American Splendor

American Splendor's Paul Giamatti and creator of the comic, Harvey Pekar; Photo - WireImage

Gothamist saw American Splendor this past weekend and enjoyed this twist on a biopic. The film offers Paul Giamatti as underground writer/cartoonist (though he doesn't draw) Harvey Pekar, as well as the real Harvey Pekar giving narration, as well as other real-life people making appearances alongside the actors who portray them. Giamatti is so perfect as this beleagured, lonely crank, with mouth partly open, perhaps in pain, that it's almost painful to watch. And Hope Davis depretties herself for another movie to brilliantly play Pekar's wife, Joyce Brabner, pursed lips and all. James Urbaniak's Robert Crumb was pretty awesome, as was Judah Friedlander as Genuine Nerd friend Toby Radloff. If this means there is a trend to turn underground comics like Ameircan Splendor, Crumb's work and life and Daniel Clowes' Ghost World into great films, then Gothamist eagerly awaits the next adaptation.

And get this - Harvey Pekar, wife Joyce Brabner, and their daughter (they are guardians) Danielle all have blogs at HarveyPekar.com. The American Splendor website is really great, with old photogaphs of the Pekar, his outlines of comics with finished versions, and handwritten reviews. Time's Andrew D. Arnold interviews Harvey, and also learn more about Pekar here.

Buy American Splendor, the comic, as well as My Cancer Year, the comic Harvey and Joyce collaborated on.
Buy Crumb and Ghost World on DVD.

Contact the author of this article or email tips@gothamist.com with further questions, comments or tips.

By Jen Chung in Arts and Events on August 18, 2003 1:59 PM

Comments [rss]

o.x.

just saw giamatti at 'wichcraft picking up a sandwich and he looked cute as a button.

bb

giamatti is called pig vomit. which he does in fact look like.

Gene

Jen, you could make watching paint dry interesting. I'd love to hear about that trip . . .

Jen

Thanks for asking Gene. I did in fact drive back from Chicago to NY. I'm debating whether or not to post something about that road trip, but was unsure if people would be at all interested.

susanna

hope davis is also great in "myth of fingerprints" and "next stop, wonderland." hope davis is just great..

Gene

Jen, I know this isn't "on topic," but how did you fare on your return trip from Tampa. The last thing I saw was that you said you might have to fly to Chicago, then drive to NY. I hope you didn't have to do that! When were you able to get back?

Jen

That's actor Paul Giamatti at left. Chris Wilson looks like that? Interesting!

Paul's first big role was in Private Parts, as the station manager (or something like that) that Howard Stern called Pigsomething.

j p s

who that in the photo on the left then?

damned if it doesn't look like Chris Wilson of Page 6....

o.x.

hope davis is also excellent in 'the secret life of dentists'-- an amazing movie, totally unlike american splendor, but everyone should see it. it's hilarious and sad and you'll think about it for days afterward. check check it out!