A Savage Art: The Life And Cartoons Of Pat Oliphant is directed by Bill Banowsky and written by Dean Alioto, Paul O’Bryan, and Banowsky. The documentary chronicles the life and career of political cartoonist Pat Oliphant. Through interviews with the man himself, family members, contemporaries, and colleagues, no stone is left unturned here. The filmmaker also throws in the history of political cartoons for good measure.
The film is a triumph on every level. Banowsky uses the subject’s cartoons and animation to highlight a life full of opinions and a rewarding work ethic. It says so much that Oliphant’s children still have and cherish a relationship with him, even though he left when they all moved to Washington, D.C. That is the screenplay’s strength here. Warts and all are on display, but so is the warmth, courage, and intelligence of the cartoonist. Plus, he still has an excellent sense of humor that shines through when he talks.
“…the life and career of political cartoonist Pat Oliphant.”
However, A Savage Art: The Life And Cartoons Of Pat Oliphant has two secret weapons that catapult it into near G.O.A.T. territory. The editing by Dean Alioto, Michael Linn, and Mayo Whaley is sublime. It effortlessly transitions from one cartoon to another while still engrossing the audience in Oliphant’s life. The interviews never last too long, nor do they break the tone or message being told.
But the documentary’s greatest strength is its score. Whaley’s music hooks viewers from its first note. There’s a playfulness to the melody, while still being serious and rousing at the same time. Aside from documentaries about musicians, I cannot think of any documentary with such a perfect score.
A Savage Art: The Life And Cartoons Of Pat Oliphant is a triumph on every level. The narrative is engagingly told, the subject is instantly likable, and the direction makes it all visually compelling. The interviewees are interesting and clearly love and admire Oliphant. The musical compositions take all that impressiveness and elevate it to sheer perfection. This is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen.
For more information, visit the official A Savage Art: The Life And Cartoons Of Pat Oliphant site.
"…one of the best documentaries I have ever seen."
