Movies: American Splendor

[Art]

Anyone who liked Ghost World or Crumb should check out American Splendor,the story of Harvey Pekar, the comics writer who pretty much singlehandedly invented autobiographical comics where nothing much happened, and it's fucking great. Paul Giamatti really makes it- he has this brilliant sneer of contempt that he flashes at just about anything that crosses his path as he goes about his introverted, grotty life. It's worth going to see for the scene where his mate takes him to see Revenge of the Nerds alone.

[paulvonscott]

Yeah I'm hoping to see this at some point, it's not on at many places though.

[Art]

Yeah, I've a  suspicion its going to be one to catch on DVD for most people outside of london. Still, worth checking for it at regional arts theatres etc... etc...

[Bolt-01]

looking forward to this.

Pekar is a huge talent, and it seems like the film may be fun too.

Bolt-01

[malkymac]

It is on in the Cameo in Edinburgh for any one interested. I have not seen it myself yet but I intend to.

[Byron Virgo]

Definitely check this out. Really does justice to the style and humour of the comic, as well as showing us a surprisingly intimate portait of Pekar and his wife Joyce.

[Dudley]

Just caught this last night.  An exceptional film.  You wouldn't necessarily want to be caught next to Pekar on a long flight, but the final David Letterman show, the first meeting with his wife and the aforementioned Revenge of the Nerds scenes are all moments that would make any film great.

I also loved the part where the real pekar and his mate were sitting in the studio being interviewed while the actors playing them sat in the background looking bored.

Recommended as one of my films of the year.

[Bolt-01]

Seconded. Caught this a couple of months ago, and then had to endure Mini Bolt (Or D@N as he now wishes to be known) saying 'nerd' in the style of Pekars friend for about a week.

Bolt-01

[Byron Virgo]

Toby Radloff, who ended up on MTV promos and B-Movie horror films.

Link: Toby Radloff

[LARF]

Trailer - looks pretty good - is he still alive...

Link: ...or am I daft asking that question?

[Mudcrab]

So, who reckons that "Comic Book Guy" (or Jeff Albertson) is based on him? You know, the voice and all that.

Am I, in fact, just as big a nerd for asking that?

[Art]

Paul Giamatti does a pretty fine job in Sideways as well, if you've not seen that. He's also been linked to "The Amazing Screw On Head", based on a Mignola comic.

[Byron Virgo]

What?!

How on Earth would they turn that into a film?

I have to see it!

[Art]

I'm hoping the three horrible old women and the monkey will return...

[Byron Virgo]

It would be nothing without the monkey...