Saw this and loved it. All the acting was fantastic, as was the directing, and the script, etc. The self-referential parts worked, and they never overplayed it.

Watching Paul Giamatti react to the real Pekar and Toby was a riot. The ending was very touching.

Here's the release schedule for American Splendor. LINK

It seems to be enjoying some of the best reviews of the year - its currently at 94% on Rotten Tomatoes (100% cream of the crop.)

In fact, the worst review I read was on this site's 'Aisle View' where the major criticism seems to be that the main character is 'unsympathetic.' Which is the same thing Geoff says in a post above, but then he does call it one of the best movies of 2003. I guess the point is, it doesn't take a totally sympathetic protagonist to make a good movie.

Today we received a Harvey Pekar nodder in the mail.

Several months back my wife took a survey and there was a drawing. The winners got free tix to the movie and some others got the bobblehead doll.

Just got back from this. I am impressed, but it's so hard to watch something you feel close to because of your background...I'm glad Harvey's being recognized for his art. The movie really seems to be touching people. Excellent performances and direction, wonderful filmmaking.

BTW Buford, Eytan's song was It was great to see how clueless (relatively) people on both coasts were (or are) about what Harvey does and who he is.

well I dunno, I think he's a brilliant masterful wonderful, delightful sunshine smiling creature. I WANNA MARRY HIM!!!!!!

and have his children.... several.. maybe 8 or so.. and all of them can be depressing..er.. I mean SUNSHINEY little versions of him for me to enjoy on a daily basis! =D

A really good, funny and touching film.

Paul Giamatti and Hope Davis are great, and they have many quirky and humorous scenes.

But the "pain" that Pekar goes through is not funny at all even he is able to somewhat make light of it.

A rare balance of comedy and drama that works.

I've never read an issue of AS, but if I knew where to buy one I definitely would.

This is just another one of those movies that helps restore my faith
in American cinema.

**** out of ****

Yup, quite an enjoyable movie.

Also, they made it a point to say that Giamatti looks nothing like Pekar, but am I the only one who found them to look pretty similar? Or maybe it's just the "everyday man" look that fooled me into thinking like that.

I saw this today. I've never read AS, but the movie was excellent.

Saw this over the weekend and it's easily the best film I've seen this year. If there's any justice, this will be Paul Giamatti's breakthrough role and he'll go from great character actor to bigger starring roles. I don't think he'll ever be a movie star due to his everyman looks, but this film should do for him what Fargo did for Bill Macy.

Between this and The Secret Lives of Dentists, Hope Davis should get some nods for best actress.

Lots of laughs, some more painful than others, lots of touching moments. Lots of times when you realize that you are watching yourself (the grocery store checkout line, that's me).

Can't recommend this one enough.

Resurrecting this thread to lead those interested to Harvey Pekar's latest offering "My Film Future (Movie Producers Are Not Flooding Me With Projects)". Can be viewed at

www.freetimes.com

I just saw this. I thought it was very good. Paul Giamatti did a wonderful job. I am still pissed that he got snubbed for an Oscar.

As a big fan of Pekar's comics for years, I'd been dying to see this and it never came to my tiny town, so I bought the DVD as a blind buy immediately. Great stuff, reminds me a lot of both "Crumb" and "Ghost World" and wonderful performances all around. Just wish the DVD had a little more special features (a longer making-of doc would've been nice), but the movie alone is one of my top 5 of 2003 now.

This was my favorite film of 2003, just inching out "LOTR: ROTK." I agree that Giamatti should have been nominated for Best Actor. The fact that Jude Law got nominated and not Giamatti really steams me. Aside from reminding me also of "Crumb" and "Ghost World," the film also reminded me of "Annie Hall"-era Woody Allen. That is my all-time favorite film, so that's probably why I just love "American Splendor" so much.

Am I crazy for not liking this all that much? I mean, I didn't hate it. I did find it to be quite interesting. But I never seemed to warm up to any of the characters (although it was very well acted).

gonna pick this up sight unseen methinks. don't know much about it, but the premise is appealing. also i really liked Ghost World so if people find them similar then it sounds like a winner.

Just saw "American Splendor" last night on DVD. I can't believe that I avoided seeing it when it was in the theaters.

This film did get snubbed by the Academy.

Bought the film after seeing it once in theaters...it's even better on repeat viewings.

Pere Ubu (rock band), Superman, and this film and the comic it's based on are the best things my fair hometown ever gave the world.

Don't forget the traffic light.

Do you find traffic lights especially uplifting and entertaining?

The commentary is great too...Toby talking about In-N-Out Burger and his childhood Halloween costumes

I'm with you. I watched it over the weekend and I simply do not see what is so great about this movie. Like you said, I didn't hate it either, but I don't think I'll ever watch it again.

I finally saw this movie last weekend, and I must say that I enjoyed it thoroughly.


I also found out that Toby has a podcast on the Lurid Podcasting System

Structurally complex but always intelligent. The narrative never reaches Kaufman-esque convolution and is completely subservient to story aims, so that none of it comes across as a stylistic flourish, rather every directorial choice seems essential. Unexpectedly moving with brilliant performances. It goes without saying that this film is now one of my very favourites from 2003.

"DrunkenWhore"

Best forum name on DVDTalk!