AMERICAN SPLENDOR (2003)

Directed by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Written by: Shari Springer Berman, Robert Pulcini
Studio: Fine Line Pictures
Starring: Paul Giamatti, Harvey Pekar, Hope Davis
Rated: R

About the film:
Harvey Pekar is a clerk at a VA hospital who fashioned an underground comic book based upon his rather unremarkable life. He became a cult celebrity in the 1980s by illustrating his working class existence. That was just the beginning of his story.

Movie Quote:
“You might want to try believing in something bigger than yourself. It might cheer you up.”
Toby Radloff (Judah Friedlander) in American Splendor (2003)

Bible Quote:
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV)


Commentary:
As the lead character in American Splendor observes, “Even ordinary life gets pretty complex.” How thankful should we be that there is something bigger, stronger and wiser to help guide us through the weird and wonderful maze of our lives?

Most of us are painfully aware of our limitations and shortcomings. Wouldn’t it be depressing to think that we were all we had upon which to believe? Instead of depending upon something that we know is flawed (i.e. our own understanding), we can instead choose to follow a way which has been tried and found to be perfect. When we walk alone, we are weak and often confused. When we walk with spiritual awareness, we are strengthened with all the might of the God who designed and created the world.

Adopting a humble spirit by placing our will in subjection to God’s will actually frees us from carrying burdens we are too weak to bear. It relieves us of the self-imposed “responsibility” of trying to figure out a life we often don’t understand. It grants us the joy and excitement of knowing that someone who is bigger than we are has something better in store for us. Life becomes simpler and much more manageable when we have God’s wisdom and strength upon which to rest and rely.

Questions to consider while watching the film:
1. What was it about Harvey Pekar’s life that people found interesting?

2. What is it about our lives that people might find interesting?