American Son

What do we make of a movie that has love it or hate it reviews? Possibly reviewers are judging two different aspects: content and portrayal. American Son raises many important issues that society is struggling with. And the film does show that these issues are not as clear-cut as we might think. It encourages the viewer to see the other person's perspective. If these elements of the film were instead those of an article or a non-fiction book, they would be top-notch.

But this is a film, one adapted from a play. And as a film, it languishes beneath its interesting premise. The most glaring fault lies in the conversation between the parents. Although they were married for many years, they now speak about race issues as if the topic was something new. Is the viewer meant to believe that a biracial couple never explored their views of racial relations? They do not have a credible conversation, but instead make statements for the benefit of the viewer. Rather than believable character dialogue, we get parallel monologues. It is of no surprise, then, that the writer uses amateur contrivances such as that used to bring up the shameful history of segregated water fountains. 'Can I get you anything?' 'Water' 'There's a water fountain down the hall, well actually there are two...' And so on. Such clumsy attempts to invite a soapbox moment is just bad film. Indeed the bulk of the screenplay is replete with such contrived moments. It is the type of faux pas made by Creative Writing students. If it were a fluffy action movie, it could get by with inconsistent, superficial stock characters--the viewer would still enjoy the exciting car chases. But this is meant to be serious drama. It is not the acting that is the problem, but the writing. Sadly, a missed opportunity to prompt a meaningful discussion on the issues it reduces to cliché.

The plot and the acting will blow you away.here. This is a play-turned-movie and it will punch you in the guts! It is aimed at today's interracial conflicts between young black men and white cops. It covers both sides of the issue beautifully and sensitively. Washington is never better. A speech of frustration from a black cop towards the end of the story says it all. We get it. Plenty to think about after you've seen this. Watch it for sure.

I totally get what this movie is attempting to do and bring light to. The problem is that Scott and Kendra are so drastically different on such a fundamental level, it is inconceivable that they would've been attracted to one another; let alone, marry and have a son.

I read a few reviews and got the story of this being a broadway play. First off knowing this you'll kind of be pulled into a theatre play environment. The actors were great. But what I loved more than anything was the use of mostly 1 location. For a film to be able to keep someone drawn to the story and using only 1 locations I have to say is great work by the writers and production team.

I feel that this film has a lot of hidden messages. Race being a main one but it will slowly slide into other factors privileged vs. poor, police vs. citizen, and fear vs safety. I hate to say I was hoping it would end the way it did early on. It is heart breaking ending but I feel it was needed I feel to portray the ultimate goal of the film. Seeing this makes me really want to see the broadway play in a theatre setting.

The film sets a subject that everyone wants to see and no body really wants to admit. It hit on a lot of social factors. I want to end on that the actors were amazing at depicting there characters the production picked a great group that really made this film what it is. And on another note got to see Jeremy Jordan who plays Wynn on super girl take the cop role.

... about stereotypes, prejudice, selective perception, (mis)interpretation and racism from everyone to everyone.

I love many different kinds of film. And I didn't read or see anything about this one before watching. So i had no expectations at all.

For me it was an emotional roller coaster from start to end. The acting, the script, even the simple setting were perfect. Of course you need to appreciate much dialogue. This movie uses words, and words only, to make you feel. There are no crime, no action scenes or the like at all. It doesn't need it!

Maybe some negative- reviewers don't get this movie and it's clear statement, because they didn't watch it till the end?!

To those who felt repulsed or annoyed by who- or whatever: try to get through these uncomfortable feelings open-minded, because:

YOU NEED TO WATCH IT TILL THE END TO FULLY UNDERSTAND!

By the way to dislike a well played annoying character doesn't make the play/ movie bad. Maybe on the contrary: isn't it a possibility to reflect?!

And to those who felt nothing but bored: i feel sorry for your lack of empathy!