Lee Eisenberg I had never heard of Harvey Pekar or his work before "American Splendor" got released. Now that I've seen the movie, I'm impressed. The movie makes clear that Pekar (Paul Giamatti) didn't want to condescend to his audience. He just wanted to show life as it was. No sugar-coating, just the truth. As is often the cast with great artists, misery made for some fine work. An unusual trick that the movie uses is to intersperse footage of the real Pekar talking about why he created the cartoons that he did. He had some good things to say.Basically, this is what movies should be. It should go without saying that Giamatti does a perfect job as Pekar. Equal credit should go to Hope Davis as a fan whom he marries, as well as some other cast members (you gotta love what Pekar's friend says about "Revenge of the Nerds"). I'd also like to see the other movies directed by Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. Definitely see it.Watch for a young Josh Hutcherson as the boy dressed as Robin.

p-stepien A reluctant review for a phenomenon not truly understood. "American Splendor" is a true cinematic novelty, where documentary mixes with comic-book movie to become what in essence is a bio-pic focused on the extra-ordinary eccentric Harvey Pekar (played spot on by Paul Giamatti, but also featuring throughout as himself adequately adding commentary to his life and times) and his hipster comic novel career. Directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini tell the story of Pekar's rise to fame, when through his friendship with legendary Robert Crumb (James Urbaniak) he becomes the author of a cult comic book, famed across the country. Unable to draw Pekar uses stick figures to write down stories from his weird and wonderful life, then with the aide of true artists delivering the revered "American Splendor" comic strip.Immensely challenging from a cinematographic standpoint Berman and Pulcini achieve a perfect balance between the layers, thus supplying an entertaining off-beat movie, but one that seems best directed to American audiences. Harvey Pekar is peculiarly quirky, while his comics so engraved in American popular art, that it seems best appreciated by people part of this odd every-day reality. Naturally Harvey Pekar is on the verge of socially accepted normalcy, but that is exactly the perception that was challenged and so admired.In hindsight a pretty entertaining watch with some veritable social poignancy, but ultimately one that honestly has to be digested at 'home', not by audiences detached from the reality in which it takes place, as little effort is truly placed in having the movie permeate with the feeling of the time.

jones-antony I can't believe this abysmal trash has managed to attract a 7+ rating. It's very rare to find a film with absolutely nothing to offer, but 'American Splendor' has achieved this feat and then some.The film revolves around a one-dimensional character who is trying to make a living as a comic-book writer. He goes to the shops, chats with his friends, has dinner....and that's about it.The fact that nothing happens wouldn't be such a problem if the characters were interesting or likable. They are neither. It's just the day to day life of a dull man, doing dull things with his dull friends.Things I would rather do than watch this train-wreck of a movie again would include getting stabbed.Absolutely awful!

TheExpatriate700 American Splendor is an excellent film exploring the life of the late Harvey Pekar, the comic book writer who documented his working class life in a series of graphic novels. The film combines stylistic innovations with two excellent performances by Paul Giamatti and Hope Davis, both of whom give Oscar worthy performances.The most striking part of the film is its mimicking of the comic book format, through the use of on-screen divides between scenes, as well as animated depictions of Pekar's comic book. These give the film visual verve, while capturing Pekar's work in a way that a traditional biographical approach could not.Even more important are the excellent performances by Giamatti and Davis, which anchor the entire film. They embody their characters (and their real life counterparts) in such a way that they come alive for the viewer.Most importantly, the film captures the tedium and ugliness of working class life which was the heart of Pekar's graphic novels. Pekar's mundane existence as a file clerk lies at the center of the movie, ignoring the tendency to pretty things up in Hollywood films. Thus, this film belongs on every comic book lover's shelf, next to Crumb.