The Problem of the Hero
| The Problem of the Hero | |
|---|---|
 Theatrical Poster | |
| Directed by | Shaun Dozier |
| Written by | James A. Hodge Ian Finley |
| Produced by | Ayana Johnson |
| Cinematography | Steve Milligan |
| Edited by | Shaun Dozier |
| Music by | Lenora Zenzalai Helm Fred Story |
Release date |
|
Running time | 85 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Problem of the Hero is a 2023 American drama film directed by Shaun Dozier. The film centers on the true-to-life collaboration of two twentieth-century literary greats, novelist Richard Wright & playwright Paul Green, as they face a spirited confrontation over race, class, politics, social justice and agency.[2][3][4]
Synopsis
[edit]Set in pre-World War II New York City and North Carolina, a growing friendship that has developed between famed author, Richard Wright, and Pulitzer Prize winning playwright, Paul Green, may be pulled apart. As they partner to adapt Wright's new best-selling book, Native Son, into a Broadway play, and rehearsals continue around them, a disagreement between the two emerges over a single page of the script - just as opening night is approaching in March, 1941. What unfolds is a conflict that deepens into questions about race, class, politics, and personal agency - matters profoundly important to each man.
Cast
[edit]- J. Mardrice Henderson as Richard Wright
- David zum Brunnen as Paul Green
- Derrick Ivey as Ray Collins
- Brandon Haynes as Canada Lee
- Josephine Hall as Nell Harrison
- Charlie Cannon as Orson Welles
- Alex Yeames as Jean Rosenthal
- Annie McElroy as Anne Burr
- Lex Wilson as Walter Ash
Release
[edit]The Problem of the Hero had its world premiere at the Santa Fe Film Festival in 2023[5]
Critical reception
[edit]The Problem of the Hero received positive critical reception. It holds a 100% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on eight reviews.[6] Reviewing for Film Threat, Benjamin Franz, called the film "a passionate, blazing, and deeply enticing human drama."[7] In a review for Film Obsessive, J Paul Johnson praised the film for examining "a pivotal moment in American literature and theater with a well-researched script and well rehearsed cast".[8]
References
[edit]- ^ "The Problem of the Hero, Schedule". Retrieved November 18, 2023.
- ^ "Film Review". June 17, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ "Showtimes". March 27, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ "Film Review". June 22, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ "The Problem of the Hero, Schedule". Retrieved November 18, 2023.
- ^ "The Problem of the Hero" – via www.rottentomatoes.com.
- ^ "Film Review". June 17, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
- ^ "Film Review". October 26, 2023. Retrieved November 20, 2023.