Let me begin by saying I thought this was a charming movie and I don't mean that in a chick flick sort of way. I mean that in a 'movie that is about nothing particularly extraodinary but at the same time is extraodinary' way.
This movie starring Paul Giamatti is about the real-life of comic book writer Harvey Pekar, and a sort of biographical drama. It reminded me of Andy Kauffman and the way 'Man on the Moon' was done.
The movie tells how Pekar goes from being a lonely, sad, poor, filing clerk to being a married, comic book creator, semi-celebrity.......filing clerk. This movie beautifully portrays how everyday life can change profoundly and yet, not at all, teaching us to ask the question, whats wrong with everyday life?
I found my favorite character to be a co-worker of Pekar's, Toby. Toby, who appears to be, being overplayed in a charicaturish way, is discovered to really be 'that bad' when you are introduced to the real Toby. I found him very funny and endearing.
The only bit of a complaint I have is some of the transitioning. The movie seems at times to dwell for a long while on a certain aspect of Pekar's life and then to suddenly jump, with the viewer expected to fill in gaps as to where everything went.
All in all, a great movie that I want to share with friends, watch again, and will recommend to almost anyone.
American Splendor's Website
Archived 11/29/04
