American Splendor (film)
Encyclopedia
American Splendor is a 2003 American biographical
comedy-drama film
about Harvey Pekar
, the author of the American Splendor comic book series
. The film is also in part an adaptation of the comics
, which dramatize Pekar's life. The film was written and directed by documentarians Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who share writing credit with Pekar and his wife, Joyce Brabner
.
The film stars Paul Giamatti
as Pekar and Hope Davis
as Brabner. However, it also features appearances from Pekar and Brabner themselves (along with Toby Radloff
), who discuss their lives, the comic books, and how it feels to be depicted onscreen by actors. It was filmed entirely on location in Cleveland and Lakewood
in Ohio
.
, in addition to the award for Best Adapted Screenplay from the Writers Guild of America
. At the 2003 Cannes Film Festival
, the film received the FIPRESCI
(critics) award. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2003 Academy Awards
. The film has a 94% fresh rating of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Columnist Jaime Wolf wrote a laudatory review of the film in Slate, also drawing attention to formal parallels with Woody Allen
's Annie Hall
and other Allen films.
Pekar wrote about the effects of the film in American Splendor: Our Movie Year.
Boston Society of Film Critics
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chlotrudis Awards
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
National Society of Film Critics
New York Film Critics Circle
Writers Guild of America
(WGA)
Nominated
Academy Awards
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chlotrudis Awards
Golden Globe Awards
Satellite Awards
American Splendor is a 2003 American biographical
comedy-drama film
about Harvey Pekar
, the author of the American Splendor comic book series
. The film is also in part an adaptation of the comics
, which dramatize Pekar's life. The film was written and directed by documentarians Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who share writing credit with Pekar and his wife, Joyce Brabner
.
The film stars Paul Giamatti
as Pekar and Hope Davis
as Brabner. However, it also features appearances from Pekar and Brabner themselves (along with Toby Radloff
), who discuss their lives, the comic books, and how it feels to be depicted onscreen by actors. It was filmed entirely on location in Cleveland and Lakewood
in Ohio
.
, in addition to the award for Best Adapted Screenplay from the Writers Guild of America
. At the 2003 Cannes Film Festival
, the film received the FIPRESCI
(critics) award. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2003 Academy Awards
. The film has a 94% fresh rating of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Columnist Jaime Wolf wrote a laudatory review of the film in Slate, also drawing attention to formal parallels with Woody Allen
's Annie Hall
and other Allen films.
Pekar wrote about the effects of the film in American Splendor: Our Movie Year.
Boston Society of Film Critics
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chlotrudis Awards
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
National Society of Film Critics
New York Film Critics Circle
Writers Guild of America
(WGA)
Nominated
Academy Awards
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chlotrudis Awards
Golden Globe Awards
Satellite Awards
American Splendor is a 2003 American biographical
comedy-drama film
about Harvey Pekar
, the author of the American Splendor comic book series
. The film is also in part an adaptation of the comics
, which dramatize Pekar's life. The film was written and directed by documentarians Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who share writing credit with Pekar and his wife, Joyce Brabner
.
The film stars Paul Giamatti
as Pekar and Hope Davis
as Brabner. However, it also features appearances from Pekar and Brabner themselves (along with Toby Radloff
), who discuss their lives, the comic books, and how it feels to be depicted onscreen by actors. It was filmed entirely on location in Cleveland and Lakewood
in Ohio
.
, in addition to the award for Best Adapted Screenplay from the Writers Guild of America
. At the 2003 Cannes Film Festival
, the film received the FIPRESCI
(critics) award. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2003 Academy Awards
. The film has a 94% fresh rating of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Columnist Jaime Wolf wrote a laudatory review of the film in Slate, also drawing attention to formal parallels with Woody Allen
's Annie Hall
and other Allen films.
Pekar wrote about the effects of the film in American Splendor: Our Movie Year.
Boston Society of Film Critics
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chlotrudis Awards
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
National Society of Film Critics
New York Film Critics Circle
Writers Guild of America
(WGA)
Nominated
Academy Awards
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chlotrudis Awards
Golden Globe Awards
Satellite Awards
Biographical film
A biographical film, or biopic , is a film that dramatizes the life of an actual person or people. They differ from films “based on a true story” or “historical films” in that they attempt to comprehensively tell a person’s life story or at least the most historically important years of their...
comedy-drama film
Comedy-drama
Comedy-drama is a genre of theatre, film and television programs which combines humorous and serious content.-Theatre:Traditional western theatre, beginning with the ancient Greeks, was divided into comedy and tragedy...
about Harvey Pekar
Harvey Pekar
Harvey Lawrence Pekar was an American underground comic book writer, music critic and media personality, best known for his autobiographical American Splendor comic series. In 2003, the series inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name.Pekar described American Splendor as "an...
, the author of the American Splendor comic book series
American Splendor
American Splendor is a series of autobiographical comic books written by the late Harvey Pekar and drawn by a variety of artists. The first issue was published in 1976 and the most recent in September 2008, with publication occurring at irregular intervals...
. The film is also in part an adaptation of the comics
Film adaptation
Film adaptation is the transfer of a written work to a feature film. It is a type of derivative work.A common form of film adaptation is the use of a novel as the basis of a feature film, but film adaptation includes the use of non-fiction , autobiography, comic book, scripture, plays, and even...
, which dramatize Pekar's life. The film was written and directed by documentarians Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who share writing credit with Pekar and his wife, Joyce Brabner
Joyce Brabner
Joyce Brabner is a writer of political comics and a sometime collaborator with her late husband Harvey Pekar. Brabner is also a liberal social activist, most recently championing Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the neighborhood in which she resides, with a series of imaginative...
.
The film stars Paul Giamatti
Paul Giamatti
Paul Edward Valentine Giamatti is an American actor. Giamatti began his career as a supporting actor in several films produced during the 1990s including Private Parts, The Truman Show, Saving Private Ryan, The Negotiator, and Man on the Moon, before earning lead roles in several projects in the...
as Pekar and Hope Davis
Hope Davis
Hope Davis is an American actress. She has starred in more than 20 feature films, including About Schmidt, Arlington Road, Flatliners, Mumford, American Splendor, The Lodger and Next Stop Wonderland....
as Brabner. However, it also features appearances from Pekar and Brabner themselves (along with Toby Radloff
Toby Radloff
Toby Radloff is a former file clerk who became a minor celebrity owing to his appearances in Cleveland writer Harvey Pekar's autobiographical comic book American Splendor. He works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland. Radloff currently works as a courier.Radloff has a distinctive...
), who discuss their lives, the comic books, and how it feels to be depicted onscreen by actors. It was filmed entirely on location in Cleveland and Lakewood
Lakewood, Ohio
Lakewood is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. It is part of the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area, and borders the city of Cleveland. The population was 52,131 at the 2010 making it the third largest city in Cuyahoga County, behind Cleveland and Parma .Lakewood, one of Cleveland's...
in Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
.
Cast
- Paul GiamattiPaul GiamattiPaul Edward Valentine Giamatti is an American actor. Giamatti began his career as a supporting actor in several films produced during the 1990s including Private Parts, The Truman Show, Saving Private Ryan, The Negotiator, and Man on the Moon, before earning lead roles in several projects in the...
as Harvey PekarHarvey PekarHarvey Lawrence Pekar was an American underground comic book writer, music critic and media personality, best known for his autobiographical American Splendor comic series. In 2003, the series inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name.Pekar described American Splendor as "an... - Hope DavisHope DavisHope Davis is an American actress. She has starred in more than 20 feature films, including About Schmidt, Arlington Road, Flatliners, Mumford, American Splendor, The Lodger and Next Stop Wonderland....
as Joyce BrabnerJoyce BrabnerJoyce Brabner is a writer of political comics and a sometime collaborator with her late husband Harvey Pekar. Brabner is also a liberal social activist, most recently championing Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the neighborhood in which she resides, with a series of imaginative... - Judah FriedlanderJudah FriedlanderJudah Friedlander is an American actor and comedian, known for his trademark trucker hats, oversized glasses and unkempt appearance, which he retains in many of his screen roles.-Early life:...
as Toby RadloffToby RadloffToby Radloff is a former file clerk who became a minor celebrity owing to his appearances in Cleveland writer Harvey Pekar's autobiographical comic book American Splendor. He works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland. Radloff currently works as a courier.Radloff has a distinctive... - James UrbaniakJames UrbaniakJames Christian Urbaniak is an American actor. Urbaniak was born in Bayonne, New Jersey. He lives in Santa Monica, California with his wife Julie and their twins, son Severn Jerzy and daughter Esme Maeve....
as Robert CrumbRobert CrumbRobert Dennis Crumb —known as Robert Crumb and R. Crumb—is an American artist, illustrator, and musician recognized for the distinctive style of his drawings and his critical, satirical, subversive view of the American mainstream.Crumb was a founder of the underground comix movement and is regarded... - Harvey PekarHarvey PekarHarvey Lawrence Pekar was an American underground comic book writer, music critic and media personality, best known for his autobiographical American Splendor comic series. In 2003, the series inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name.Pekar described American Splendor as "an...
as himself - Joyce BrabnerJoyce BrabnerJoyce Brabner is a writer of political comics and a sometime collaborator with her late husband Harvey Pekar. Brabner is also a liberal social activist, most recently championing Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the neighborhood in which she resides, with a series of imaginative...
as herself - Toby RadloffToby RadloffToby Radloff is a former file clerk who became a minor celebrity owing to his appearances in Cleveland writer Harvey Pekar's autobiographical comic book American Splendor. He works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland. Radloff currently works as a courier.Radloff has a distinctive...
as himself
Reception
American Splendor won the Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Film at the Sundance Film FestivalSundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is a film festival that takes place annually in Utah, in the United States. It is the largest independent cinema festival in the United States. Held in January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the Sundance Resort, the festival is a showcase for new...
, in addition to the award for Best Adapted Screenplay from the Writers Guild of America
Writers Guild of America
The Writers Guild of America is a generic term referring to the joint efforts of two different US labor unions:* The Writers Guild of America, East , representing TV and film writers East of the Mississippi....
. At the 2003 Cannes Film Festival
2003 Cannes Film Festival
The 2003 Cannes Film Festival started on May 14 and ran until May 25. The Palme d'Or went to the American film Elephant by Gus Van Sant.-Jury:* Patrice Chéreau, President * Aishwarya Rai * Meg Ryan * Karin Viard...
, the film received the FIPRESCI
FIPRESCI
The International Federation of Film Critics is an association of national organizations of professional film critics and film journalists from around the world for "the promotion and development of film culture and for the safeguarding of professional interests." It was founded in June 1930 in...
(critics) award. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2003 Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
. The film has a 94% fresh rating of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Columnist Jaime Wolf wrote a laudatory review of the film in Slate, also drawing attention to formal parallels with Woody Allen
Woody Allen
Woody Allen is an American screenwriter, director, actor, comedian, jazz musician, author, and playwright. Allen's films draw heavily on literature, sexuality, philosophy, psychology, Jewish identity, and the history of cinema...
's Annie Hall
Annie Hall
Annie Hall is a 1977 American romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen from a screenplay co-written with Marshall Brickman and co-starring Diane Keaton. One of Allen's most popular and most honored films, it won four Academy Awards including Best Picture...
and other Allen films.
Pekar wrote about the effects of the film in American Splendor: Our Movie Year.
Awards and nominations
WonBoston Society of Film Critics
Boston Society of Film Critics
The Boston Society of Film Critics is an organization of film reviewers from Boston, Massachusetts, United States, based publications.The BSFC was formed in 1981 to make "Boston's unique critical perspective heard on a national and international level by awarding commendations to the best of the...
- Best Screenplay (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chicago Film Critics Association
The Chicago Film Critics Association is an American film critic association.-Members:Current members include:*Sarah Knight Adamson*Zbigniew Banas*Shelley Cameron*Dave Canfield*Vittorio Carli*Erik Childress*Camerin Courtney*Bonnie DeShong...
- Most Promising Filmmaker (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chlotrudis Awards
- Best Adapted ScreenplayChlotrudis Award for Best Adapted ScreenplayThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Adapted Screenplay is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the writer or writers of the screenplay adapted from other sources that is voted by participating members...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
The Los Angeles Film Critics Association was founded in 1975. Its main purpose is to present yearly awards to members of the film industry who have excelled in their fields. These awards are presented each January...
- Best FilmLos Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best FilmThe Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Film is an award given annually by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.-1970s:-1980s:-1990s:-2000s:-2010s:...
- Best ScreenplayLos Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best ScreenplayThe Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Screenplay is one of the annual film awards given by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.-1970s:-1980s:-1990s:-2000s:-2010s:...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
National Society of Film Critics
National Society of Film Critics
The National Society of Film Critics is an American film critic organization. As of December 2007 the NSFC had approximately 60 members who wrote for a variety of weekly and daily newspapers.-History:...
- Best FilmNational Society of Film Critics Award for Best FilmThe National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Picture is an annual award given by National Society of Film Critics to honor the best film of the year....
- Best ScreenplayNational Society of Film Critics Award for Best Screenplay-1960s:*1967: Bonnie and Clyde*1968: Faces*1969: Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice-1970s:*1970: My Night at Maud's*1971: Sunday Bloody Sunday*1972: Cries and Whispers*1973: American Graffiti*1974: Scenes from a Marriage*1975: Shampoo*1976: Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000*1977: Annie Hall*1978: An...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
New York Film Critics Circle
- Best Actress (Davis)
- Best First Film
Writers Guild of America
Writers Guild of America
The Writers Guild of America is a generic term referring to the joint efforts of two different US labor unions:* The Writers Guild of America, East , representing TV and film writers East of the Mississippi....
(WGA)
- Best Screenplay – AdaptedWriters Guild of America Award for Best Adapted ScreenplayThe Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay is one of the three screenwriting Writers Guild of America Awards, one that is specifically for film...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Nominated
Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
- Best Screenplay – Adapted (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chicago Film Critics Association
The Chicago Film Critics Association is an American film critic association.-Members:Current members include:*Sarah Knight Adamson*Zbigniew Banas*Shelley Cameron*Dave Canfield*Vittorio Carli*Erik Childress*Camerin Courtney*Bonnie DeShong...
- Best Actor (Giamatti)
- Best Actress (Davis)
- Best Film
- Best Screenplay (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chlotrudis Awards
- Best MovieChlotrudis Award for Best FilmThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Film is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the film that is voted as the best by participating members. The Chlotrudis Awards is an annual ceremony where the best of the previous year's independent and international film are...
- Best DirectorChlotrudis Award for Best DirectorThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Director is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the director or directors whose winning work is voted by participating members. The Chlotrudis Awards is an annual ceremony where the best of the previous year's independent and international...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman) - Best ActorChlotrudis Award for Best ActorThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Actor is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the actor or actors whose winning performance is voted by participating members. The Chlotrudis Awards is an annual ceremony where the best of the previous year's independent and international...
(Giamatti) - Best Supporting ActressChlotrudis Award for Best Supporting ActressThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Supporting Actress is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the actress or actresses whose winning performance is voted by participating members...
(Davis)
Golden Globe Awards
- Best Supporting Actress – Motion PictureGolden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion PictureThe Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture was first awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in 1944 for a performance in a motion picture released in the previous year....
(Davis)
Satellite Awards
Satellite Awards
The Satellite Awards are an annual award given by the International Press Academy. The awards were originally known as the Golden Satellite Awards.- Film :*Best Actor – Drama*Best Actor – Musical or Comedy*Best Actress – Drama...
- Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Giamatti)
- Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Davis)
- Best Director (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
- Best Film – Musical or Comedy
- Best Screenplay – Adapted (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
External links
American Splendor is a 2003 American biographical
Biographical film
A biographical film, or biopic , is a film that dramatizes the life of an actual person or people. They differ from films “based on a true story” or “historical films” in that they attempt to comprehensively tell a person’s life story or at least the most historically important years of their...
comedy-drama film
Comedy-drama
Comedy-drama is a genre of theatre, film and television programs which combines humorous and serious content.-Theatre:Traditional western theatre, beginning with the ancient Greeks, was divided into comedy and tragedy...
about Harvey Pekar
Harvey Pekar
Harvey Lawrence Pekar was an American underground comic book writer, music critic and media personality, best known for his autobiographical American Splendor comic series. In 2003, the series inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name.Pekar described American Splendor as "an...
, the author of the American Splendor comic book series
American Splendor
American Splendor is a series of autobiographical comic books written by the late Harvey Pekar and drawn by a variety of artists. The first issue was published in 1976 and the most recent in September 2008, with publication occurring at irregular intervals...
. The film is also in part an adaptation of the comics
Film adaptation
Film adaptation is the transfer of a written work to a feature film. It is a type of derivative work.A common form of film adaptation is the use of a novel as the basis of a feature film, but film adaptation includes the use of non-fiction , autobiography, comic book, scripture, plays, and even...
, which dramatize Pekar's life. The film was written and directed by documentarians Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who share writing credit with Pekar and his wife, Joyce Brabner
Joyce Brabner
Joyce Brabner is a writer of political comics and a sometime collaborator with her late husband Harvey Pekar. Brabner is also a liberal social activist, most recently championing Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the neighborhood in which she resides, with a series of imaginative...
.
The film stars Paul Giamatti
Paul Giamatti
Paul Edward Valentine Giamatti is an American actor. Giamatti began his career as a supporting actor in several films produced during the 1990s including Private Parts, The Truman Show, Saving Private Ryan, The Negotiator, and Man on the Moon, before earning lead roles in several projects in the...
as Pekar and Hope Davis
Hope Davis
Hope Davis is an American actress. She has starred in more than 20 feature films, including About Schmidt, Arlington Road, Flatliners, Mumford, American Splendor, The Lodger and Next Stop Wonderland....
as Brabner. However, it also features appearances from Pekar and Brabner themselves (along with Toby Radloff
Toby Radloff
Toby Radloff is a former file clerk who became a minor celebrity owing to his appearances in Cleveland writer Harvey Pekar's autobiographical comic book American Splendor. He works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland. Radloff currently works as a courier.Radloff has a distinctive...
), who discuss their lives, the comic books, and how it feels to be depicted onscreen by actors. It was filmed entirely on location in Cleveland and Lakewood
Lakewood, Ohio
Lakewood is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. It is part of the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area, and borders the city of Cleveland. The population was 52,131 at the 2010 making it the third largest city in Cuyahoga County, behind Cleveland and Parma .Lakewood, one of Cleveland's...
in Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
.
Cast
- Paul GiamattiPaul GiamattiPaul Edward Valentine Giamatti is an American actor. Giamatti began his career as a supporting actor in several films produced during the 1990s including Private Parts, The Truman Show, Saving Private Ryan, The Negotiator, and Man on the Moon, before earning lead roles in several projects in the...
as Harvey PekarHarvey PekarHarvey Lawrence Pekar was an American underground comic book writer, music critic and media personality, best known for his autobiographical American Splendor comic series. In 2003, the series inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name.Pekar described American Splendor as "an... - Hope DavisHope DavisHope Davis is an American actress. She has starred in more than 20 feature films, including About Schmidt, Arlington Road, Flatliners, Mumford, American Splendor, The Lodger and Next Stop Wonderland....
as Joyce BrabnerJoyce BrabnerJoyce Brabner is a writer of political comics and a sometime collaborator with her late husband Harvey Pekar. Brabner is also a liberal social activist, most recently championing Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the neighborhood in which she resides, with a series of imaginative... - Judah FriedlanderJudah FriedlanderJudah Friedlander is an American actor and comedian, known for his trademark trucker hats, oversized glasses and unkempt appearance, which he retains in many of his screen roles.-Early life:...
as Toby RadloffToby RadloffToby Radloff is a former file clerk who became a minor celebrity owing to his appearances in Cleveland writer Harvey Pekar's autobiographical comic book American Splendor. He works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland. Radloff currently works as a courier.Radloff has a distinctive... - James UrbaniakJames UrbaniakJames Christian Urbaniak is an American actor. Urbaniak was born in Bayonne, New Jersey. He lives in Santa Monica, California with his wife Julie and their twins, son Severn Jerzy and daughter Esme Maeve....
as Robert CrumbRobert CrumbRobert Dennis Crumb —known as Robert Crumb and R. Crumb—is an American artist, illustrator, and musician recognized for the distinctive style of his drawings and his critical, satirical, subversive view of the American mainstream.Crumb was a founder of the underground comix movement and is regarded... - Harvey PekarHarvey PekarHarvey Lawrence Pekar was an American underground comic book writer, music critic and media personality, best known for his autobiographical American Splendor comic series. In 2003, the series inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name.Pekar described American Splendor as "an...
as himself - Joyce BrabnerJoyce BrabnerJoyce Brabner is a writer of political comics and a sometime collaborator with her late husband Harvey Pekar. Brabner is also a liberal social activist, most recently championing Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the neighborhood in which she resides, with a series of imaginative...
as herself - Toby RadloffToby RadloffToby Radloff is a former file clerk who became a minor celebrity owing to his appearances in Cleveland writer Harvey Pekar's autobiographical comic book American Splendor. He works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland. Radloff currently works as a courier.Radloff has a distinctive...
as himself
Reception
American Splendor won the Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Film at the Sundance Film FestivalSundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is a film festival that takes place annually in Utah, in the United States. It is the largest independent cinema festival in the United States. Held in January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the Sundance Resort, the festival is a showcase for new...
, in addition to the award for Best Adapted Screenplay from the Writers Guild of America
Writers Guild of America
The Writers Guild of America is a generic term referring to the joint efforts of two different US labor unions:* The Writers Guild of America, East , representing TV and film writers East of the Mississippi....
. At the 2003 Cannes Film Festival
2003 Cannes Film Festival
The 2003 Cannes Film Festival started on May 14 and ran until May 25. The Palme d'Or went to the American film Elephant by Gus Van Sant.-Jury:* Patrice Chéreau, President * Aishwarya Rai * Meg Ryan * Karin Viard...
, the film received the FIPRESCI
FIPRESCI
The International Federation of Film Critics is an association of national organizations of professional film critics and film journalists from around the world for "the promotion and development of film culture and for the safeguarding of professional interests." It was founded in June 1930 in...
(critics) award. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2003 Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
. The film has a 94% fresh rating of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Columnist Jaime Wolf wrote a laudatory review of the film in Slate, also drawing attention to formal parallels with Woody Allen
Woody Allen
Woody Allen is an American screenwriter, director, actor, comedian, jazz musician, author, and playwright. Allen's films draw heavily on literature, sexuality, philosophy, psychology, Jewish identity, and the history of cinema...
's Annie Hall
Annie Hall
Annie Hall is a 1977 American romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen from a screenplay co-written with Marshall Brickman and co-starring Diane Keaton. One of Allen's most popular and most honored films, it won four Academy Awards including Best Picture...
and other Allen films.
Pekar wrote about the effects of the film in American Splendor: Our Movie Year.
Awards and nominations
WonBoston Society of Film Critics
Boston Society of Film Critics
The Boston Society of Film Critics is an organization of film reviewers from Boston, Massachusetts, United States, based publications.The BSFC was formed in 1981 to make "Boston's unique critical perspective heard on a national and international level by awarding commendations to the best of the...
- Best Screenplay (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chicago Film Critics Association
The Chicago Film Critics Association is an American film critic association.-Members:Current members include:*Sarah Knight Adamson*Zbigniew Banas*Shelley Cameron*Dave Canfield*Vittorio Carli*Erik Childress*Camerin Courtney*Bonnie DeShong...
- Most Promising Filmmaker (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chlotrudis Awards
- Best Adapted ScreenplayChlotrudis Award for Best Adapted ScreenplayThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Adapted Screenplay is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the writer or writers of the screenplay adapted from other sources that is voted by participating members...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
The Los Angeles Film Critics Association was founded in 1975. Its main purpose is to present yearly awards to members of the film industry who have excelled in their fields. These awards are presented each January...
- Best FilmLos Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best FilmThe Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Film is an award given annually by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.-1970s:-1980s:-1990s:-2000s:-2010s:...
- Best ScreenplayLos Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best ScreenplayThe Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Screenplay is one of the annual film awards given by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.-1970s:-1980s:-1990s:-2000s:-2010s:...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
National Society of Film Critics
National Society of Film Critics
The National Society of Film Critics is an American film critic organization. As of December 2007 the NSFC had approximately 60 members who wrote for a variety of weekly and daily newspapers.-History:...
- Best FilmNational Society of Film Critics Award for Best FilmThe National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Picture is an annual award given by National Society of Film Critics to honor the best film of the year....
- Best ScreenplayNational Society of Film Critics Award for Best Screenplay-1960s:*1967: Bonnie and Clyde*1968: Faces*1969: Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice-1970s:*1970: My Night at Maud's*1971: Sunday Bloody Sunday*1972: Cries and Whispers*1973: American Graffiti*1974: Scenes from a Marriage*1975: Shampoo*1976: Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000*1977: Annie Hall*1978: An...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
New York Film Critics Circle
- Best Actress (Davis)
- Best First Film
Writers Guild of America
Writers Guild of America
The Writers Guild of America is a generic term referring to the joint efforts of two different US labor unions:* The Writers Guild of America, East , representing TV and film writers East of the Mississippi....
(WGA)
- Best Screenplay – AdaptedWriters Guild of America Award for Best Adapted ScreenplayThe Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay is one of the three screenwriting Writers Guild of America Awards, one that is specifically for film...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Nominated
Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
- Best Screenplay – Adapted (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chicago Film Critics Association
The Chicago Film Critics Association is an American film critic association.-Members:Current members include:*Sarah Knight Adamson*Zbigniew Banas*Shelley Cameron*Dave Canfield*Vittorio Carli*Erik Childress*Camerin Courtney*Bonnie DeShong...
- Best Actor (Giamatti)
- Best Actress (Davis)
- Best Film
- Best Screenplay (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chlotrudis Awards
- Best MovieChlotrudis Award for Best FilmThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Film is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the film that is voted as the best by participating members. The Chlotrudis Awards is an annual ceremony where the best of the previous year's independent and international film are...
- Best DirectorChlotrudis Award for Best DirectorThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Director is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the director or directors whose winning work is voted by participating members. The Chlotrudis Awards is an annual ceremony where the best of the previous year's independent and international...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman) - Best ActorChlotrudis Award for Best ActorThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Actor is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the actor or actors whose winning performance is voted by participating members. The Chlotrudis Awards is an annual ceremony where the best of the previous year's independent and international...
(Giamatti) - Best Supporting ActressChlotrudis Award for Best Supporting ActressThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Supporting Actress is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the actress or actresses whose winning performance is voted by participating members...
(Davis)
Golden Globe Awards
- Best Supporting Actress – Motion PictureGolden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion PictureThe Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture was first awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in 1944 for a performance in a motion picture released in the previous year....
(Davis)
Satellite Awards
Satellite Awards
The Satellite Awards are an annual award given by the International Press Academy. The awards were originally known as the Golden Satellite Awards.- Film :*Best Actor – Drama*Best Actor – Musical or Comedy*Best Actress – Drama...
- Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Giamatti)
- Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Davis)
- Best Director (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
- Best Film – Musical or Comedy
- Best Screenplay – Adapted (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
External links
American Splendor is a 2003 American biographical
Biographical film
A biographical film, or biopic , is a film that dramatizes the life of an actual person or people. They differ from films “based on a true story” or “historical films” in that they attempt to comprehensively tell a person’s life story or at least the most historically important years of their...
comedy-drama film
Comedy-drama
Comedy-drama is a genre of theatre, film and television programs which combines humorous and serious content.-Theatre:Traditional western theatre, beginning with the ancient Greeks, was divided into comedy and tragedy...
about Harvey Pekar
Harvey Pekar
Harvey Lawrence Pekar was an American underground comic book writer, music critic and media personality, best known for his autobiographical American Splendor comic series. In 2003, the series inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name.Pekar described American Splendor as "an...
, the author of the American Splendor comic book series
American Splendor
American Splendor is a series of autobiographical comic books written by the late Harvey Pekar and drawn by a variety of artists. The first issue was published in 1976 and the most recent in September 2008, with publication occurring at irregular intervals...
. The film is also in part an adaptation of the comics
Film adaptation
Film adaptation is the transfer of a written work to a feature film. It is a type of derivative work.A common form of film adaptation is the use of a novel as the basis of a feature film, but film adaptation includes the use of non-fiction , autobiography, comic book, scripture, plays, and even...
, which dramatize Pekar's life. The film was written and directed by documentarians Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini, who share writing credit with Pekar and his wife, Joyce Brabner
Joyce Brabner
Joyce Brabner is a writer of political comics and a sometime collaborator with her late husband Harvey Pekar. Brabner is also a liberal social activist, most recently championing Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the neighborhood in which she resides, with a series of imaginative...
.
The film stars Paul Giamatti
Paul Giamatti
Paul Edward Valentine Giamatti is an American actor. Giamatti began his career as a supporting actor in several films produced during the 1990s including Private Parts, The Truman Show, Saving Private Ryan, The Negotiator, and Man on the Moon, before earning lead roles in several projects in the...
as Pekar and Hope Davis
Hope Davis
Hope Davis is an American actress. She has starred in more than 20 feature films, including About Schmidt, Arlington Road, Flatliners, Mumford, American Splendor, The Lodger and Next Stop Wonderland....
as Brabner. However, it also features appearances from Pekar and Brabner themselves (along with Toby Radloff
Toby Radloff
Toby Radloff is a former file clerk who became a minor celebrity owing to his appearances in Cleveland writer Harvey Pekar's autobiographical comic book American Splendor. He works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland. Radloff currently works as a courier.Radloff has a distinctive...
), who discuss their lives, the comic books, and how it feels to be depicted onscreen by actors. It was filmed entirely on location in Cleveland and Lakewood
Lakewood, Ohio
Lakewood is a city in Cuyahoga County, Ohio, United States. It is part of the Greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area, and borders the city of Cleveland. The population was 52,131 at the 2010 making it the third largest city in Cuyahoga County, behind Cleveland and Parma .Lakewood, one of Cleveland's...
in Ohio
Ohio
Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus...
.
Cast
- Paul GiamattiPaul GiamattiPaul Edward Valentine Giamatti is an American actor. Giamatti began his career as a supporting actor in several films produced during the 1990s including Private Parts, The Truman Show, Saving Private Ryan, The Negotiator, and Man on the Moon, before earning lead roles in several projects in the...
as Harvey PekarHarvey PekarHarvey Lawrence Pekar was an American underground comic book writer, music critic and media personality, best known for his autobiographical American Splendor comic series. In 2003, the series inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name.Pekar described American Splendor as "an... - Hope DavisHope DavisHope Davis is an American actress. She has starred in more than 20 feature films, including About Schmidt, Arlington Road, Flatliners, Mumford, American Splendor, The Lodger and Next Stop Wonderland....
as Joyce BrabnerJoyce BrabnerJoyce Brabner is a writer of political comics and a sometime collaborator with her late husband Harvey Pekar. Brabner is also a liberal social activist, most recently championing Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the neighborhood in which she resides, with a series of imaginative... - Judah FriedlanderJudah FriedlanderJudah Friedlander is an American actor and comedian, known for his trademark trucker hats, oversized glasses and unkempt appearance, which he retains in many of his screen roles.-Early life:...
as Toby RadloffToby RadloffToby Radloff is a former file clerk who became a minor celebrity owing to his appearances in Cleveland writer Harvey Pekar's autobiographical comic book American Splendor. He works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland. Radloff currently works as a courier.Radloff has a distinctive... - James UrbaniakJames UrbaniakJames Christian Urbaniak is an American actor. Urbaniak was born in Bayonne, New Jersey. He lives in Santa Monica, California with his wife Julie and their twins, son Severn Jerzy and daughter Esme Maeve....
as Robert CrumbRobert CrumbRobert Dennis Crumb —known as Robert Crumb and R. Crumb—is an American artist, illustrator, and musician recognized for the distinctive style of his drawings and his critical, satirical, subversive view of the American mainstream.Crumb was a founder of the underground comix movement and is regarded... - Harvey PekarHarvey PekarHarvey Lawrence Pekar was an American underground comic book writer, music critic and media personality, best known for his autobiographical American Splendor comic series. In 2003, the series inspired a critically acclaimed film adaptation of the same name.Pekar described American Splendor as "an...
as himself - Joyce BrabnerJoyce BrabnerJoyce Brabner is a writer of political comics and a sometime collaborator with her late husband Harvey Pekar. Brabner is also a liberal social activist, most recently championing Coventry Village in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, the neighborhood in which she resides, with a series of imaginative...
as herself - Toby RadloffToby RadloffToby Radloff is a former file clerk who became a minor celebrity owing to his appearances in Cleveland writer Harvey Pekar's autobiographical comic book American Splendor. He works at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Cleveland. Radloff currently works as a courier.Radloff has a distinctive...
as himself
Reception
American Splendor won the Grand Jury Prize for Dramatic Film at the Sundance Film FestivalSundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival is a film festival that takes place annually in Utah, in the United States. It is the largest independent cinema festival in the United States. Held in January in Park City, Salt Lake City, and Ogden, as well as at the Sundance Resort, the festival is a showcase for new...
, in addition to the award for Best Adapted Screenplay from the Writers Guild of America
Writers Guild of America
The Writers Guild of America is a generic term referring to the joint efforts of two different US labor unions:* The Writers Guild of America, East , representing TV and film writers East of the Mississippi....
. At the 2003 Cannes Film Festival
2003 Cannes Film Festival
The 2003 Cannes Film Festival started on May 14 and ran until May 25. The Palme d'Or went to the American film Elephant by Gus Van Sant.-Jury:* Patrice Chéreau, President * Aishwarya Rai * Meg Ryan * Karin Viard...
, the film received the FIPRESCI
FIPRESCI
The International Federation of Film Critics is an association of national organizations of professional film critics and film journalists from around the world for "the promotion and development of film culture and for the safeguarding of professional interests." It was founded in June 1930 in...
(critics) award. It was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 2003 Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
. The film has a 94% fresh rating of positive reviews on Rotten Tomatoes.
Columnist Jaime Wolf wrote a laudatory review of the film in Slate, also drawing attention to formal parallels with Woody Allen
Woody Allen
Woody Allen is an American screenwriter, director, actor, comedian, jazz musician, author, and playwright. Allen's films draw heavily on literature, sexuality, philosophy, psychology, Jewish identity, and the history of cinema...
's Annie Hall
Annie Hall
Annie Hall is a 1977 American romantic comedy directed by Woody Allen from a screenplay co-written with Marshall Brickman and co-starring Diane Keaton. One of Allen's most popular and most honored films, it won four Academy Awards including Best Picture...
and other Allen films.
Pekar wrote about the effects of the film in American Splendor: Our Movie Year.
Awards and nominations
WonBoston Society of Film Critics
Boston Society of Film Critics
The Boston Society of Film Critics is an organization of film reviewers from Boston, Massachusetts, United States, based publications.The BSFC was formed in 1981 to make "Boston's unique critical perspective heard on a national and international level by awarding commendations to the best of the...
- Best Screenplay (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chicago Film Critics Association
The Chicago Film Critics Association is an American film critic association.-Members:Current members include:*Sarah Knight Adamson*Zbigniew Banas*Shelley Cameron*Dave Canfield*Vittorio Carli*Erik Childress*Camerin Courtney*Bonnie DeShong...
- Most Promising Filmmaker (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chlotrudis Awards
- Best Adapted ScreenplayChlotrudis Award for Best Adapted ScreenplayThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Adapted Screenplay is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the writer or writers of the screenplay adapted from other sources that is voted by participating members...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
Los Angeles Film Critics Association
The Los Angeles Film Critics Association was founded in 1975. Its main purpose is to present yearly awards to members of the film industry who have excelled in their fields. These awards are presented each January...
- Best FilmLos Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best FilmThe Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Film is an award given annually by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.-1970s:-1980s:-1990s:-2000s:-2010s:...
- Best ScreenplayLos Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best ScreenplayThe Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Screenplay is one of the annual film awards given by the Los Angeles Film Critics Association.-1970s:-1980s:-1990s:-2000s:-2010s:...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
National Society of Film Critics
National Society of Film Critics
The National Society of Film Critics is an American film critic organization. As of December 2007 the NSFC had approximately 60 members who wrote for a variety of weekly and daily newspapers.-History:...
- Best FilmNational Society of Film Critics Award for Best FilmThe National Society of Film Critics Award for Best Picture is an annual award given by National Society of Film Critics to honor the best film of the year....
- Best ScreenplayNational Society of Film Critics Award for Best Screenplay-1960s:*1967: Bonnie and Clyde*1968: Faces*1969: Bob & Carol & Ted & Alice-1970s:*1970: My Night at Maud's*1971: Sunday Bloody Sunday*1972: Cries and Whispers*1973: American Graffiti*1974: Scenes from a Marriage*1975: Shampoo*1976: Jonah Who Will Be 25 in the Year 2000*1977: Annie Hall*1978: An...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
New York Film Critics Circle
- Best Actress (Davis)
- Best First Film
Writers Guild of America
Writers Guild of America
The Writers Guild of America is a generic term referring to the joint efforts of two different US labor unions:* The Writers Guild of America, East , representing TV and film writers East of the Mississippi....
(WGA)
- Best Screenplay – AdaptedWriters Guild of America Award for Best Adapted ScreenplayThe Writers Guild of America Award for Best Adapted Screenplay is one of the three screenwriting Writers Guild of America Awards, one that is specifically for film...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Nominated
Academy Awards
Academy Awards
An Academy Award, also known as an Oscar, is an accolade bestowed by the American Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to recognize excellence of professionals in the film industry, including directors, actors, and writers...
- Best Screenplay – Adapted (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chicago Film Critics Association
Chicago Film Critics Association
The Chicago Film Critics Association is an American film critic association.-Members:Current members include:*Sarah Knight Adamson*Zbigniew Banas*Shelley Cameron*Dave Canfield*Vittorio Carli*Erik Childress*Camerin Courtney*Bonnie DeShong...
- Best Actor (Giamatti)
- Best Actress (Davis)
- Best Film
- Best Screenplay (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
Chlotrudis Awards
- Best MovieChlotrudis Award for Best FilmThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Film is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the film that is voted as the best by participating members. The Chlotrudis Awards is an annual ceremony where the best of the previous year's independent and international film are...
- Best DirectorChlotrudis Award for Best DirectorThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Director is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the director or directors whose winning work is voted by participating members. The Chlotrudis Awards is an annual ceremony where the best of the previous year's independent and international...
(Pulcini and Springer Berman) - Best ActorChlotrudis Award for Best ActorThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Actor is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the actor or actors whose winning performance is voted by participating members. The Chlotrudis Awards is an annual ceremony where the best of the previous year's independent and international...
(Giamatti) - Best Supporting ActressChlotrudis Award for Best Supporting ActressThe Chlotrudis Award for Best Supporting Actress is an award given by the Chlotrudis Society for Independent Film to the actress or actresses whose winning performance is voted by participating members...
(Davis)
Golden Globe Awards
- Best Supporting Actress – Motion PictureGolden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress - Motion PictureThe Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actress – Motion Picture was first awarded by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association in 1944 for a performance in a motion picture released in the previous year....
(Davis)
Satellite Awards
Satellite Awards
The Satellite Awards are an annual award given by the International Press Academy. The awards were originally known as the Golden Satellite Awards.- Film :*Best Actor – Drama*Best Actor – Musical or Comedy*Best Actress – Drama...
- Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Giamatti)
- Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Davis)
- Best Director (Pulcini and Springer Berman)
- Best Film – Musical or Comedy
- Best Screenplay – Adapted (Pulcini and Springer Berman)