Everett, Jefferson, and Wright: “American Fiction”

The 2025 Amherst College LitFest opened with a powerful first panel, “The Making of American Fiction,” held in Johnson Chapel on Friday. Featuring author Percival Everett, filmmaker Cord Jefferson, and actor Jeffrey Wright ’87, the discussion explored the creative journey behind “American Fiction,” the film adaptation of Everett’s 2001 novel “Erasure.” Moderated by President Michael Elliott, the conversation unpacked the intersections of literature and cinema, the complexities of satire, and the rigid boundaries imposed on Black artists.

Jennifer Acker ’00, founder and editor-in-chief of The Common, opened the panel by reflecting on the nature of fiction itself. Everett recently won the National Book Award for “James” and has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize. Jefferson, celebrated for his writing on television, made his directorial and screenwriting debut with “American Fiction,” bringing Everett’s novel to a wider audience. Wright, a veteran actor and Amherst alumnus, plays the film’s protagonist, Thelonious “Monk” Ellison, in what has been widely regarded as one of his most powerful performances, earning him an Academy Award nomination. With Elliott guiding the discussion, the panel engaged in a thought-provoking exploration of satire, representation, and artistic integrity.

Elliott asked Jefferson to explain the “genesis” of “American Fiction.” Jefferson shared how he first encountered Everett’s “Erasure.” towards the end of his journalism career. Jefferson was frustrated by the narrow, stereotypical portrayals of Black lives in both literature and news media, and the novel resonated deeply with him. Jefferson embarked on an adaptation and, as Wright pointed out, Jefferson had “no Plan B” — he was fully committed to adapting the book into a film. Recognizing Jefferson’s passion, Everett granted him the rights to the book for free for six months, allowing him time to secure funding and pay later. The transition from book to screen unfolded remarkably quickly: Jefferson read the novel in the summer of 2020, and by December 2023, the film was in theaters.

When asked about the adaptation, Everett said, “I like it. I thought the movie and the actor were fantastic.” While he usually feels uneasy about his work being replicated, he admitted it was deeply inspiring to see his book take on new life through film. Jefferson echoed this sentiment, describing Everett as “supportive and gracious” throughout the entire process, placing his confidence in the first-time director. Everett, in turn, expressed his view that the film was its own creation, stating at the panel, “It is not about my book, it’s his movie.”

Wright shared his personal connection to the script, describing the experience of reading it as both validating and reassuring. For him, it felt as though his life had been in a way rehearsal for the role. “This is exactly my life on the pages,” he said. Wright was particularly drawn to the themes of family and identity, which resonated deeply with his own experiences. He emphasized that the novel’s central idea — the need to be seen as one's absolute self — spoke to him on a personal level. He reflected on how the entertainment industry often pushes Black actors and writers toward stereotypical or even demeaning roles, limiting the scope of the stories they are allowed to tell. The character’s struggle to resist these pressures while staying true to his own artistic integrity mirrored Wright’s own journey, making his portrayal in “American Fiction” all the more meaningful.

The panel then transitioned into a Q&A session, where the audience raised several thoughtful questions, including one about the movie’s ending. Jefferson explained that the film’s conclusion takes a slightly different direction from the book, introducing a meta ending that reflects a shift in perspective. He acknowledged that this creative choice was purposeful, adding a layer of complexity to the narrative while still staying true to the core themes of “Erasure.” Another question centered around how filmmakers can maintain authenticity while telling a story. Jefferson responded candidly, admitting that it’s difficult to stay fully authentic in filmmaking, particularly when working with limited resources. He explained that while the ending of the film deviated from the book in some ways, it was the most authentic version he could create with the means available to him, emphasizing the importance of staying true to the spirit of the story, even when compromises must be made.

As the conversation drew to a close, the panelists left the students with a powerful message about the creative journey. Everett, with a touch of humor, reminded young artists to “take your money upfront.” But beyond the jokes, the message was clear: The path to artistry is a lifelong pursuit. The panel not only celebrated the journey of creativity but also offered a sense of reassurance, telling students that their path is theirs to define, and that their future in the arts is full of endless possibilities. Jefferson offered heartfelt advice, saying, “You are not an athlete, you don’t need to score your greatest goal before your knees give out. You have your entire life to try. So go live an interesting life, then you can be an interesting artist.” Wright, too, shared his wisdom, reflecting on his own creative evolution and how he was given the space at Amherst to follow his passion, even when it didn’t align with others’ expectations. He cautioned against the pressures of social media, reminding students that “you don’t need to think about anyone else.” Instead, he urged them to stay true to themselves and their passions: “Ground yourself in an understanding of who you are and what you want to write about. If you try hard and it’s meant to be, the rest will always follow.”