Back To Index American Splendor
 Barnes & Noble For sheer audacity, its hard to beat American Splendor, which mixes reality and make-believe in a dazzling tour de force. Based on the highly regarded graphic novel of the same name, Splendor follows the everyday exploits of Harvey Pekar (Paul Giamatti), a self-described "schlub" who works as a file clerk in a veterans hospital by day and collects books and records the rest of the time. Inspired to write a comic-book account of his daily life -- putting all his gripes, insecurities, and paranoia into print -- Pekar becomes a cult celebrity and attracts the attentions of Joyce Brabner (Hope Davis), a comic-shop manager whos a bit of a schlub herself. Husband-and-wife directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, documentary makers for whom this is a fiction debut, could have adapted Pekars story in a straightforward manner, but they spice things up by including footage of the real Pekar and Brabner, blurring the line between fiction and reality. Moreover, some sequences unfold in comic-book style, moving in and out of the world created in the live-action footage. Pekars existential angst translates to film surprisingly well, thanks in no small part to Giamatti, usually a dependable supporting player, who here proves himself eminently capable of carrying a picture. Davis, a talented performer with an impressive track record of playing vulnerable, emotionally damaged characters, is equally impressive as Brabner; seeing the real Joyce on screen will demonstrate just how well Davis captured her. For all the inspired kvetching -- which is what made Pekar an underground sensation and earned him invites to David Lettermans TV show -- American Splendor has a puckish, buoyant tone that makes it irresistible. Its one of the most imaginative movies youre likely to see in a very long time. Ed Hulse Interested in the song lyrics? - Check out themostlyrics.com! Looking For A DVD? - Check out dvd-a-rama.com! |
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