Very Semi-Serious

Very Semi-Serious is a 2015 HBO documentary film directed by Leah Wolchok. The documentary is a behind-the-scenes look at The New Yorker, a magazine world-renowned for its iconic library of cartoons. This clever and insightful film effectively probes the humorous and enigmatic world of these highly creative artists - the cartoonists - whose works have been entertaining and enlightening millions of readers for decades.

The film provides audiences with a glimpse into the process of creating and selecting the cartoons that grace the pages of The New Yorker. It follows the magazine's art editor, Bob Mankoff, as he navigates the weekly pitch meeting, where hopeful artists present their work with the aspiration of being selected for publication. This process is intricate yet fascinating, as we witness the interplay between inspiration, skill, and the keen editorial eye required to uphold the magazine's illustrious reputation.

A highlight of Very Semi-Serious is the intimate interviews with key figures such as veteran cartoonist Roz Chast, whose neurotic and hilariously insightful cartoons have been a staple of The New Yorker since 1978. Also featured is the newer, though equally gifted, artist, Liana Finck, whose quirky and philosophical take on modern life provides a fresh perspective.

Emily Flake, yet another featured cartoonist, blesses us with her unique blend of humor and grit, often sculpting her pieces from the raw realities of city living and motherhood. As the documentary reiterates, their cartoons are not just laugh-inducing drawings, they also often serve as a commentary on society, culture, and various life experiences.

Throughout the film, we see the struggle of these artists to remain impactful and relevant in a world that is constantly changing. As you watch the creation, selection, and publication of these cartoons, you gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a regular provider of humor and satire under the pressure of modern times. It's thought-provoking and highly watchable for individuals interested in this unique art form or those who merely enjoy a good laugh.

Among the film's charms is its exploration into the personalities of these typically unseen artists. Wolchok presents us with a humanizing portrayal of these talented people, showing us a peek into their environments, creative processes, and personal histories.

Moreover, Very Semi-Serious shines a spotlight on the changing face of cartooning, as more diverse voices have begun to emerge within this traditionally male-dominated sphere. This documentary moves beyond showcasing the imaginative and talented work of cartoonists in a reputable magazine. It also underscores an explicit shift towards making room for more underrepresented voices in cartooning, effectively initiating dialogues on diversity, youth, and change.

Additionally, the film touches on the rapid evolution of the industry, with the onslaught of digitization, and highlights the magazine's efforts to stay abreast of changing reader habits while continuing to respect the traditional pen-and-paper approach it has held steadfast to for nearly a century.

What we get with Very Semi-Serious is a well-rounded blend of belly laughs and introspection. As much as you will laugh at the witty, intricate cartoons that feature, you will also find yourself thinking about the depth behind each scribble. The documentary manages to balance entertainment with a serious exploration of the art and business of cartooning, presenting audiences with a delightful and insightful experience.

Very Semi-Serious is an excellent watch not only for fans of The New Yorker but for anyone interested in art, humor, culture, or the human experience in general. It manages to offer illuminating vignettes of these artists' lives, their evolving creativity, the changes in their industry and the complexity of the humor they inject in their art. Whether or not you're a reader of The New Yorker, or a fan of cartoons, the film offers an irresistibly human portrayal of creativity that is hard to resist.