A fanciful mixture of comic strip art and ordinary film becomes a dazzling eye-opener. This was a completely off-the-wall discovery viewed at the 2003 Karlovy Vary film festival. Not in competition because it was awarded elsewhere (Sundance, Cannes), nevertheless one of the best films seen here, was, "AMERICAN SPLENDOR" by a "mom and pop team" from Cleveland, Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini. This is a totally unique film that is part Underground Comic book come to life and, at the same time a hyper realistic study of the American Nightmare as seen through the eyes of an incurably pessimistic Comic strip writer, Harvey Pekar and his brilliantly batty wife from Delaware -- part hilarious spoof of the games people play, part something else. As a social comedy with serious overtones, this film out-Woody-Allens Woody Allen by a Cleveland country mile, and the acting of the main actors, Paul Giamatti and Hope Davis, is so down to the bone that it literally looks like they're living the parts. The film changes pace and slows down considerably in the last section, but is still an overwhelming masterpiece for at least two thirds of the way, not to mention a Homage to American Nerdhood and the unmistakably American art of Underground Comics most innovative visual Maestro Robert Crumb.

Paul Giamatti is once again phenomenal in the role of outsider Harvey Pekar. Though I knew only of Pekar through the some of the work of Robert Crumb and a TV-program about the Cannes film festival in which this film is promoted by the Pekars themselves, but he is an instantly sympathetic 'grouch' and his story is perfect for the screen, as Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini deftly prove.The art design for the film is obvious, but nonetheless brilliant and the tone of things is of course deliciously sarcastic and / or cynical, but also endearing and sentimental in the right way. The parts of real life television from the David Letterman Show, the parts of Toby and Crumb, the real Pekars appearing in their own framework and the atmospheric soundtrack are other delightful ingredients. Finally, I must mention Hope Davis, a great actress in many a movie; she is as crucial as Giamatti to the whole.One of my all time favorite movies; 10+ out of 10.

The movie has a knack of feeling incredibly simple, but is actually quite complex in its construction. For example, a lot has been said about Paul Giamatti's performance, and rightly so since it is at the heart of the film, but I'm convinced that those who call American Splendor a character study are doing so in error. It is really an ensemble piece crafted so well that it feels simpler than it actually is. Consider the contributions of Hope Davis and Judah Friedlander (both of whom give performances equal to Giamatti's), who disappear into their roles. The same can be said about the entire cast. Consider too the on screen presence of the real Harvey, Joyce, and Toby, without whom the film would have not had nearly the color and texture that it has.The movie does another neat trick by being both faithful to the comics and being an uplifting and original biopic of its own. The screenplay, which weaves reality, fantasy, documentary, and animation is build on so many layers that in lesser hands, the film would feel disjointed and confusing, yet the writer/director team of Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini never confuse us.

I can't believe this abysmal trash has managed to attract a 7+ rating. It's very rare to find a film with absolutely nothing to offer, but 'American Splendor' has achieved this feat and then some.The film revolves around a one-dimensional character who is trying to make a living as a comic-book writer. He goes to the shops, chats with his friends, has dinner....and that's about it.The fact that nothing happens wouldn't be such a problem if the characters were interesting or likable. They are neither. It's just the day to day life of a dull man, doing dull things with his dull friends.Things I would rather do than watch this train-wreck of a movie again would include getting stabbed.Absolutely awful!