User Comments:
16 out of 19 people found the following comment useful:-
American brilliance, 9 September 2003
Author:
jotix100 from New York
I must confess that I was a bit apprehensive in going to see this film. I
thought it would be one of those movies that are hyped to the max by the
adoring critics, but that it would turn out to be a darling of the reviewers
and not the great film everyone was making it to be.
Well, I was thoroughly surprised by the brilliant film making shown by the
directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. They have created a film
that works in different levels. First, it is the story of Harvey Pekar told
in cinematic terms. Secondly, by presenting the real Harvey Pekar to speak
to the camera as he is interviewed, it adds another dimension about the
directors' vision in bringing him to us to tell us in his own words, that
yes, there is a real person whose life we are getting to know. And thirdly,
it works as the weird comic strip that Harvey Pekar might have conceived in
his mind.
Harvey Pekar is an example of a strange man who lives and functions within
the American society, yet, for all practical purposes, he is in his own
little world of collecting books and records and writing his wry
observations on what he sees around him. Are we to say we are normal and
Harry is not? What if it turns out that Harvey had it all figured out and we
had no clue? Let the viewer decide for himself.
The directors great achievement is the brilliant casting. Paul Giamatti is
the closest thing anyone would have selected to the real Harvey. Up to now,
I have only seen Mr. Giamatti in comedies that didn't have the weight of
this film. His take on Harvey is so intense that there are parts when we see
the actor and immediately, the real Harvey comes on a different scene.
Separating them is almost impossible, as Giamatti's performance leads to
Harvey and vice versa. He is totally believable here. He proves that
whatever he is doing on screen is what we would expect the real Harvey to do
on his own life.
The other incredible casting is the one of Hope Davis as Joyce Brabner. Ms.
Davis gets the essence of Joyce with very little effort. We can almost see
that the Joyce of Hope Davis will result in the actual Joyce we see in the
interviews as herself. The resemblance is uncanny. Ms. Davis is outstanding
in the film. We wonder what could have attracted her to Harvey, in the first
place. Of course, we realize her passion for comics, but on a physical
level, these two, as a couple, are miles and miles apart. Yet, their
marriage, unlike Harvey's other two before her, survives and grows.
Ms. Davis scenes with the young Danielle are pure poetry. We can see it in
her face that motherhood for her is very important, yet, she cannot have a
child of her own with Harvey. She is thoroughly rewarded at the end with the
arrival of Danielle who finds in Joyce a kind soul and a mother because her
real one could not be bothered with her.
The rest of the cast is just as magnificent. Judah Friedlander as Toby is
both funny and pathetic. He is another product of the society he lives in.
Also effective, James Urbaniak as the illustrator Bob Crumb who sees in
Harvey's stories the potential for great comic books.
This is a triumph for all that were involved in this film.
Check for other user comments. - I have seen this movie and would like to comment on it
Message Boards Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for American Splendor (2003)
Recommendations If you like this title, we also recommend... Goodfellas (1990) Show more recommendations
Add a recommendation
Email this page to a friend 
Update Information
|
company.
Advertise on IMDb.
License our content.