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American Splendor
2003
Harvey Pekar, the hilariously downtrodden Cleveland comic book artist, is the subject of AMERICAN SPLENDOR, titled after Pekar's autobiographical series. Played by actor Paul Giamatti, Pekar also appears as himself, giving the film a documentary feeling with many behind-the-scenes on-set shots. Directors Shari Springer Berman .. Read more
| Starring | Paul Giamatti, Hope Davis, Chris Ambrose |
|---|---|
| Director | Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini |
| Genres | Drama |
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American Splendor
Harvey Pekar, the hilariously downtrodden Cleveland comic book artist, is the subject of AMERICAN SPLENDOR, titled after Pekar's autobiographical series. Played by actor Paul Giamatti, Pekar also appears as himself, giving the film a documentary feeling with many behind-the-scenes on-set shots. Directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini maintain this balance between the actors and the real-life characters--Pekar's wife Joyce and workmate Toby also appear on set as themselves--while crafting a funny, difficult, heartwarming tale that encapsulates Pekar's life, work, and uniquely bizarre perspectives.
Peckar is a pessimistic file clerk with no hope of ever rising above his boring job, slobbish apartment, and bad attitude. Wonderfully set in his ways, Pekar's constant self-deprication is clearly a front for his prolific interests in music and art. When his friend Robert Crumb (James Urbaniak) gets his big break as a comic book artist, Pekar decides to try his hand at the craft. Though he can't illustrate, his stories are good, and Crumb agrees to help draw the pictures. Soon several artists are illustrating Pekar's American Splendor series, and the comic book's readership grows. The film continues through the events of Pekar's life--meeting wife Joyce Brabner, appearing on David Letterman, struggling with cancer, and adopting a daughter--always showing Pekar's no-frills approach to life. A creative and punchy film, AMERICAN SPLENDOR invites viewers into the odd world of Pekar and his comic-book antihero persona.
| Starring | Paul Giamatti, Hope Davis, Chris Ambrose |
|---|---|
| Director | Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini |
| Studio | HIGH FLIERS |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 37 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | English |
| Released | DVD: 21 May 2004 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (6)
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The mundane life of a working-class everyman is celebrated in all its minor detail in this imaginative biopic of American underground comic-book writer Harvey Pekar. The first feature from documentary film-makers Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, it brilliantly captures the humanity and acidic humour of the Cleveland hospital filing clerk who turned his everyday experiences into the cult, autobiographical publication American Splendor. True to the spirit of this comic-book series, the sharp and quirky movie utilises a range of visually invigorating techniques to illustrate Harvey's existence, past and present. As well as including authentic archival footage, the directors present the curmudgeonly author in animated form, as his real-life self and, in the picture's main body, as a dramatised character. In this latter guise, Paul Giamatti gives a wry and endearing performance, while Hope Davis similarly excels as his sardonic soulmate and wife, Joyce. The combined result is a total delight that transforms an ordinary Joe into a genuine hero.
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Occasionally engaging mix of drama and documentary, in which Harvey Pekar comments on his experiences and this movie; the collision between himself as he appears and as he is played by Giametti adds piquancy, but it often seems just ordinary.
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Most helpful member's review
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55 out of 61 people found this review helpful
Pekar Pie!!!
Wow!!!
This is a fantastic film, in my opinion, although its not going to be everybodies cup of char. I thought it was interesting how it manages to blur the different realities of real life, film and comic/animation. There is some great characters in there as well as some quite poignant and touching moments.
This is film is especailly interesting for people who love underground comix.
peace. gonz -
Most recent members' review
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1 out of 1 person found this review helpful
American Splendid
This film you will either love or hate, but luckily it will become evident within the first 10 minutes. A difficult film to describe, this biopic of working-class indie comic creator Harvey Pekar is a real cracker. The plot just follows Harvey's life and the rise and rise of the comic American Splendour, created by comic book fan Pekar's enthusiam to write about what happens in real life instead of superheroes. Quite dour and cynical, Pekar is everyman, and his life, despite working in the deadest of dead-end jobs, is surprisingly uplifting and touchingly (sometimes unintentionally) funny. The real star of this film is the casting agent, as when you see the real-life characters intermingling with the film actors playing them, the similarity is astonishing. Paul Giamatti as Pekar is amazing. If you watch the start and decide to go with it, this film will leave you laughing and happy by the end. A real, cliche-busting feel-good movie gem for everyone, not just American Splendour readers (of which i'm not, by the way).
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Harvey Pekar, the hilariously downtrodden Cleveland comic book artist, is the subject of AMERICAN SPLENDOR, titled after Pekar's autobiographical series. Played by actor Paul Giamatti, Pekar also ... -