A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant

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Joel B The film offers a brisk overview of the career of editorial cartoonist Pat Oliphant, an Aussie who became perhaps the premier cartoonist of his age in America. Its revealing, insightful, funny, and a worthwhile modern history lesson. Subtle enhancements include sound effects, music, and animation to augment the talking heads and archival clips of Pat at work. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 09/18/25 Full Review Diamantis Z A Savage Art, directed by Bill Banowsky, was an outstanding documentary. I got to watch the film and meet the director at the Michigan State Theater a few weeks ago. Most biopics feel too sprawled and lack direction... at least I think so. This, on the other hand, was beautifully crafted, containing all the important, personal elements from Pat’s life while still maintaining a strong structure. 5/5!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/30/25 Full Review matt c Wonderfully crafted, coherent and insightful… important exposure to a cultural voice that challenges the dominant narrative… the film describes an artist so firmly rooted in his own intuitive moral compass, refusing to fall foul of partisan posturing, and how as an artist Oliphant excavated to the very depths of this form of artistic expression. Highly recommended! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/19/25 Full Review Denny K Fantastic film!! I absolutely loved it. The pairing of live action footage with Oliphant's political cartoons through split-screen imagery was incredibly engaging. The film was moving, comedic, and intellectually stimulating. I can't recommend it enough. It's an absolute gem. What a score, too. Sound design snaps, crackles, and pops, and you really get tremendous insight into Oliphant's life and career through incredibly engaging storytelling from director Bill Banowsky. I highly recommend! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/17/25 Full Review Garrison C I’ve never seen a movie like this before. So many sequences where I was captivated by the art as the story behind it unfolded. What a fascinating and timely movie. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/06/25 Full Review A V This film brings attention to political commentary as an art form that showcases the decades long wit and artistic ability of Mr. Oliphant. I was surprised that in his syndication, he completed this work with an early morning news briefing and an output in a few hours for pickup and distribution. The format and pacing are delivered in an entertaining manner by Banowsky. It is amazing to see, in addition, Oliphant’s talent for sculpture and painting. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 10/20/25 Full Review Read all reviews

A Savage Art: The Life & Cartoons of Pat Oliphant

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