It's Me, Hilary: Man Who Drew Eloise

It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise is a poignant, revealing, and deeply sentimental documentary from the year 2015. This emotive film, loved by audiences and critics alike, is a must-watch for anyone who has grown up reading the Eloise series or anyone who appreciates the art and heart behind children's illustrations.

Produced by HBO, the documentary primarily revolves around the life and times of Hilary Knight, the accomplished illustrator behind the widely beloved Eloise book series. Knight's illustrations not only brought the precocious 6-year-old Eloise to life but also created a remarkable impact on children's literature. His vibrant, whimsical sketches resonated with kids around the world, making Eloise a universally recognized character, and brought immeasurable joy to the young and the young-at-heart alike.

Mart Crowley (The Boys in the Band) and Lena Dunham (Girls), who also executive produced the documentary, lead the film along with Tavi Gevinson (The Crucible). The documentary truly hits a high note when Lena Dunham and Hilary Knight forge an endearing friendship. Dunham, an avowed Eloise fan since her childhood, teams up with Knight in this engaging, well-crafted exploration of the illustrator's life, his creations, and their enduring influence.

The film smoothly oscillates between Knight's personal life, professional journey, and the philosophy that inspired his magical interpretations. It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise is much more than a biography. It is a heartfelt tribute to Knight's passion for his art, his undying love for his characters, and the often overlooked world of children's illustrators.

In the film, we are quickly drawn into Knight's life narrative, the rise and fall of his career, the legal battle that cost him the rights to his creation and left deep emotional scars, and his resurgence as an illustrator. The documentary poignantly explores how these elements affected his personal and professional life and underlined his love for art.

The 'behind-the-scenes' narrative of the film reveals how Knight's art board and paintbrush gave shape to this fictional little girl Eloise, transforming her into a cultural icon across generations. It delves deep into the complex relationship Knight shared with Kay Thompson, the author of the Eloise series. Their tumultuous yet immensely productive collaboration resulted in a series that left a colossal impression on society and children's literature.

Throughout the documentary, viewers also see a number of intimate interviews where Knight shares his personal journeys, professional struggles, and battles fought in the legal arena. These interviews act as a personal journal, offering glimpses into the life and work of an artist who has mostly remained shrouded in the shadows of his internationally famous creation.

A standout feature is the insightful commentary from celebrities like Lena Dunham, Mindy Kaling, Fran Lebowitz and many others who were charmed by Eloise in their childhood. These snippets provide a more comprehensive understanding of Eloise's impact and the broad admiration for Knight's youthful, lively illustrations.

The film pays rich homage to the timeless legacy of Eloise, the character and the strong bond between her and Knight – she was more than an illustration; she was an integral part of Knight's existence. As the documentary unfolds, we are made privy to a gallery of Knight's exquisite art, little-known sketches, and unpublished works, casting a new light on his extraordinary talent.

It’s Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise skillfully weaves together clips of Knight's other vibrant creations and illustrations, resurfacing memories, and making viewers long for a simpler time in life. The documentary not only takes us on an enchanting tour of Knight's life and craft but also initiates thoughtful discourse on copyright rights, the recognition of illustrators, and the framework of children's literature.

In the end, It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise is a profoundly moving film that beautifully blends biography, art, history, friendship, and storytelling. It serves as an intimate tribute to a truly remarkable artist and illustrator, offering rare insights into Hilary Knight's world and the large-hearted, playful, and unapologetically bold girl he brought to life. Whether you are an Eloise fan or a lover of children's art and literature, this documentary is an inviting, insightful, and deeply touching treat.