Crumb on DVD (1994)

Gonzosoul from The Thoroughfare, Woodbridge , 24/06/2004

Robert Crumb is one of my heroes because he's one of the 20th centurys great artists who created some of most important iconic images of the 60s & 70s.

This doucmentry charts his early history growing up in 50's America, moving on to his rise as an artist in the 60s underground 'comix' movements and beyond.

The film also looks with some detail at members of his family and what a disfunctional bunch they are. His older brother Charles was a great influence on Robert through childhood and teens but suffered a mental breakdown when he was in his late teens. The comics the young Crumbs made together are particulary interesting.

I found this documentry to be very well made with even handed opinions on the great man. The interviews with Roberts family are very intimate and although very strange people, they moved me.

This film is a must for anyone who has an interest in 60's subcultures.

Peace,

  17 out of 18 people found this review helpful

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loz#6 from BRISTOL , 07/07/2004

Compelling documentary about the great comic artist; initially Robert Crumb seems like an eccentric, but compared to his 2 brothers he's positively normal. Recommended - even if you're not aware of Crumbs artwork there's plenty of interest here.

  6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

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Geepee from Cornwall , 07/11/2004

Not so much a biopic of the artist, more a documentary exploration of a dysfunctional family of 3 artistically driven brothers.

At once shocking and absorbing, Crumb should be viewed in conjunction with the excellent American Splendor, in which Robert Crumb's character appears.

  6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

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McClennan from St Helens , 25/03/2006

Fascinating documentary about a US underground cartoonist, Robert Crumb. Although I’d heard of Crumb (mainly through American Splendour I wasn’t that aware of his work although some of his cartoons were images that I’d seen before. Basically the guy did an assortment of freaky and surreal images straight out of the darker recesses of his mind. Criticised for his portrayal of women in his comics by some, the film delves into what can only be described as a unique family background, where his brothers appear to be as divorced from reality as his comics are. It was good enough to get me to go and check out some of his stuff.

  5 out of 5 people found this review helpful

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Geepee from Cornwall , 07/11/2004

Not so much a biopic of the artist, more a documentary exploration of a dysfunctional family of 3 artistically driven brothers.

At once shocking and absorbing, Crumb should be viewed in conjunction with the excellent American Splendor, in which Robert Crumb's character appears.

  6 out of 6 people found this review helpful

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mishi from Salisbury , 15/09/2005

What an amazing documentary this is. A lovingly intimate portrayal of an artist who has come to terms with his wierdness by revealing himself through his art. When we see the kind of home background Crumb had, it isn't surprising that he sought any route available to free himself from its shackles. It is poignant in the extreme to see what happened to his brothers. A must see for anyone who wants insight into Robert Crumb

  2 out of 2 people found this review helpful

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