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.
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.