Review of American Splendor (2003) by Alejandro D — 22 Jun 2008
In spite of the fact that I didn't understand this film nor fully (or even partially) comprehend what the director was trying to accomplish in the telling of this particular story, I found something in this film that was strangely mesmerizing.
At first, I thought Giamatti's brilliant performance must be the source of my bedazzlement, but the more I considered the film I grew convinced that my increasing attraction to it owed more to the character of Harvey Pekar and the freedom by which he lived his life.
I think we all long to journey from crib to grave being authentically ourselves, but due to cultural pressures, family realities, and circumstances too few of us live truly "free" lives. Of course, I think there are often good reasons to "check" oneself, but there was something refreshing about seeing a life lived without regard to other's opinions and judgments.
Where American Splendor fails as a linear story, it succeeds in telling a story about human freedom . . . and for that it deserves perhaps more than three stars.
This review of American Splendor (2003) was written by Alejandro D on 22 Jun 2008.
American Splendor has generally received very positive reviews.
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