American comic book artist Frank Miller burst onto the scene in the late 1970s and has made an indelible mark on the industry. With titles like “The Dark Knight Returns,” “Sin City,” and “300,” just to name a few, under his belt. Picturehouse is releasing the documentary “Frank Miller: American Genius” which just received its first trailer and set a date for a one-night theatrical showing.
The film is produced, written, and directed by Miller’s longtime associate Silenn Thomas under the pair’s company Frank Miller Ink. “Frank Miller: American Genius,” will explore his nearly half a century-long career including his work with comics featuring Batman, Daredevil, and Wolverine. Many of these stories went on to define the characters for decades across several mediums.
“Frank Miller: American Genius”
This documentary follows his small-town beginnings in Vermont, to New York City, to Hollywood. Looking at Miller’s failures, successes, self-destruction, and rediscovery. It will feature interviews with his admirers, students, and collaborators across several entertainment platforms. Some of these guests include Neal Adams, Robert Rodriguez, Jessica Alba, Jim Lee, Zack Snyder, and the late Stan Lee.
“Long overdue, this film will surprise and delight Frank Miller fans with its intimate and personal portrait, and all audiences will discover the American treasure that is Frank Miller,” said Bob Berney of Picturehouse in a statement. “Silenn has delivered a beautiful theatrical experience and Picturehouse is very proud to make it an event.”
“The genesis of the documentary came from various sources and fans urging us to document this great American genius who had recently survived a near-death experience,” wrote Thomas in a director’s note. “As we started this process, Miller had just begun his recovery. He had a clear lust for life, a desire to reclaim years of ‘wasted time’ and further his artistic identity. Before the pandemic, Miller had returned to traveling and working on a range of new projects. The further we followed him through this journey, the more we uncovered the craft of comic book making. It was and continues to be a world inspired by women, artists, writers, craftsmen, and a global group of eager and astute fans. This movie is for them; to become a part of, and further explore, the inner workings of their idol and sensei, Frank Miller.”
In Theaters
“Frank Miller: American Genius” will screen simultaneously in Cinemark theaters nationwide on Monday, June 10th. This special event will feature a live introduction with Miller, moderated by “Sin City” actress Rosario Dawson. And if that isn’t enough, all ticket holders will receive an exclusive custom collectible. The special event will take place in Los Angeles at the Cinemark Playa Vista and be livestreamed to other participating theaters.
Unless you are in the state of New York which is being billed as a sneak preview. That screening will take place on June 6th at the Angelika Film Center in New York City. It will also have a live introduction with Miller and attnedees will still recive an exclusive custom collectible. However, that advanced showing will be moderated by author Neil Gaiman.
You can get your tickets for the New York screening here, with L.A. and other nationwide screenings on sale here. You can also check out the first trailer for “Frank Miller: American Genius” below:
