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| AMERICAN SPLENDOR (2003) | |
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When an obsessive-compulsive pessimistic file clerk decides to create comic books on his life a rhetorical question arises, will someone ever read these comic books?
The film American Splendor is evidence that a group of devoted readers did read this comic book with the same name as the film.
The cult figure Robert Crumb, who is known for Felix the Cat, illustrated Pekar’s stories, which at the time only had stick figures and no public interest.
Together Pekar and Crumb brought Pekar’s life into the world of comics as an anti-heroic comic book, which essentially uses ordinary people around Pekar that emphasizes their unique talents in a superhuman manner.
The film depicts a semi-documentary, which brings humor, drama, tragedy, and whatever else life has to offer to the silver screen through the personification of Harvey Pekar. A combination between Paul Giamatti, who does a brilliant job performing as Pekar, and Harvey, himself, who frequently presents himself adds texture to the story. This double performance enhances the story as it brings a dual image of Harvey, the personal depiction, as well as an outsider’s perspective of Harvey’s identity. Intriguingly it brings out several layers Pekar’s life and his idiosyncrasies as he struggles with testicular cancer, divorce, loneliness, and his hobbies. The films ordinarily depiction of an odd character is unique as it develops into an interesting character study of a real character. It is sad. It is funny. It is depressing. It is warm. It is touching. It is grotesque. However, life is all these things, and this is Harvey Pekar’s life. Through the pessimistic Pekar the audience gets to be subjected to a wonderful cinematic experience that offers several thoughtful and humorous life lessons. |
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| BY KIM ANEHALL – 11/25/2004 | |
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The Internet Movie Database. |
