Crumb (Terry Zwigoff, 1994, USA)

Those familiar with the work of artist R. Crumb might suspect that yonder goes a man who's missing a few in the six-pack. Fewer know that he just might be the best adjusted and normal member of his family. In Terry Zwigoff's documentary on the artist Crumb we see a remorseful but never the less wildly funny view on a life marked by his rise as the best known underground comic-artist of the 60's. We follow him in his last months before retirement and relocation to France. Interviews with friends, relatives and co-workers reveal the personality of Crumb and his development alongside two brothers, one of which spends his time in meditation on the streets of San Francisco and the other is clinically insane. Crumb's doesn't hold back and hit's his own words that mark the film with humanism and sincerity and perhaps go some way to explain his work and view on life.

R. Crumb is known for his depiction of open sex lives and strange sexual behaviour (among his original stories is Fritz the Cat). His depiction of women is highly controversial, with some deeming them misogynistic and others a satirical criticism on patriarchy and male fears of women.

Terry Zwigoff and his film got a lot of praise, both critical and awards-wise. His latter work stays on the theme of weirdos and outsiders and comics, Ghost World was inspired by the works of Daniel Clowes and Bad Santa has the rawness that often follows comics. Both have been well received critically. And lastly the main producer of the film was David Lynch, a self-proclaimed admirer of alternative comics.