TNL Movie Club: American Splendor

[Bacon McShig]

One of the most acclaimed films of 2003, American Splendor is also one of the most audaciously creative biographical movies ever made. Blending fact, fiction, and personal perspective from the comic books that inspired it, this marvelous portrait of Harvey Pekar--scowling curmudgeon, brow-beaten everyman, insightful chronicler of his own life, and frustrated file clerk at a Cleveland V.A. hospital--is an inspired amalgam of the media (comic books, TV, and film) that lifted Pekar from obscurity to the status of a pop-cultural icon. As played by Paul Giamatti in a master-stroke of casting, we see Pekar and his understanding wife (played by Hope Davis) as underdogs in a world full of obstacles, yet also infused with subtle hope and (gasp!) heartwarming perseverance. We also see the real Pekar, and this multifaceted commingling of "reel" and "real" turns American Splendor into a uniquely cinematic celebration of Pekar's life and, by extension, the tenacity of an unlikely American hero.

I went into this one pretty blind; although I enjoy comics I was unfamiliar with Pekar and the titular comic anthology before seeing the film in the theater. Really surprised me. Great stuff, especially the fresh directing style that transitions between Giamatti's fake Pekar, the comic Pekar, and the real Pekar.

And if you dig it, I'd suggest checking out this collection of American Splendor comics. Some really great R. Crumb stuff in there.

[Some Stupid Japanese Name]

I've almost bought this countless times. I'll pick it up tonight and check it out.

[Rumpy]

I've needed a reason to watch this.

[Some Stupid Japanese Name]

So i watched it last night. Great, Great movie. Paul Giamotti has been a favorite of mine since he played Pig Vomit in Private Parts and his acting skills really shine through in this one. The parts with Harvey really show how well Paul was able to pick up and emulate his mannerisms. I liked how they made the transition from Giamotti at Late Night to the actual old footage. One thing that struck me as odd was why they didn't have the footage for harveys late night freakout.
I can somewhat remember toby's mtv spots. At the time I didn't know his relation to Pekar, just thought he was a lame bit would have been funnier to know that's how he was in real life (however at the time I was like 8 years old).
It's sad that I've been into comics for over 20 years but had never checked out Pekars stuff, though half of that time I think it would have been out of my depth.
Overal it was a great movie, a great glimpse into how likeable a generally unlikeable guy can be.

[Frogacuda]

I loved this movie. The use of interviews spliced with the dramatizations was unique and really effective. Like I thought Toby was way too over the top and cheesy until they showed the real guy and he was just like that. Judah Freidlander was great, too.

[Rumpy]

The casting in this movie is really fantastic, obviously the same with the acting. The way it was done with interview footage, animation and traditional movie making was really refreshing and well done. Giamotti is one of the best actors out there today it's good to see how recognized he's getting now.

I thought there was going to be more animation in it but I think the scarsity made it stand out even more, and when it was used (as well as the comic book style lead ins for many scenes) it looked awesome and it just worked. A really neat story too, though I'm sure I'd want to punch Pekar in the face if I ever met him in real life, he's such a morose son of a bitch.

[Bacon McShig]

Glad you guys liked it.

Nobody else?

[Andy]

I saw this a while back as well, and really enjoyed it. I love movies like this that just tell a very interesting, charming story, and leave you in a really good mood.

[D_N_G]

pekar is such a grouch, giamatti nailed him with this performance. his nerdy sidekick was better in real life, but the actor version nailed him too.

The Letterman appearances were awesome, I had to go and rewatch them because they were so akward. The best part of the entire story is the fact that no matter how much attention and fame Pekar garnered, he is still just an average Joe with an average job. I have to go find a Harvey doll now, lol

on a side note, underground comics really started to take off for collectors after this flick came out. Zap and Splendor especially.

thanks for the Reco Bacon!

[animegirl]

I have this movie (it was a blind buy), and I really enjoyed it. He is such a normal joe but with a very interesting and rich life. A bit sad at times, but so is real life.