Daniel Clowes, screenwriter of Art School Confidential, claims that art school was to him “what Vietnam was to Oliver Stone.” This hysterical but dark parody of the writer’s four-year art school experience and its many colorful characters became my pick for most hilarious movie of 2006. When it quietly came to town, I was one of the few who were fortunate enough to experience it. And of course, as soon as I enthusiastically recommended it to friends, it vanished. Luckily for the rest of you, Art School Confidential is now out on DVD.

Director Terry Zwigoff (Bad Santa, Ghost World), takes Clowes’ cynical view of  today’s art scene -- which could also be extended to movies -- and creates a fast-paced, uproarious film, incorporating plot twists with satirical music and brilliantly understated performances.

Jerome (Max Minghella) grew up as a quiet, artistic kid, always the brunt of bullies.  His dream in life was to be the “greatest artist of the 21st century.” After all, Picasso got the girls and all the sex he could handle. On the other hand, poor Jerome couldn’t even get a single date. When he enters art school as a drawing and painting major at the prominent Strathmore College in New York City, our fun begins. We meet his two roommates -- a sexually confused fashion major and a film student attempting to produce a film on the town murderer.  Oh yes, there’s a serial killer on the loose, dubbed the “Strathmore Strangler.”

The rest of the students we meet all have naïve dreams about becoming great artists. Among them are a manic depressive, angry lesbian, arty hippie, brown-noser…and I can’t forget Jonah (Matt Keeslar), the “normal” and traditionally handsome student who is celebrated by the rest of his classmates. Surprisingly, his conventional look and personality is perceived as eccentric and original by their quirky standards. Even his rudimentary drawings are viewed as innovative.

Next, there are the cynical teachers, who realize the political reality of the art world. Jerome’s drawing instructor, Professor Sandiford (wonderfully portrayed by John Malkovich) is, of course, a frustrated artist.  No one appreciates his triangular paintings that he perfected over a 25-year period. Anjelica Huston appears here in a very brief role as an art historian -- and my only complaint about the movie involves wanting to see more of her.

Audrey, (Sophia Myles) the nude model in Sandiford’s class, as well as the daughter of a respected artist, becomes Jerome’s muse and obsession.  However, she shows quite an interest in Jonah, which precipitates Jerome’s complete unraveling.  He starts by abandoning his own art, instead striving to beat Jonah at his uninspiring style. The more he tries to impress Prof. Sandiford, the more pathetic his teacher perceives him. His newfound vices of smoking and drinking become frequent. Still worse, he increases his visits to his new friend, Jimmy (Jim Broadbent) an older Strathmore alumnus. Talented (but does that matter?), dejected, filthy and drunk, Jimmy becomes somewhat of a mentor to Jerome. His demoralizing and depressing demeanor further penetrates Jerome’s psyche. 

Can the young art student descend any further to the depths of creative hell or is there hope in sight?  Of course, I can’t give away the answer; you’ll have to see for yourself.

What makes good art?  Is it the ability to individualize one’s expression or is it the achievement of fame and success? Can it be learned or is it innate ability? What the heck does it take to get a showing? Because I didn’t attend art school and am not an artist, I really don’t care. But this movie is hilariously side-splitting. And it sure seems studios are having a rough time bestowing upon us decent comedies these past few years. So, if you’re up for some cynical fun, get your hands on Art School Confidential. It’s a riotous spoof of creativity and the art world.  

(Released by Sony Pictures Classics and rated “R” for language including sexual references, nudity and a scene of violence.)