| The Problem of the Hero | |
| Director: | Shaun Dozier |
| Producer: | Ayana Johnson |
| Music: | Lenora Zenzalai Helm Fred Story |
| Cinematography: | Steve Milligan |
| Editing: | Shaun Dozier |
| Runtime: | 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.[1] [2] [3]
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.
The Problem of the Hero had its world premiere at the Santa Fe Film Festival in 2023[4]
The Problem of the Hero received positive critical reception. It holds a 100% "Fresh" rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on eight reviews.[5] Reviewing for Film Threat, Benjamin Franz, called the film "a passionate, blazing, and deeply enticing human drama."[6] 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".[7]