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The Cartoonist
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Wikipedia article
'The Cartoonist: Jeff Smith, Bone and the Changing Face of Comics' is a 2009 documentary about the life and art of Jeff Smith, the creator of the 'Bone' comic series and described as one of America's greatest living cartoonists.Lucy Shelton Caswell and David Filipi, Jeff Smith: Bone and Beyond (Columbus, OH.: The Ohio State University, Wexner Center for the Arts, 2008), . The feature-length film is by American director Ken Mills and was produced by Mills James Productions.Starker, Melissa. Columbus Alive, Movie Reviews, 2009-05-21Cross, David J. "Film Focuses on Local Artist", This Week Community News (Hilliard, Ohio), 2009-05-20National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Ohio Valley Region, Focus Newsletter, 2009-05-18
'The Cartoonist' has been released for international distribution on DVD.
Synopsis
'The Cartoonist' tells the inspiring story of Jeff Smith's creation of the epic comic book, 'Bone', hailed by 'Time' magazine as "one of the ten greatest graphic novels of all time".Arnold, Andrew D.[https://web.archive.org/web/20040922010412/http://www.time.com/time/columnist/arnold/article/0,9565,698456,00.html "No Bones About It"], 'Time' magazine 2004-08-17
Fellow cartoonists Scott McCloud, Colleen Doran, Harvey Pekar, Paul Pope and Terry Moore, as well as friends, associates, experts and Jeff himself, share their stories of this worldwide phenomenon that began in small comics shops and is now found in bookstores, schools, libraries and the homes of millions of adults and children in 25 countries. In addition to discussing Jeff's early years, influences and philosophies, the film provides a look at a unique industry and art form that continues to change and evolve.
Release
'The Cartoonist: Jeff Smith, Bone and the Changing Face of Comics' made its world premiere on May 22, 2009 at the Wexner Center for the Arts on the campus of Ohio State University.[http://www.wexarts.org/fv/index.php?eventid=3853 Wexner Center for the Arts news release, May 22, 2009] The premiere was part of the Visiting Filmmakers series, where rising stars and acclaimed masters come to screen their films and talk with Wexner Center audiences. The event was co-sponsored by Ohio States Cartoon Library & Museum.[http://www.comicbookresources.com/?page=article&id=21310 "The Cartoonist: Jeff Smith, Bone, & the Changing Face of Comics"], Comic Book Resources, 2009-05-22.
Reception
The documentary was well received by critics. It was recommended as a "steller program" by 'Booklist',[http://www.booklistonline.com/default.aspx?page=show_product&pid=3907041 Booklist Editors Choice: Media, 2009], Booklist. and others suggested that it may prove a useful resource for students researching the creative writing process.[http://dogtrax.edublogs.org/2009/08/10/a-review-of-the-cartoonist/ "A Review of 'The Cartoonist'"], Kevin's Meandering Mind. The film has been lauded as "essential viewing for comics fans",[http://www.outfromthecomicshop.com/2009/08/review-jeff-smith-documentary.html "Review: Jeff Smith Documentary -- 'The Cartoonist'"], Out from the Comic Shop. although one review described it as "more mash note than journalism".Starker, Melissa (May 20, 2009). [http://www.columbusalive.com/live/content/features/stories/2009/05/21/ca_f_cartoonist.html?sid=108 "Movie Review: The Cartoonist"], 'Columbus Alive'.
References
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