Scene By Scene With Josh & Dean

A special live event held at New York City’s famed Society of Illustrators! After a screening of the film, Josh & Dean sat down with American Splendor writer/directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini (via Skype), actor Judah Friedlander, and animator Gary Leib. Behind-the-scenes stories of the making of the film, the animation, influences from the comics, and much more, including questions from the audience. Watch the accompanying video slideshow of comics sources for scenes in the film: https://youtu.be/MQSbPxTNpgE Shout-outs to producer Ted Hope, Society of Illustrators director Anelle Miller, Fairway supermarkets, Art Spiegelman, R. Crumb, the 1970s film Don't Look Now, Elizabeth Brundage’s All Things Cease to Appear, ”Ain't It Peculiar," Chocolate Genius (Mark Anthony Thompson; Tessa Thompson's dad), John Kuramoto, Curt Swan, Hergé, Eli Ganias, and Eytan Mirsky. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/support

Josh & Dean sit down with American Splendor writer/directors Shari Springer Berman and Robert Pulcini for a freewheeling discussion of the movie. Shari & Bob talk about meeting Harvey & Joyce, the writing & making of the film, their working method and creative choices, casting, memorable moments from the shoot, the film’s main themes, and Harvey’s legacy. According to Bob, “Everything about the making of American Splendor was unorthodox and unusual.” For instance, the first day of casting was on September 11, 2001… Other tidbits include the surprising revelation that the film was heavily influenced by the Peanuts animated specials of the 1960s! Listen for that and so much more. As Shari says, "it was so important to Harvey to not be invisible, to not evaporate.” Well, thanks in large part to the American Splendor film, Harvey Pekar will live forever... Shout-outs to producer Ted Hope, production designer Thérèse DePrez, Cole Porter's "Night & Day," Charlie Rose, script supervisor Michael T

American Splendor scene #30 (1:37:31 to 1:41:08) — As the credits roll (on the film and the podcast), Josh & Dean reflect on all things Pekar/American Splendor. What should the film’s post-credit sequence have been? What would an American Splendor TV show look like? (Dino keeps coming back to Louis C.K.)  A tribute to DC/Vertigo/Paradox Press, as well as editor Jonathan Vankin. Other notable movies with the word “American” in the title. The next movies from each of the film’s actors. Who would you want to write, direct, and star in the movie of your life? Thoughts on Harvey's death and the film’s conclusion. A somber way to end the season. Thanks for listening! SHOUT-OUTs to Doug Allen, R. Crumb. Greg Budgett, Gary Dumm, Gary Leib, Jason Gerstein, Joe Sacco, Gerry Shamray, Frank Stack, Joe Zabel, Bernt Capra, Vince Waldron, DC's Big Book of... series, Sandman, Swamp Thing, Hellblazer, Neil Gaiman, the comics' "British Invasion," Paradox Press, Andy Helfer, A History of Violence, Karen Berger, Hollywo

American Splendor scene #29 (1:31:12 to 1:37:31) — Alex Robinson of Star Wars Minute joins Josh & Dean for the final scene of the film! (Well, actually, six little “scenelets.”) It's one year later, and Harvey & Joyce sign Our Cancer Year. Harvey is declared cancer-free! They adopt Danielle, and Harvey adjusts to being a parent (of a sort). The real Harvey retires from the VA hospital, and the movie ends with a group hug. For Alex, discovering American Splendor was "like LSD in reverse.” An ode to Alex’s work, particularly Box Office Poison and the characters Jane Pekar and Irving Flavor. We learn that “Pekar” means “baker” (in Czech)! The idea of a Harvey Pekar walking tour of Cleveland. “On the money": all the books Harvey published between 2003 and 2010 (his death). Which Star Wars character would Harvey play? Shout-outs to Star Wars Minute (of course), Frank Stack, the Harvey Award, Harvey Comics, Casper the Friendly Ghost, Hot Stuff, Richie Rich, Godfather Minute, Gary Dumm, Lakewood, Collector's

Josh sits down with Gary Leib to discuss his work on the film, specifically on key scenes like the title sequence, "Old Jewish Ladies," and "Who is Harvey Pekar?" Gary's background as an alternative cartoonist (Idiotland) and musician, and his long-standing partnership with Doug Allen. How Gary got into animation and initially hooked up with Ted Hope and Good Machine. John Kuramoto's vital contributions to the animation. Getting to know Harvey at Sundance, and what it was like when American Splendor won the Grand Jury Prize. Why Gary can't toot his own horn in the age of Trump. Shout-outs to Rubber Radio, John Linnell from They Might Be Giants, Dan Clowes, Chris Ware, Fantagraphics, Denis Kitchen, Spain, Zap Comix, Love God, Tim Streeto, Fellini's Amarcord, and HBO's Maud Nadler. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/support

American Splendor scene #28 (1:28:12 to 1:31:12) — In one continuous take, Harvey wanders through a dreamscape, musing about his name, the phone book, and the other Harvey Pekars out there. An existential meditation is brought to life in a tour-de-force combination of framing, acting, and animation. A comparison with the original comic, “The Harvey Pekar Name Story,” a masterpiece of subtlety and quiet moments, illustrated by R. Crumb. The origin of the Haspiels/Haspels in America, and the other Josh Neufelds. Shout-outs to Gina Haspel, Haspel clothing, Tom King & Clay Mann’s Heroes in Crisis, Lenny Bruce, Marc Maron, Spike Lee’s Do The Right Thing, Star Wars' R2-D2 & C-3PO, Crockett Johnson’s Harold and the Purple Crayon, True Detective, The Matrix, Gary Leib, John Kuromoto, Josh’s ”Tribal Rituals" story from A Few Perfect Hours, Ivan Brunetti, Crumb’s ”Stoned Again,” Prince’s “Controversy,” Dan Castellaneta, the stage version of the “Harvey Pekar Name Story,” Billy Dogma, The Red Hook, and Dean’s pl

American Splendor scene #27 (1:24:49 to 1:28:11) — The trauma and turmoil of Harvey’s treatment; time passes strangely. Meanwhile, Fred — accompanied by Danielle — continues to work on Our Cancer Year with Harvey & Joyce. An addled Harvey wonders if he’s real or if he’s just a character in a comic book. And if he dies will the story end, or will it keep on going? The scene begins and ends out of focus. How Harvey had the sole copyright on his stories. The importance of good — preferably hand-done — lettering. Testimonials to Seth Kushner and Frank Stack. Harvey’s legacy and the added poignancy of this scene now that he is dead. Josh & Dean trade hospital stories. An appreciation of Joyce as Harvey's primary caretaker. Shout-outs to soundtrack composer Mark Suozzo, PA/illustrator Jason Gertsein, Alex Toth, Ben Oda and Oda Balloon, Prince Valiant, Dondi, Irwin Hasen, letterers Patrick Brosseau and Ken Bruzenak, Howard Chaykin, American Flagg!, Vito Delsante, Alex DeCampi, Street Code/Beef With Tomato, B

Josh & Dean chat with Ted Hope (now with Amazon Studios), the producer of American Splendor. Hope talks about his own background in the business, the development of the film (including Dean’s key introductions), his favorite moments from the shoot, and premiering the film at Sundance. In a moving testament to authenticity in art, Hope explains why projects like American Splendor (both the film and the comics) have to exist. Shout-outs to NYU Film School, Alex Cox and REPO MAN, Ed Burns, Hal Hartley, Todd Solondz, Ralph Nader, the New York Film Festival, Jim Jarmusch's STRANGER THAN PARADISE. the Cohen Brothers and BLOOD SIMPLE, Frances McDormand, Spike Lee, the old Cinema Studio, Ang Lee’s ICE STORM, Dylan Baker, Dan Clowes, Todd Solondz' HAPPINESS, Chester Brown’s YUMMY FUR, Terry Zwigoff & Crumb, HBO’s Colin Callender and Maud Nadler, Glen Basner (now of FilmNation), production designer Thérèse DePrez, Gary Leib and the "super-imaginative" title sequence, Judah Friedlander, James McCaffrey, costume

American Splendor scene #26 (1:18:34 to 1:24:48) — To his and Joyce’s great shock, Harvey is diagnosed with lymphoma. Joyce suggest he “make a comic book of the whole thing,” but Harvey just wants to die. Undeterred, Joyce enlists Fred, an artist, to illustrate the experience. Fred brings along Danielle, his daughter, on their first brainstorming session, and Joyce is smitten with the girl. Harvey agrees to participate in the comic — and asks Fred tp keep bringing Danielle along. Josh & Dean are again joined by Jeff “JahFurry” Newelt, who edited Harvey's online Pekar Project and the graphic novel Cleveland. "Fred" is an amalgam of artist Frank Stack and Danielle's real father. A discussion of Frank Stack and his art, going back to his work as one of the first underground cartoonists. Harvey wrote comics in the spirit of jazz — with the right partner — and how he chose his collaborators. "What kind of a Jew are you?" and Galicianers. JahFurry talks about working with the “late-period” Pekar. Harvey's impor

American Splendor scene #25 (1:15:00 to 1:18:33) — The scene begins with another Letterman appearance. but to quote Harvey, “between the lump and loneliness… [he] never felt more like a sell-out hack.” Harvey dons an “On Strike Against NBC” shirt and the show goes downhill from there, winding up in chaos. Joyce finally, happily returns, but the scene ends ominously as she discovers Harvey’s lump. Josh & Dean are joined by Jeff “JahFurry” Newelt! A discussion of GE, NBC, and corporate conglomerates, What Late Night with David Letterman meant to the panel. The revelation that Harvey had been offered his own TV show (which he turned down) — what would a Harvey Pekar talk show have been like? JahFury’s testimonial about Harvey’s importance as a jazz critic, enthusiast, and promoter of underdog greats. What have you publicly protested? Shout-outs to The Robin Byrd Show, Al Goldstein, Midnight Blue, Johnny Carson, Benny Hill, Emil Heifetz, Ed Piskor, William Fogg, Joe Zabel, Gary Dumm, Gerry Shamray, Billy Dogm

Josh & Dean chat with long-time American Splendor artist Joe Zabel. Joe talks about his years working with Harvey, the creativity he brought to the role of illustrator, his thoughts on the movie, and about how his first impression of American Splendor was that it was a sex comic (“Harvey Pecker”). An in-depth examination of the creative process behind a number of memorable American Splendor stories. Joe explains how he came to realize that Harvey was a genus, American Splendor was literature, and that the film was an innovative, avant-garde movie in its own right. Debate: was Harvey an introvert? Shout-outs to Youngstown State University, Subliminal Tattoos, Keyhole Comics, Robert Blake, Carlos Castaneda, the city of Cleveland, Bernie Shulman’s, Gary Dumm, Gerry Shamray, Joe Sacco, and Val Mayerik. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/support

American Splendor scene #24 (1:10:45 to 1:14:55) — The scene opens back at Shay’s Diner. Another patron recognizes Harvey from the Letterman show — but not for the right reasons. Our man is angry and unfulfilled. Meanwhile, Joyce is looking for fulfillment of her own — as a creator and as an activist. Against Harvey’s wishes, she goes away to a peace conference, leaving him at loose ends. One lonely night, Harvey discovers a mysterious lump; his fear and loneliness are directed outward. Harvey’s co-dependency; Need vs. Love. How the fact that this film was written/directed by a husband-and-wife team really comes into play here. An in-depth discussion of shading film and other Old School toning techniques. What do Robin Williams, Jack Clark, Bucky Dent, Mister Rogers, and Busta Rhymes all have in common? Fame vs. integrity, turning down jobs, and being mistaken for a celebrity. Spending time apart from your spouse. When Josh started doing trips with the U.S. State Dept. Standing up for what you believe in: how

American Splendor scene #23 (1:02:32 to 1:10:44) — The scene shifts to the Warwick Hotel, New York City, as Harvey and Joyce prepare for his appearance on Late Night with David Letterman! Despite himself, Harvey is a hit on the show and comes back for multiple appearances. Meanwhile, Toby becomes an MTV star. This episode we are joined by special guest cartoonist Ed Piskor! Ed talks about how he discovered American Splendor, his appreciation of the anthology nature of the film, and his relationship with Harvey, including working on projects like Macedonia and The Beats. He gives a rundown on his career, including  Hip-Hop Family Tree, X-Men: Grand Design, future projects, and Cartoonist Kayfabe. Also: some in-depth discussion of Hollywood Bob. Shout-outs to Harvey Pekar dolls, Wizard magazine, Comic Book Confidential, "Palmer’s Picks," Howard Stern & Pig Vomit, VCRs, Kazaa, Napster, burning sage, conspiracy theories, the Iran/Contra Affair, Gerry Shamray, Drew Friedman, Walden Books,  Origins of

American Splendor scene #22 (56:33 to 1:02:31) — “Westward Ho!” Harvey & Joyce travel to L.A. to see American Splendor: The Play. Things are finally breaking Harvey’s way. But his ascendancy is complicated by Joyce’s emotional struggles. She wants… a family. Guest Whitney Matheson returns! And this episode features an interview with singer-songwriter Eytan Mirsky, who appears and sings in the film. The actual history of the various American Splendor stage productions. What is "polymorphously perverse"? How Eytan auditioned for the role of Harvey! The hosts talk about the decision to have (or NOT not) children. Dean's career as a playwright. What phone call changed your life? What would you title your “life's play”? How Seinfeld reruns got Whitney out of bed, and eventually to a very special one-on-one interview. Shout-outs to DVD easter eggs, Donal Logue, Molly Shannon, Dan Castellaneta, R. Crumb & His Cheap Suit Serenaders, Josh Neufeld & The Seven Stooges, Dean's biological daughter Ruby, piggyb

American Splendorscene #21 (53:50 to 56:33) — Harvey, Joyce, and Toby emerge from a screening of Revenge of the Nerds. Joyce finds it inspiring — Harvey finds it insipid. Back at their apartment, Joyce struggles with feeling at home amidst all of Harvey’s stuff. Special guest: pop culture writer Whitney Matheson! The pros & cons of Revenge of the Nerds. The first time Whitney met Harvey. Diagnosing vs. judging. Which movie characters did you identify with as a kid? The many movies of European director “Ray Dedarr.” Moving in to someone else’s life. Shout-outs to the DSM-III, the comedic talents of Hope Davis, Harvey Pekar's Macedonia, USA Today's "Pop Candy," and weird girls. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/support

American Splendor scene #20 (52:19 to 53:50) — the real Harvey and Joyce sit in a fake comic book store, with a pile of American Splendors on the table between them. Joyce talks about what it was like to become a character in Harvey’s stories. Tension is in the air. A machine gun sounds in the distance. The scene's cringe-factor. Doom & gloom — and finding the right balance between happy & sad moments. Creative partnerships and being each other’s toughest critic. Being willing — or not — to "bare it all" in autobiographical writing. Josh & Sari's collaborations and how that worked, both on the page and emotionally. Dean & Jen's "origin story.” Shout-outs to Joe Sacco, Joe Zabel, Val Mayerik, Ivan Brunetti, Avengers: Endgame, Josh & Sari’s “The Cave of Fear,” Dino’s “Next Door Neighbor" project, Blue Ribbon restaurant, David Greenberger, Duplex Planet Illustrated, and “I Was Waiting For You, Daddy.” --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/message Support this podcast:

Josh & Dean chat with comedian and actor Judah Friedlander, who plays Toby Radloff in the movie. Judah discusses how he got the role, hanging with the real Toby, being unrecognizable, and his key scenes in the film. He also talks 30 Rock, those unique trucker hats, his role on Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Hollywood, politics, the life of a stand-up comic, and his Netflix specials. Nearly a full hour of Judah goodness! Shout-outs to George & Leonardo DiCaprio, thrift shopping, political/historical graphic novels, B. Kliban, Darren Aronofsky, Phil Tippett, J.J. Abrams, “Doom & Gloom,” and Judah’s book If The Raindrops United. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/support

American Splendor scene #19 (49:08 to 52:18) — It’s one week later, and (a strangely chipper) Harvey sees Toby sitting in his car, the dashboard covered in White Castle sliders. Toby is on his way to Toledo to see the new movie Revenge of the Nerds. Meanwhile, Harvey is on his way to Delaware to marry Joyce and help her move out to Cleveland. Harvey steals Toby’s fries. Rupert Holmes sings “Escape (The Pina Colada Song).” An appreciation of Judah Friedlander's performance as Toby. Thoughts on Revenge of the Nerds, bullying, and nerd culture. A thorough discussion of White Castle hamburgers and junk food burgers in general. Debate — the sports fan vs. the sports nerd. How Sari proposed to Josh (yes, it’s true!), Josh’s evolving beliefs about marriage, and their subsequent commitment ceremony. Shout-outs to spontaneous choking moments, native Clevelander Jason R. Wright and his AS shooting locations Google doc, Oberlin’s Apollo Theater, the movies Purple Rain and Inception, Where’s the beef?, Nathan's Chow Mein

Josh & Dean chat with Toby Radloff, a key figure in both American Splendor the comic and the movie. (Josh illustrated a couple of Toby Radloff stories.) Toby talks about working with Harvey Pekar at the VA Hospital, what the job of a file clerk was, and hanging with Harvey on weekends. He discusses what it felt like to be a character in American Splendor, and his "delusions of grandeur" after appearing on MTV and in the Killer Nerd films. Toby weighs in on his favorite moments in the film and Judah Friedlander's portrayal of him. The interview concludes with Toby's touching tribute to Harvey, and a mention of the various Cleveland monuments to Pekar's legacy. Shout-outs to hot summer days, blackouts, squirrels, Revenge of the Nerds, Redbox, White Castle hamburgers, Mad Men, Once Upon a Time in Hollywood, Gerry Shamray, Sean Carroll, Ed Wesolowski, and Jeff Newelt ("Nevelt"). --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/scenebyscene/support

American Splendor scene #18 (44:33 to 49:07) — Harvey takes Joyce to his apartment, where it is abundantly clear that he has a “serious problem with cleanliness.” Joyce shrugs if off, and they sit down on the couch and begin to get… intimate. Suddenly Joyce is overcome with a bout of nausea and vomiting. A concerned Harvey offers her chamomile tea. Charmed, Joyce suggests they “skip the whole courtship thing and get married”! An extended discussion of disgusting living situations, dirty dishes, cockroaches, cats and their status as “gods,” and the sacrifices people make when moving in together (and in relationships in general). Topped off by the story of Dino’s NSFW adventures on Nerve.com and the time he almost became the “diddle to her fiddle.” Shout-outs to Val Mayerik, Gary Dumm, WD-40, The Quitter, Josh’s brother-in-law (one of them), the Dianoga from Star Wars, Star Wars Minute, SPX, Neil Young’s “A Man Needs a Maid”, Harvey’s metal plant, flea markets, Jake Elsas and Jake’s cat Flotsam, Virginia Woolf