ratmanfubar

For several weeks, I have been itching to rent the documentary, Confessions of a Superhero, and I finally got my hands on a copy this week. Director Matt Ogens delivers a humorous, yet poignant, portrait of Hollywood Boulevard's comic book character impersonators. The film focuses primarily on the daily struggles of 4 fascinating individuals: Christopher Dennis (Superman), Maxwell Allen (Batman), Jennifer Gehrt (Wonder Woman) and Joe McQueen (Hulk).

Veteran impersonator Dennis takes his Superman persona very seriously, displaying a great reverence for both the character and those who have portrayed him in the past…most especially Christopher Reeve. An avid collector of all things Kryptonian, he's joyously devoted himself to the lifestyle. Like an elder statesmen, he selflessly offers guidance and keeps the peace.

In contrast, Allen reveals a rather troubling past that relates frighteningly well with the Dark Knight. A dead ringer for George Clooney, he started his curbside career as a Clooney impersonator, but eventually migrated to the Batman role. A simmering rage seems to envelope him, apparent in his confrontational nature with tourists that neglect to tip him.

Gehrt and McQueen have loftier aspirations, exhibiting a hopeful perspective that their turn on the Boulevard is a stepping stone for more lucrative acting opportunities. The lovely Gerht is teeming with Midwest girl-next-door appeal, yet it's apparent she wants to firmly break from her past life. I was rather impressed with McQueen's ceaseless determination to don a Hulk costume that often exposed him to ludicrous temperatures verging on the brink of heatstroke.

It's a fascinating case study, and well worth the 90 minutes.