American Splendor (2003): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot
American Splendor is a 2003 biographical drama directed by Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman, starring Paul Giamatti and Harvey Pekar. It is partly based on The New American Splendor Anthology by Harvey Pekar. It runs 1 hour 41 minutes and earned $8 million worldwide. It was nominated for 1 Oscar. Critics gave it 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 90 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 41m (101 min)
- Directors
- Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman
- Original language
-
English - Studio
- HBO Films
- After the credits
- Yes Extra scene during or after the credits
What Is American Splendor About?
The premise of American Splendor without spoilers, adapted from The New American Splendor Anthology by Harvey Pekar. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.
This offbeat biopic explores the life of Harvey Pekar, an underground comic book writer, portrayed by Paul Giamatti and himself. The film follows Pekar's unique existence in Cleveland, where his supportive wife Joyce, played by Hope Davis, provides stability. Through dynamic comic book sequences visualizing his thoughts, the production offers a humorous and insightful look into the remarkable life of this eccentric artist, celebrating his creativity and humanity.
American Splendor Themes & Keywords
· 50 tags- comic book
- robert crumb
- 1980s
- dark horse comics
- husband wife relationship
- cult figure
- based on comic book
- comic book shop
- movie reality crossover
- reference to david letterman
- title directed by female
- doughnut
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- yard sale
- costume
- watching tv
- jazz
- male protagonist
- talking to a mirror
- comics
- comic book writer
- female director
- female filmmaker
- reference to white castle restaurant
- 1990s
- fame
- greeting card
- joyce barber
- artist
- junk sale
- coworker coworker relationship
- writing
- reading
- v.a. hospital
- underground
- jellybean
- file clerk
- celebrity
- hospital
- clerk
- f rated
- based on graphic novel
- vomiting
- asperger's syndrome
- reference to the little mermaid
- red chinese ballet
- reference to jennie gerhardt
- yelling
- loser
- american dream
- vocal cords
American Splendor Cast
Paul Giamatti leads the cast, with Harvey Pekar. Directed by Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman.
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Co-director Robert Pulcini -
Co-director Shari Springer Berman
More from Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman
More films directed by Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman, best-rated first: Ten Thousand Saints, Things Heard & Seen, The Extra Man and The Nanny Diaries.
American Splendor Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave American Splendor 94% on Rotten Tomatoes and 90 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 7.4/10.
-
IMDb 7.4 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 94% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 86%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 90 Metascore
User score 7.5
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 72% User score
See on TMDB
American Splendor Plot Summary
What happens in American Splendor from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 4-minute read.
Spoilers ahead
On Halloween 1950, an 11-year-old Harvey Pekar decides against dressing up as a typical superhero for trick-or-treating. Fast forward to the present, and we find Harvey navigating the streets of Cleveland, appearing in a documentary-style narrative. In 1975, Harvey pays a visit to a throat doctor, showcasing his hypochondriac tendencies. His lifestyle becomes a point of contention, leading to a mockery from his wife, who ultimately chooses to leave him. At the VA hospital where he works as a file clerk, a colleague named Mr. Boats offers him advice inspired by an Elinor Wylie poem, hinting at the complexities of Harvey’s emotional state.
Full summary
The whole story of American Splendor, scene by scene
American Splendor Box Office
American Splendor grossed $8 million worldwide. $6 million came from the US and Canada and $2 million (25%) from the rest of the world.
Worldwide gross
$8M
- US & Canada
- $6M
- International
- $2M
American Splendor Awards & Nominations
American Splendor was nominated for 1 Oscar. The 6 nominations come from 3 ceremonies, the most at the Spirit Awards 2004.
6 nominations3 ceremonies
-
Spirit Awards 2004 4 nominations- Nominated Best Director – Shari Springer Berman
- Nominated Best Feature
- Nominated Best Male Lead – Paul Giamatti
- Nominated Best Screenplay
-
Golden Globes 2004 1 nomination- Nominated Best Supporting Performance in a Motion Picture – Drama, Musical or Comedy (Actress) – Hope Davis
-
Oscars 2004 1 nomination- Nominated Writing (Adapted Screenplay)
American Splendor Trailers & Videos
The trailer of American Splendor.
How Well Do You Know American Splendor?
10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.
Question 1 of 10
- Question 1: not answered
- Question 2: not answered
- Question 3: not answered
- Question 4: not answered
- Question 5: not answered
- Question 6: not answered
- Question 7: not answered
- Question 8: not answered
- Question 9: not answered
- Question 10: not answered
What metaphor does Harvey Pekar's refusal to wear a superhero costume represent?
Cars in American Splendor
12 cars on screen, including the 1977 Pontiac Catalina Safari and the 1980 Chevrolet Impala.
-
1977 Pontiac Catalina Safari Important role -
1980 Chevrolet Impala Minor role -
1979 Chevrolet Malibu Minor role -
Chevrolet Nova Minor role
American Splendor Also Known As
16 alternative titles, including “Esplendor americano” and “Görkemli hayatim”.
- Also known as
-
- Esplendor americano
- Görkemli hayatim
- Americka divota
- Görkemli Hayatım
- אמריקן ספלנדור
- Anti-Herói Americano
- Sikersztori
- Американски разкош
- 아메리칸 스플렌더
- Американское великолепие
- アメリカン・スプレンダー
- 美国荣耀
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- Můj svět
- Splendoare americană
- Amerykański splendor
- อเมริกัน สเปลนเดอร์
Seen American Splendor?
Movies Like American Splendor
Films with a similar story, tone or audience, including American Movie, Dinner in America and American Fabulous.
American Splendor FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Awards
Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and awards of American Splendor, each answered in a sentence.
How long is American Splendor?
American Splendor runs 1 hour 41 minutes (101 minutes).
When was American Splendor released?
American Splendor was released on August 15, 2003.
Who directed American Splendor?
American Splendor was directed by Robert Pulcini and Shari Springer Berman.
More films by Robert Pulcini Who is in the cast of American Splendor?
American Splendor stars Paul Giamatti and Harvey Pekar.
How much did American Splendor make at the box office?
American Splendor grossed $8 million worldwide ($6 million domestic, $2 million international).
How is American Splendor rated?
American Splendor has 7.4/10 on IMDb, 94% on Rotten Tomatoes, 90 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.
Is American Splendor based on a book?
Yes. American Splendor is partly adapted from The New American Splendor Anthology by Harvey Pekar.
Was American Splendor nominated for any awards?
American Splendor received 6 nominations across 3 ceremonies.
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