"people want to enjoy themselves; they don't want a civics lesson"
At first, when I started watching American Splendor, I wondered what I had gotten myself into. A movie about comic books? I don't even read comic books! But, after reading good reviews, I thought I'd give it a try. After a few minutes, my opinion quickly changed. I enjoyed it's classy jazz soundtrack and gritty shots of buildings, even the old supermarket with depressing neon tube lighting and brown interior. Even the Wheaties cereal box is old. There is no glitz and glamour here, just life. Giamatti is a good actor who gets overlooked because he lacks a Hollywood face or Survivor personality. He plays the part or Pekar very well, but maybe this is because this person might be the real Giamatti. I enjoyed Giamatti's performance in Sideways, but the character was similar to Pekar's character. He plays the part well, but I am not ready to label him a great actor since I haven't seen him play another role well. The move reminds me of Adaptation where the writer is intwined with the movie, but not to the same level and confusion as Adaptation. Still, the movie is quite enjoyable; it celebrates the romance of the normal life.