Robert Crumb, one of the most famous cartoonists in the world and an underground art figure from the late 1960s, is the centerpiece of this documentary by Terry Zwigoff.  The film shows Crumb at work and documents his family life in great detail.  It also analyzes his work by reviewing strips and having discussants comment on the work.  Crumb’s brothers, Charles and Max, are also featured and their art is explored.  Crumb leaves for France at the end of the film to escape some of what he might call the horrors of America but it is clear that his life here has had a deep impact on him.

Terry Zwigoff was close friends with Crumb for many years and thus granted rare access into a unusually guarded life.  This portrait of the American family is outstanding and Zwigoff manages to create something like a psychological autopsy on Crumb and his family.  Crumb’s art is shocking and offensive but when placed next to his family’s serious mental health problems it becomes more understandable.  This stands as one of the definitive American films of the last 25 years and is essential viewing.  ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆.

MJM  07-11-2012