Art Spiegelman is the subject of a new documentary called “Art Spiegelman: Disaster is My Muse.” The film explores the life and work of the Pulitzer Prize-winning artist and cartoonist. Spiegelman is best known for his graphic novel “Maus.” The book tells the story of his parents’ survival during the Holocaust. In “Maus,” Spiegelman depicts his parents as mice and the Nazis as cats.
The documentary is directed by Molly Bernstein and Philip Dolin. It won the Metropolis Grand Jury Prize at the DOC NYC film festival in 2024. DOC NYC is the largest film festival for documentaries in the country.
In an interview, Bernstein and Dolin discuss their approach to the film. “We aimed to capture the essence of Spiegelman’s approach to art and life,” says Bernstein. “He often uses disaster as a catalyst for creativity, which is both fascinating and inspiring.”
Dolin adds, “One of the remarkable moments we captured was his realization that confronting his fears, rather than running from them, was immensely useful.
Spiegelman’s muse in documentary spotlight
It’s metaphoric, but also literal in the sense of the 500-pound Maus chasing after him.”
The documentary features interviews, personal stories, and rare archival footage. It provides an intimate look into Spiegelman’s creative process.
The film paints a vivid portrait of an artist who turns catastrophe into a muse. “Disaster is My Muse” offers a unique perspective on how we process collective and personal calamities. It has already gained attention at several film festivals.
The documentary is poised to be a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of art and human experience. Stockton University will debut a screening of the film on March 5. The screening is sponsored by the Sara and Sam Schoffer Holocaust Resource Center.
It is free and open to the public, but an RSVP is required.