Crumb (1994)

Those of you who actually read this blog know that I have started watching movies off a list of controversial movies that are a bit under the radar.  This I found online and will be #2 in the attempt to complete the list.  I watched it earlier today after doing a few chores around the house.

Crumb is a cinematic portrait of the controversial comic book writer/artist Robert Crumb.  Robert Crumb is 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 as its most prominent figure. Though one of the most celebrated of comic book artists, Crumb's entire career has unfolded outside the mainstream comic book publishing industry. One of his most recognized works is the "Keep on Truckin" comic, which became a widely distributed fixture of pop culture in the 1970s. Others are the characters Devil Girl, Fritz the Cat, and Mr. Natural.


43/50

I am a sucker for documentaries and this one I definitely enjoyed.  Being a documentary there's not a whole one can criticize in terms of casting, directing, action, etc. however there are some aspects that can make some more entertaining then others.  Subject matter is obviously the biggest factor in documentaries.  If you're not interested in learning more about Robert Crumb and the underground comic scene this obviously this is not you're film.  The second point is really more of a gimmick.  Spurlock and Moore use a lot of diagram/cartoons to help explain their points.  I am neither positive nor negative against using these.  If the subject matter warrants them then generally they'll help make the film more entertaining.  Thirdly, the pacing and how the interviews are conducted are very important.  One may consider this editing, but I believe it goes far beyond that.  Admittedly, Crumb is incredible depressing.  The stories and lives of Robert's two brothers really are heart-breaking and made me really feel sorry for them.  The extreme realism in the film along with Crumb's own discussions of his work are highly valued.  Anyone interested in the subject matter should definitely check it out, although I would come with a word of caution, that because Crumbs work is rather sexual the film and the material is perverse in a very satirical and intellectual way....if that's possible.