American Splendor is the story of a little-known working-class everyman, and first-class curmudgeon, Harvey Pekar. Pekar finds love, family and a creative voice through the underground comic books he creates, but still can't manage to find the quicker supermarket checkout line. Ordinary life is pretty complex stuff. Pekar, played by Paul Giamatti, is a frustrated file clerk at a V.A. hospital, but also a comic book fan who brefirends the young illustrator Robert Crumb and is soon inspired to create comic books based on his own life, entitled 'American Splendor.' Along the bumpy journey, he meets, marries and falls for Joyce, an admiring comic book seller, played by Hope Davis. also appearing in the movie are the real Harvey and Joyce, comic book renderings of the couple, and cameos by some of Harvey's closest friends. In this truly original, ultimately heartwarming film, you will find yourself deeply immersed in a world of American Splendor.
Directed by Shari Springer Berman & Robert Pulcini
Written by Shari Springer Berman, Harvey Pekar, Robert Pulcini & Joyce Brabner
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Shari Springer Berman, Harvey Pekar, Chris Ambrose & Joey Krajcar
Rated R
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
1 hour and 41 minute NTSC Video DVD
HBO Video, 2003
