Dear Mr. Watterson

Watch Dear Mr. Watterson

"An Exploration of Calvin & Hobbes"
  • TV-PG
  • 2013
  • 1 hr 30 min
  • 6.4  (1,993)
  • 54

Dear Mr. Watterson is a captivating 2013 documentary about the influential comic strip Calvin and Hobbes, and its equally enigmatic creator, Bill Watterson. The film, directed by Joel Allen Schroeder, offers a thought-provoking exploration into the legacy of the iconic strip and its impact on popular culture. The documentary deftly interweaves interviews with comic strip artists who were inspired by Watterson's work, as well as fans who grew up reading the strip, with archival footage and clips from the strip itself. The film is structured in a way that provides insight into Watterson the artist and the man, as well as his creative process and his decision to eventually retire at the height of his success.

Berkeley Breathed, creator of Bloom County, appears in the film and shares how Watterson's strip influenced his own work, expressing admiration for Watterson's “cleaner hand” and ability to tell a story through his art. Jef Mallett, creator of the comic strip Frazz, also appears in the film and discusses his admiration for Watterson's storytelling ability, as well as his art style.

Stephan Pastis, creator of the comic strip Pearls Before Swine, is another contributor to the film, spending a significant portion of his interview discussing Watterson's influence on his own work. He shares his belief that Watterson's legacy is tied to his ability to make readers care about Calvin and Hobbes and feel invested in their story, and how that has affected the way he approaches his own storytelling.

The interviews with these comic strip creators provide a unique insight into how Watterson's work impacted both the comic strip industry and the individual artists who came after him. Furthermore, the interviews with fans of the strip offer insight into how Watterson's work touched personal lives, fostering imaginations and inspiring creativity in kids growing up in the 80s and 90s.

The film also touches on Watterson's entrepreneurial spirit and his desire to maintain creative control over his work. He fought for his right to maintain ownership of his characters and storylines, a decision which ultimately allowed him to retire on his own terms.

Schroeder provides viewers with a unique look into the artistic process behind a comic strip, showcasing the amount of thought and time that goes into each panel, and how even the slightest change can impact the story as a whole. This exploration of the creative process allows viewers to appreciate the artistry behind comic strips in a new and exciting way.

Dear Mr. Watterson is a thoughtful and moving tribute to a beloved comic strip and its creator. Cohen's love and admiration for Watterson and his creation is palpable throughout the film, and the care and attention to detail with which he crafted the documentary is evident in every frame. The film is a must-watch for anyone who grew up reading Calvin and Hobbes or who has an interest in the history and impact of comics.

Dear Mr. Watterson is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 54.

Dear Mr. Watterson
Description
Where to Watch Dear Mr. Watterson
Dear Mr. Watterson is available to watch free on Plex, The Roku Channel Free, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, Vudu Free and Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Amazon Prime, Apple TV, Amazon and Google Play. Some platforms allow you to rent Dear Mr. Watterson for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2013
  • MPAA Rating
    TV-PG
  • Runtime
    1 hr 30 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.4  (1,993)
  • Metascore
    54