Very Semi-Serious

Name: Very Semi-Serious
Genre: Documentary
Released: November 20, 2015
Duration: 83 min
Rating: 74

2015

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Generally favorable reviews based on 8 Critic Reviews

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Very Semi-Serious

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Movie Details & Credits

HBO Documentary Films | Release Date: November 20, 2015 | Not Rated

Summary: The iconic cartoons of The New Yorker have become an instantly recognizable cultural touchstone over the past 90 years, and Leah Wolchock's intimate documentary offers an unprecedented glimpse into the process behind the cartoons. The film follows cartoon editor Bob Mankoff as he sifts through hundreds of submissions and pitches every weekThe iconic cartoons of The New Yorker have become an instantly recognizable cultural touchstone over the past 90 years, and Leah Wolchock's intimate documentary offers an unprecedented glimpse into the process behind the cartoons. The film follows cartoon editor Bob Mankoff as he sifts through hundreds of submissions and pitches every week to bring readers a carefully curated selection of insightful and humorous work.… Expand

Director: Leah Wolchok

Genre(s): Documentary

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 83 min

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Critic Reviews

Katie Walsh

Nov 19, 2015

It's a very, very funny film but also sweetly sad and poignant, echoing the mix of humor and pathos that marks a New Yorker cartoon exactly what it is. Read full review

RogerEbert.com Matt Fagerholm

Dec 10, 2015

Catnip for writers and humorists of all stripes, Wolchok’s film provides delightful breakdowns of various cartoons, examining the comedic rhythm of their design and detail. Read full review

Glenn Kenny

Nov 19, 2015

If you’ve ever been curious as to how a cartoonist gets into The New Yorker and what happens then, Very Semi-Serious offers very satisfactory info. Read full review

The Guardian Jordan Hoffman

Nov 19, 2015

It’s a minor work that knows its place in the margins, but is thought-provoking and surreptitiously insightful – and very funny. Read full review

Walter Addiego

Nov 19, 2015

With more than a hint of the magazine’s trademark insouciance, the film gives us a close look at how the selection process works and introduces us a to a handful of younger artists, as well as such stalwarts as George Booth and Roz Chast. Read full review

Scott Foundas

Nov 19, 2015

A delightful if never particularly deep survey of an American comic institution. Read full review

Christopher Gray

Nov 17, 2015

It doesn't seem to aspire to much more than proving that there are nice, talented people behind the New Yorker's walls. Read full review

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rogerst67

Dec 1, 2015

Best movie I watched after two weeks at the Vancouver Film Festival I was so surprised and won't give away the story but humour and life come crashing together in this delightful movie about cartoons. I was not even a fan of the New Yorker but found the story just drew me in. It wasBest movie I watched after two weeks at the Vancouver Film Festival I was so surprised and won't give away the story but humour and life come crashing together in this delightful movie about cartoons. I was not even a fan of the New Yorker but found the story just drew me in. It was one of the best movies I have ever watched and I watch a lot of movies. I recommended it to as many people I can. Why has no one else watched this gem. It was an amazing story.… Expand

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