this Best Picture-nominated feature:

In American Fiction, Jeffrey Wright plays a jaded writer who finally finds success by jokingly writing a “Black” book — aka a book that caters to the white liberal imagintion. Wright’s character, Thelonious Ellison — or “Monk” — wrestles with the professional consequences of his newfound success while grappling with grief and shifting personal dynamics.

When Jeffrey Wright accepted the Montecito Award at the 39th Annual Santa Barbara International Film Festival on Thursday, February 15th, he said of American Fiction:

“For me, the heart is the family. That’s what drew me in. That’s what plucked all of my emotional and psychological strings.”

“It’s a family that’s recognizable,” Wright continued. “It’s a family that’s as crazy as everyone's family is.”

Popdust caught up with Jeffrey Wright on the Red Carpet of the Santa Barbara Film Festival to chat about creating a character like Monk alongside such a stellar cast.