The Problem of the Hero

This fascinating portrayal of 20th century writer Richard Wright delves into his complex relationship with playwright Paul Green. Despite mutual admiration and the writing profession they shared, the men spoke different dialects, as it were, about politics and race. Later in life, Wright penned a manuscript about his contentious words with Green concerning a stage adaptation of the African-American writer's social justice novel, Native Son. The novelist's recollections of the experience comprise the basis of The Problem of the Hero. 

Director Shaun Dozier clearly drew inspiration from the theatrical and literary origins of his material. Scenes are often emotionally intense and character driven, and the setting itself is a theater. Dialogue fires back and forth between Wright and Green, and later with Orson Welles, with a tension of reserve and projection, mitigating the need for physical action. Yet a murder scene from the novel takes on a dangerous edge during rehearsal. 

The theater is a realm where high stakes battles can be fought with words and actors instead of weapons. This film takes its audience back to a time when literature had greater power in American culture—when exposition and conversation went deeper than the pithy self-declarations often experienced today. You can watch the trailer here: The Problem of the Hero Trailer