Drawing Between the Lines

Another week, another excuse for not updating. This week I had a whole bunch of (paid) work taking up my weekend and Monday so I had to postpone the work I do gratis for you gentle readers. Naturally I would’ve updated today, but I’m going to go and see Neil Gaiman do a talk at the Criterion Theatre in London, so I’m afraid I won’t be able to do a review tonight, either.

In which case, as is traditional, I’ll instead give you some further reading on the subject of Jeffrey Brown.

It has been brought to my attention that there exists a documentary entitled Drawing between the lines. The official site says this:

Drawing Between the Lines is a short documentary examining the autobiographical world of Chicago cartoonist Jeffrey Brown. Whether sitting in his apartment, riding the L-train, or traveling the country promoting his work, Brown spends his time filling the pages of his sketchbooks. His graphic novels provide a humorous, yet intensely personal look at love, sex and relationships. Drawing Between the Lines explores Brown’s candid approach to storytelling and unconventional method of cartooning and provides insight from friends, fans and fellow cartoonists.

There don’t appear to be any screenings scheduled just yet, but keep an eye on their site in case any come to light. It looks fantastic, and while the chances of ever seeing it outside the US seem fairly slim at this point, who knows what the future may bring?

I hope that’s entertaining, anyway. Come back in a few days for a new review!

 

Your Heart is an Empty Room

Another packed weekend means no time for a massive update, but here’s another something special that I’ve been saving for when I wussed out of a review. This is (youtube allowing) the Jeffrey Brown-directed video for Death Cab for Cutie’s song, Your Heart is an Empty Room from the album, Plans.

The story is, in great Brown tradition, semi-autobiographical. It was animated by Eliza Chincarini, who may or may not be the same one currently working on Robot Chicken (and if so, great work on that too!)

This video, alone with a rare video interview with the man himself is available on the DCFC DVD companion to Plans, entitled Directions.

Buy Directions from Amazon (UK) *
Buy Directions from Amazon (US)

*Note that the Directions DVD is Region 1. For the love of god ensure you can play it before buying it.