DenmarkOver several days in October 1971, the reclusive Hergé, creator of the Tintin comics, granted a rare and extremely candid interview to a young journalist. That revealing discussion provides the basis for this outstanding documentary. The Tintin comics were written between 1929 and 1982. As books they comprise 23 editions, translated into 58 languages, and have extraordinary popularity worldwide.

Hergé is amazingly frank in revealing his early work for a vigorously pro-Nazi, Catholic newspaper to his incarceration after WWII as a suspected collaborator. Through the breakdown of his marriage, the influence of a mysterious, politically and philosophically radical Chinese friend, celebrity, acute illness and tragic death, the film charts the artist's entire life and work.

'Features Hergé's own voice, accompanied by copious archive material and stylized animations, talking honestly about how his strip became a conduit for his own personal problems as well as an oblique reflection of the troubled times in which it was composed. The effect is not unlike American Splendor. The fact the film is also very well made'fascinating even for viewers not obsessed with the cowlicked character and his creator'is to the credit of the director.' -Variety

D/S Anders Høgsbro Østergaard P Peter Bech WS Angel Scandinavia A/S L English, French, Danish w/English subtitles TD 35mm/Col/2003/74mins

Anders Høgsbro Østergaard was born in Copenhagen, Denmark in 1965. Films include: The Magus (1999), Malaria! (2001).