It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise

It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise is a fascinating and heartwarming documentary from 2015 that delves into the life and legacy of Hilary Knight, the brilliant illustrator known for creating the iconic Eloise character. Featuring poignant interviews with Mart Crowley, Lena Dunham, and Tavi Gevinson, the film provides a rich exploration of Knight's life, artwork, and endearing personality.

The docufilm, primarily through the lens of Lena Dunham who is an evident admirer and friend of Knight, works to uncover the depth of a man whose artistic genius crafted a character who transgressed the boundaries of her fictional world to become a cultural icon. Eloise, the charming six-year-old troublemaker residing in the 'room on the tippy-top floor' of the Plaza Hotel in New York City became a beloved figure in children's literature primarily through Knight's evocative illustrations.

As an acclaimed artist, Knight, who hails from a lineage of illustrators and writers, features as the central figure of this documentary, which offers a captivating glimpse into his personal life and artistic journey. In It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise, Knight's life story is traced from his early days, as a creative young man with a deep-seated love for the arts, to his successful career as an illustrator of numerous children’s books, with Eloise being his most recognized work.

The film also explores Knight's complex relationship with Kay Thompson, the author who wrote the Eloise book series but who also sought to marginalize Knight's contributions to the popular character. This nuanced exploration of their cooperation and discord presents a side of the Eloise story rarely understood by the public.

Remarkably, Knight's talent extended beyond the Eloise illustrations, and the documentary also showcases his vast body of work, capturing the range and breadth of his creativity. From his contributions to Broadway and Hollywood to his character sketches for various magazines, Knight's artistic journey is fragrantly laid bare, revealing a man whose life has truly been guided by his passion for art.

The narrative is punctuated by interviews with not just Knight himself, but also with an array of personalities who share their admiration and respect for him and his work. Comedy writer Mart Crowley discusses Knight's influence on his own work, while fashion blogger Tavi Gevinson shares her perspective on Eloise's cultural impact.

Lena Dunham, known for her acting on the HBO series 'Girls', creates a profound connection with Knight bridging the age and experience gap, evidencing the timeless nature of Knight's work. She serves as both a subject in the film and its Executive Producer, reaffirming her love for Eloise and the character's influence on her own childhood and writing.

The documentary also does justice to Knight's unique personality, highlighting his vivacious sense of humor, his love for parties, and his passion for life. Behind the fun-loving persona, the audience also gets to witness a sensitive man who has experienced the peaks and valleys of life yet remained resilient throughout.

The format of the film, which includes personal home videos, photos, and new interviews, complements the storytelling in a manner that provides a well-rounded portrayal of Knight. Director Matt Wolf ensures the documentary stays vibrant, fun, and engaging while dealing with the circumstantial gravity, and the cinematography of this picture is befittingly artistic, reflecting Knight's own visual style.

At its heart, It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise is a story of affection for a cherished character, an homage to a supremely talented artist and a memoir of a fascinating life lived in the color. Venturing beyond the pages of the popular Eloise books, it provides fans a chance to discover the man behind their favorite childhood character and experience the captivating world through Knight's eyes. It's an essential watch for anyone who grew up loving Eloise, appreciating Knight's captivating illustrations, or valuing the beautiful world of children's literature.