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If you have ever appreciated MAD Magazine, then The Mad World of Harvey Kurtzman could be your cup of tea. Director Bart Simpson spent nine years bringing his documentary on the legendary comic book creator to life, and the result is a fascinating look at an artist whose influence extends far beyond the pages of MAD. For Simpson, a lifelong comic book enthusiast, getting this documentary made was a labor of love.
Read more: Bart Simpson Reflects On Nine-Year Journey To Make ‘The Mad World of Harvey Kurtzman’The Mad World of Harvey Kurtzman Origin
“I’m a comics guy from straight out of the womb basically,” said Bart Simpson. His fascination with Kurtzman eventually turned into a documentary opportunity thanks to his longtime friend Gareth Gaudin, who had connected with Kurtzman’s widow, Adele.
Gaudin was invited to see some of Kurtzman’s personal artifacts, and that encounter sparked an idea for Simpson. “I emailed (Gaudin) and I said, ‘Hey, has anybody ever done a film on Harvey?’ And here we are nine years later,” Simpson recalled.
One of the compelling aspects of The Mad World of Harvey Kurtzman is discovering just how much Kurtzman’s work influenced popular culture. Even if you’re not a comic book aficionado, chances are you’ve enjoyed something that owes a creative debt to Kurtzman.
“Harvey’s work intersected with so many other people and so much other work that we take for granted these days,” Simpson said. “Like Monty Python, Gloria Steinem’s work, Saturday Night Live, The Simpsons, et cetera. We’re kind of living in Harvey’s world, but we don’t know it.”
Putting together the documentary was no easy task. Simpson and his team sifted through Kurtzman’s personal archives.
“We really wanted to make sure we had Harvey tell his own story as much as possible,” Simpson explained. “We got to dig through 36 boxes of Harvey’s personal archive. Everything from doodles to love letters to rejection letters to bills and receipts, photos.”
Since Kurtzman passed away in 1993, Simpson relied on archival audio recordings and video footage to bring the artist’s personality to life. He also made it a priority to interview Kurtzman’s surviving collaborators and loved ones, knowing that time was of the essence.
Meeting With Legendary Cartoonists
The production captured some of the final interviews with MAD cartoonist Al Jaffee and Kurtzman’s widow, along with conversations with other influential artists.
One of Simpson’s favorite experiences involved interviewing legendary cartoonist Robert Crumb.
“He normally doesn’t give interviews anymore, but he did for us because it was on Kurtzman,” Simpson said. “He was so reflective and lovely and open and honest.”
For Simpson, the interview was a reminder of how one artist’s creativity can have a profound impact on another person’s life.
Nine years is a long time to spend on a documentary, but Simpson’s dedication to preserving Kurtzman’s legacy is understandable. Whether you’re a lifelong MAD Magazine reader or simply curious about the creative minds who helped shape modern comedy, The Mad World of Harvey Kurtzman looks to be a worthwhile cinematic experience. CinemAddicts co-host Eric Holmes, who conducted the interview, recommends the documentary.
And maybe after watching the documentary, you’ll have a newfound appreciation for the man behind the madness.
Full interview:
Screening Information: The Mad World of Harvey Kurtzman has its international premiere tonight, Friday, November 13, at DOC NYC in New York. A second screening takes place tomorrow, Saturday, November 14. For additional information and future screenings, visit kurtzmanfilm.com or follow @kurtzmanfilm on Instagram.
