Mister Chesnutt,

Your letter has found me very well, if only because it comes from such a venerable name. Believe me when I say we share this apprehension; while your concern lies in seeing a true representation of your book on the screen, my concern lies in creating this representation. It may allay your worry somewhat to know that my first film was adapted from a novel— one I, myself, wrote! Having been the worried author and fretting director simultaneously, I think I am uniquely sensitive to your feelings on the matter.

While I have not yet settled on which of your stories I’ll be using for the film, I share your thoughts on the difficulty of depicting the supernatural. Of course it would be impossible to show, for instance, Sandy of “Po’ Sandy” turning into a tree. However, I believe we can incorporate this “unrealistic” plot point with a trick of the camera, rather than letting it dictate which stories are told. To be able to imbue violence, pathos, into scenes of a tree being cut down- lumber being made from it- isn’t that why film exists? Is it not worth finding a way to work around one obstacle to reach such an emotional moment?

I digress, but to return to your point, realism is a constant concern of mine; I’ve gone out of my way to shoot films on location before. However, I must stress, I do not let my medium’s limitations stop me from telling a story that needs to be told. This applies not only to the visual but the political, so while censorship is certainly a concern, I have found ways around it before and plan to do so again. State censorship boards strike down my films for promoting “corrupt morals,” and yet Birth of a Nation plays in all 48 states! If it takes a couple of white lies to a review board, a relabeled film canister, five or ten seconds of cut film, it’s worth it to put work of real merit into the public’s eye.

I apologize if my passion comes off as proselytizing, but I am rather excited to get the chance to bring your book to life in a brand new form. I hope I have settled your nerves somewhat, and if you have any more concerns I may be able to address, do not hesitate to write- I would welcome any correspondence from a man of your caliber.

Sincerely,

Oscar Micheaux

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