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CrumbRating:
Release Date: 09 March, 1999 Retail Price: $27.95 OUR Price: $24.99 You SAVE: $2.96! Cast: |
Crumb Reviews
Unpolished, yet entertaining and compelling.
As a graphic designer and sometimes-comic artist, I have always been drawn to R. Crumb's work. Although many find R's art for the most part obscene or bigoted, I am quite drawn to his work and try to look at some of his more controversial pieces in the context of social, political and personal conditions. This documentary has certainly helped to further my understanding of 'R' the person, and should not be missed by those wanting to learn more about the man behind the art.
In terms of technical quality, the film is second or third rate and doesn't exude the quality of other current documentaries or quasi-documentaries such as the American Splendor film. It is obvious that the film was shot on a very low budget, but once the story gets rolling this becomes a very minor factor next to the study of Crumb himself. It does an excellent job of prying into the life of so private a man, and although by no means authoritive in scope it does give viewers a decent view into Crumb's inner workings. For the most part the film does not pass judgement, as several individuals offer their opinions of his work and on his as a person throughout the film, but the ultimate verdict (if any) is left for the viewer to decide.
Some of the most insightful moments come during interviews with Crumb, his mother and his brothers, helping to flesh out a picture of Crumb's childhood and early influences. The film paints a disfunctional picture of the family, but through them Crumb's work can be better understood. Also interesting are Crumb's thoughts on the state of American culture, which are explored via several specific scenes in the film and through the process of watching 'R' and his family prepare for their move to France.
Overall, this is a film not to be missed for those interested in either Crumb the man or Crumb the artist. And while a good deal of people may be put off by Crumb's more controversial works or views, those able to view the the film with a neutral mindset will be rewarded with a great experience.
A Rare Portrait of Mental Illness.
Although with this statement I am not referring to the principal subject of the documentary. Robert Crumb is a man who exhibits the ability to work and love so one would have to say, despite his prevalent eccentricities, he is a functional adult. The same cannot be said about his two brothers who are extensively interviewed here. They would not seem to have been an obvious choice as Crumb does not have a great deal to do with his family anymore. Both of his brothers are deeply depressed and mentally ill. They are a sad sight to see. Crumb's mother is also in bad shape and it is implied that she doesn't like to leave the house for any reason. Hyper-sexuality seems to be a trait running through their family as one brother fantasized about molesting boys while the other was actually arrested for molesting women. The Crumb family is at times repulsive but do offer up exceptional insight into the ways of the imbalanced.
As for Robert, here is a portrait of the artist emotionally stunted and disdainful of humanity in general. In fact, before leaving for France, he admitted that he was not going to miss anyone. Even his son says that he does not have much in the way of affection with which to share. That his son is able to maintain a relationship with the father is much to his own credit. His wife and he appear to have an open relationship which seems to work, but Crumb's true love is his art which is not aesthetically pleasing in the conventional sense. Yet, he is absolutely devoted to his craft and the drawings are rich with the ambiguities of his personality. I believe that the exploring of Crumb's personality within the context of his art is the principal reason why this film is so excellent. Here, the way in which art is the union of mind and talent is boldly exhibited. Overall, this is one of the strongest documentaries I have ever seen.
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