| 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
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
- 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
The Problem of the Hero had its world premiere at the Santa Fe Film Festival in 2023[5]
Critical reception
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
- ↑ "The Problem of the Hero, Schedule". Retrieved November 18, 2023.
 - ↑ "Film Review". Retrieved November 17, 2023.
 - ↑ "Showtimes". Retrieved November 17, 2023.
 - ↑ "Film Review". 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". Retrieved November 17, 2023.
 - ↑ "Film Review". Retrieved November 20, 2023.
 
