A Savage Art features the life and work of political cartoonist Patrick Oliphant, whose storied career spanned five decades and ten U.S. Presidents. The film is told in interviews with Pat, his family, friends and colleagues, archival footage and hundreds of his cartoons. It also briefly outlines the history of political cartoons, showing how important and impactful political cartoonists have been throughout the ages, and how in our current climate of political partisanship and corporate control of the media, political cartoonists, like Oliphant, are critical to checking the powers that be. The documentary is directed and produced by Bill Banowsky (Casino Jack and the United States of Money) along with co-producer Paul O’Bryan (Moonfall) and is being released by Magnolia Pictures.

A Savage Art explores the life and work of celebrated political cartoonist Pat Oliphant through a series of new interviews with his family, collaborators, contemporaries, fans and the man himself. This is intercut with archive footage of his younger self and plenty of examples of his work shown in all their glory including seeing some early concept drawings and how the pieces were created. The film is propelled  by an evocative score from Geneviève Gros-Louis.

Also included archive footage of political figures that Oliphant has featured in his work over the years such as Richard Nixon and George W Bush which helps to tie in the story of Oliphant’s work with the events he was commenting on. On a more personal life the film explores the sacrifices he may have made with his personal relationships for the sake of his art.

In a very timely manner the film also addresses the current political climate and the censorship of political commentary and satire in the media in recent years with particular reference to the Charlie Hebdo attacks but this discussion will also be very relevant to changes in the media landscape even in recent weeks.

4.5/5 – A fascinating dive into the life and work of a renowned political cartoonist and exploring the impact his work has had.

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A Savage Art is showing now in select theaters in the US.

Find out the latest information for upcoming screenings here: https://www.magpictures.com/asavageart/screenings/