American Fiction Ending Explained, Plot, Cast, Where to Watch, Trailer and More

American novel

American Novel is a 2023 American comedy-drama film directed by Cord Jefferson, making his directorial debut. The film is an adaptation of Percival Everett’s 2001 novel Erased, and tells the story of a frustrated novelist professor who ironically writes a book about exaggerated and stereotypical “Negroes”. To his surprise, the book is published to high sales and critical acclaim.

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The film stars an ensemble cast that includes Jeffrey Wright, Tracee Ellis Ross, Issa Rae, Sterling K. Brown, John Ortiz, Erica Alexander, Leslie Ugamus, Adam Brody, and Keith David. The film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2023, where it won the People’s Choice Award. Amazon MGM Studios’ limited theatrical release begins on December 15, 2023, with an expanded release on December 22, 2023.

American Make-Behind received critical acclaim, with particular praise for Jeffrey Wright’s performance. The American Film Institute named it one of the top ten films of 2023. The film received five nominations at the 96th Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actor for Jeffrey Wright. It also received two nominations at the 81st Golden Globe Awards and won Best Adapted Screenplay at the 29th Critics’ Choice Awards. The film grossed $8.1 million at the box office and explores themes of racial identity and artistic satire in an engaging and thought-provoking way.

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Analysis of the endings of American novels

In the movie American Novel, the ending brings a twist to Monk Ellison’s journey. Disappointed by the reception of a rough novel by an up-and-coming author, Monk decides to emulate the writing style that seems to appeal to white readers. Surprisingly, his new book My Paphology becomes a huge success and wins praise from white publishers.

While successfully managing his disguised work, Munch also faced a dilemma: he and the original author Xintara Golden were both selected as judges for the literature award. Although Munch and Golden both voted against it, the other white judges insisted on giving the award to My Paphology.

The film takes a revealing turn when Monk realizes that his anger at Golden was unfounded. Golden criticized My Paphology for being inauthentic and perpetuating black trauma, which Monk acknowledges. In a surprising move, Monk decides to contact his ex-girlfriend Carolyn, whom he had previously criticized for reading his book without knowing he was the author.

In an interesting twist, the film cuts to Monk discussing possible endings for a film adaptation of his life story with a Hollywood director. Monk offers three alternative endings, the last of which is highly persuasive. In the chosen ending, Monk drives away from the film set with his brother Cliff, realizing that despite his attempts to appeal to a wider audience, white audiences are still primarily interested in black stories centered around trauma.

The film ends with a reflective note that challenges the audience to consider their own feelings about the complex themes of racial identity and artistic authenticity explored in “An American Novel.” The ending prompts the audience to think about how stories are viewed and consumed, especially those relating to the black experience.

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American novel cast

This table provides a tabular overview of the actors and their respective roles in the film ‘American Novel’.

actor

Features

Jeffrey Wright

Thelonious “Monk” Ellison

Tracee Ellis Ross

Lisa Ellison

Issa Rae

Sintara Gold

Sterling K. Brown

Clifford “Cliff” Ellison

John Ortiz

Arthur

Erica Alexander

Caroline

Leslie Uggams

Agnes Ellison

Adam Brody

Willy

Keith David

Willy

Onadowan

Fango Jenkins

Myra Lucretia Taylor

Lorraine

Raymond Anthony Thomas

Maynard

Miriam Shor

Paula Badman

Michael Cyril Creighton

John Bosco

JC Mackenzie

Carl Brent

Patrick Fischler

Mandel

Ryan Richard Doyle

Sneijder

American novel plot

The American Novel tells the story of Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, a black writer and professor, who faces the challenge of his novel being deemed “not black enough” by his publisher. Due to racial conflicts, he temporarily leaves college to attend a literary seminar where he meets bestselling author Cintara Golden, whose work conforms to black stereotypes.

After returning to Boston, Monk copes with family troubles, including his mother’s Alzheimer’s disease and the death of his sister, Lisa. His estranged brother, Cliff, reveals his troubles with substance abuse and a failing marriage. Monk begins dating Caroline, unaware of Cliff’s plight.

Frustrated by Sintara’s success and the mounting costs of his mother’s care, Monk writes a satirical novel, My Paphology, under the pseudonym “Stag R. Leigh.” The book becomes an unexpected hit, and Monk struggles to play his part while facing challenges, including attention from the FBI.

As Monk deals with family dynamics, his complicated relationship with Caroline, and the success of his novel, he struggles with judging his work for a literary prize. The story takes a surprising turn at the awards ceremony, revealing Monk’s script about his experiences. The film explores different endings, including one where the police shoot Monk dead while he is embraced by a filmmaker. The film ends with Monk and Cliff driving away together, leaving the audience to ponder the complexities of race, identity, and artistic expression.

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US Fiction Release Dates

American Novel premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 8, 2023, where it won the People’s Choice Award. After playing on the festival circuit, the film made its U.S. premiere at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre in Los Angeles on December 5, 2023.

The film then began a limited theatrical release in the United States on December 15, 2023, and was expanded on December 22, 2023. It was originally scheduled to be released on November 3, 2023, but the date was changed to the current schedule. The film is scheduled to be released in the United Kingdom and Ireland on February 2, 2024 by Curzon Film.

Where to read American novels

Nominated for five Oscars, American Make-Believe is highly anticipated by movie lovers. Although the film is now available in theaters and can be watched through platforms such as Fandango, Regal, AMC Theaters, Cinemark and Cineplex, it has not yet been confirmed for streaming or digital release.

Considering that the film will be competing for the Oscars and will be distributed by Amazon MGM Studios, it is likely that the film will be released on Amazon Prime. For now, fans are encouraged to watch it in theaters while waiting for possible streaming updates before the Oscars ceremony on March 10, 2024.

American Novel trailer

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