Dear Mr. Watterson

Dear Mr. Watterson is an engaging and captivating documentary film released in 2013. This film pays homage to one of the most beloved comic strips in American culture - "Calvin and Hobbes". Directed by Joel Allen Schroeder, the documentary conveys the undeniable influence and cultural significance of Bill Watterson's creation.

The protagonist of this story isn’t a character but a comic strip, "Calvin and Hobbes". This comic strip revolves around Calvin, a precocious, adventurous, and philosophical six-year-old boy and his anthropomorphic tiger buddy, Hobbes.

The fascinating aspect of the film is not that it simply reminiscences about the comic strip, but that it explores the deep impact of the characters upon their readers. Schroeder employs a unique storyline in the documentary, moving far beyond the narrative structure of a traditional biographical documentation about the author.

The film doesn’t feature a direct interview or interactions with Watterson, which makes it a rare and elusive treasure as Watterson chose to stay away from the limelight and ended the Calvin and Hobbes strip in 1995 while it was still exceedingly successful. However, through interviews with fans, fellow cartoonists, editors, and professors, the film discusses the profound effect of Watterson's work on the world of comics and beyond.

Notable personalities in the film include Berkeley Breathed, creator of Bloom County; Jef Mallett, author of the Frazz comic strip; Stephan Pastis, creator of Pearls Before Swine, and many others. These interviews work on multiple levels to paint a vivid picture of the cultural and artistic importance of Calvin and Hobbes.

Dear Mr. Watterson beautifully manifests how Watterson’s creations strummed a common chord with readers across all demographics. Schroeder's admiration and passion for "Calvin and Hobbes" as a genuine fan are visible and infectious, which makes the documentary incredibly intimate and informative. Subtly through the story, Schroeder also examines the inevitable tension between art and commerce, providing insights into Watterson's decision to deny all merchandise and licensing opportunities for Calvin and Hobbes.

The movie creates a sense of nostalgia by revisiting the comic-strip’s real-life settings, like Watterson's hometown of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, the real Calvin and Hobbes exhibition at the Billy Ireland Cartoon Library & Museum in Columbus, Ohio. It delicately emphasizes the scenery and settings with delicate touches, such as lingers on images of the handwritten letters from fans to Bill, to provide a deeper connection to the creator's enigmatic persona.

Even for those who may not know about "Calvin and Hobbes", the film offers a thoroughly engaging journey into something unique and influential. The film doesn't just portray the fandom or the historic cultural landscape of the comic strip, but in its modest yet meaningful way, makes its audience understand why the strip was so dearly adored. From comic enthusiasts to ambitious artists, students to teachers, this documentary remains relevant and impactful.

Covering an array of subjects, from artistic intention to business ethics, and from fan culture to cultural impact, Dear Mr. Watterson is a delightful tribute to the well-loved artist, Bill Watterson, and his ever-charming creation, Calvin and Hobbes.

The film is enriched by interviews with substantial comic strip industry figures sharing their praise, criticism, and deep respect for Watterson and his work. Besides, the film is filled with graphical interpretations intertwined with brilliantly synced music, that adds life to the narrative.

In its running time, Dear Mr. Watterson resonates with the sense of admiration and love expressed by every single person interviewed. It's a heartfelt documentary filled with admiration for the artistry of Watterson's work and offers a moving tribute to "Calvin and Hobbes". The film brightly illuminates the uniqueness of this brilliant comic strip- its brilliance, its influence, and the mystery behind its famously reclusive creator, leaving viewers with a rekindled admiration and fresh understanding of the power of art.