Review of American Splendor (2003) by Galen A — 14 Dec 2007
Brilliant film that kick-started Paul Giamatti's fledgling career and highlighted his talent as a character actor. Equal parts touching & human character study, smart cynical black comedy, and documentary.
A combination that is pulled of smoothly and in a way that I've never seen before. It also uses the artistic motif of the graphic novel (it's based on the American Splendor series) really brilliantly in some scenes adding (the scene where he's talking about the different Harvey Pekars in the phone book and everything except him is animated graphic novel style is what first comes to mind) an extra layer.
A very intelligent film whose unique style has the potential to influence many future films. It just hasn't yet. Another film I could see on the Criterion Collection someday.
This review of American Splendor (2003) was written by Galen A on 14 Dec 2007.
American Splendor has generally received very positive reviews.
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