Starting from childhood attempts at illustration, the protagonist pursues his true obsession to art school. But as he learns how the art world really works, he finds that he must adapt his vision to the reality that confronts him.
Acting
John Malkovich's deadpan professor is weaponized disappointment.
Writing
Daniel Clowes' script savagely eviscerates art world pretension.
Direction
Zwigoff's cynical eye makes cringe feel almost tender.
Director
Terry Zwigoff
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
The film is based on Daniel Clowes' eight-page comic from his anthology Eightball, expanded significantly for the screen.
The Strathmore School is a thinly veiled stand-in for Pratt Institute, where Clowes briefly studied before dropping out in disillusionment.
No ratings yet
Sign in to join the discussion — comments are spoiler-gated to your watch progress.
Discussion starters
US
