Interview/Film Breakdown: Experience The INTENSE Battle For Creative Control In 1940s Broadway in THE PROBLEM OF THE HERO

Ladies and gentlemen, in March of 1941, at the St. James Theatre in New York, two 20th century literary giants, ground breaking author Richard Wright and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Paul Green collaborate to adapt Wright’s best-selling book, Native Son, into a Broadway play. Days from opening night, they differ over a single page of the script. The difference of opinion evolves into a spirited contention over issues of race, social justice, politics, and personal & creative agency. The argument threatens to dissolve their friendship.

THE PROBLEM OF THE HERO is a period film based in the 1940s, but the issues of race and social justice in this film shows that not much as changed even in 2025. The film brings forth a very powerful message.

The tug-o-war between beliefs, assumptions, and even character as they work to convince the other who is right about how the play should end. I love films that are dialogue-driven because words matter. The setting of the theater, an enclosed space in which they argue is where the finished product will be seen by the audience. The changing of stage lights further enhances the mood and the storyline. THE PROBLEM OF THE HERO is THE must see film of the year.

Both David and J. Mardrice give Oscar performances. Their brilliant performances are captivating, authentic and you feel each one’s ideas and plight. They show us that we can agree to disagree without ending a friendship.

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