I've one thing to say about this movie before I start writing a review:
I had seen American Splendor at the Pleinbios in Rotterdam some years ago and really found it to be an extraordinary film, so when I came across it, I immediately bought it. Since my brother hadn't seen it yet and we were looking through our collection to select a movie to watch during diner, I used my power of veto and said he just HAD to watch this one.
It's about Harvey Pekar, the famous writer of the American Splendor comic book series. The series is about his miserable job as a file clerk, standing in line at the supermarket, people discussing nonsense on the bus, having a wife who is depressed and doesn't want to work, starring on the David Letterman show and having cancer. In short, it's about his life. The comic books are illustrated by various artists, most notably Robert Crumb.
The movie's an adaptation of some of his writings, interspersed with some small interview parts with Harvey himself, his wife Joyce and Toby, a guy from work.
The acting's is VERY good, especially Paul Giamatti, who plays Harvey Pekar. There's something about the way he really gets to be Harvey, which is an unbelievable accomplishment, since Mr. Pekar himself stars as himself along the way the rest of the cast is doing a great job as well, but none are as good as Paul Giamatti in my opinion.
This is one of those movies that leave you sitting on the couch with a huge smile on your face. I enjoyed seeing it again thoroughly and I really want to see it again. The way in which the real Harvey and the fictional Harvey (which is the real Harvey, in a way) are alternated is truly refreshing, which is due to the real Harvey being the narrator as well.
There's not much more I can say about this movie without going on for hours, except that it's a MUST SEE. Don't wait, don't put it on your "To Watch"-list, just click here and order the damned film!
9.5/10!
Chrisy Squared eyes Admin
Posts : 4151 Join date : 2007-12-15 Age : 45 Location : Hollandia
Subject: Re: American Splendor (2003) Sat May 03, 2008 12:41 pm
I have heard about this one a lot I need to see it
pornologic Dr Strangelove
Posts : 2471 Join date : 2007-12-16 Age : 28 Location : Rotterdam
Subject: Re: American Splendor (2003) Sat May 03, 2008 12:46 pm
Indeed...
So don't just sit there, go order it
deathproof Mighty Aphrodite
Posts : 181 Join date : 2008-07-16 Age : 34 Location : madras
Subject: Re: American Splendor (2003) Fri Aug 01, 2008 6:10 pm
oh this one was totally good! i felt real good watching this movie after a real bad day a long time back.lookin at this thread wants me to watch it again...this weekend sure.
terminaal Dancer in the Dark
Posts : 38 Join date : 2008-08-18
Subject: Re: American Splendor (2003) Mon Aug 18, 2008 6:12 pm
Loved-it !! Picked it up lots of times to read the backside before if finally rented it and ... I loved it !! Giamatti is superb in this one !
misssans Enema Killer
Posts : 1038 Join date : 2008-04-02 Age : 36 Location : The Hague, Holland
Subject: Re: American Splendor (2003) Thu Oct 09, 2008 12:14 pm
I've never seen Paul Giamatti acting so well in a movie! He was brilliant and kinda looking like the real Harvey Pekar! The movie is incredebily funny, when you like dark humour! I love dark humour so I laughed my ass off! The movie was also an inspiration to me to start writing again
This is the movie you watch when you feel awkward and in the end you feel really good!
9/10
labrat Devil’s Advocate
Posts : 999 Join date : 2008-04-29 Age : 46 Location : Belgium
Subject: Re: American Splendor (2003) Fri Oct 10, 2008 9:18 am
aaaah yeah, it was on Belgian television one or two weeks ago!!!
Sat May 03, 2008 12:37 pm
the rest of the cast is doing a great job as well, but none are as good as Paul Giamatti in my opinion.
