With the overabundance of movies based on comic books, it’s refreshing to see one that’s actually well-done; it’s almost unheard of for the main character to be a balding, slightly overweight, gloomy file clerk. And yet for some reason, it really works for American Splendor.
The movie follows the life of Harvey Pekar, the aforementioned file clerk who ends up becoming one of the leading figures in the alternative comics movement. We see his friendship with Robert Crumb, his decision to start making comics about his average and somewhat depressing life, and his eventual prominence, as well as the various ups and downs of his average and somewhat depressing life.
Since American Splendor, the movie, is based on “American Splendor,” the comic series, which itself is an autobiographical work, it offered some interesting possibilities to the filmmakers, which they absolutely seized. The comic’s creator and main character, the late Harvey Pekar, is portrayed splendidly by Paul Giamatti, but the film is narrated by the real Pekar (who often makes references to the fact that this is a movie), and the movie is also interspersed with footage of Pekar himself, as well as some of the other real people depicted in the comic and the movie. There are also portions shown as scenes from the comics, which gives an interesting insight into his creative process.
While I’m not sure I’d want to read too much of the comics themselves (Pekar had a pretty bleak view of life), the movie is nonetheless excellent, and offers an intriguing look into the life of a pioneer of American comics. For someone interested in alternative comics (or a fan of Paul Giamatti), it’s essential viewing.
Happy [watching],
-Nate
Tired of Superheroes 
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