Do they have their own story?
Cancer is part of Harvey’s own story and voice, not just another person’s lesson.
American Splendor
2003 · HBO Films/Fine Line · Theatrical
PASS
Summary
A hybrid biographical film follows Cleveland file clerk and comics writer Harvey Pekar as he turns ordinary life into the American Splendor comics. Later, his lymphoma diagnosis and treatment become part of the story he and Joyce Brabner tell.
Why it passes
Are they allowed to live?
Survival after treatment is represented; death is not the desired narrative endpoint.
Does the medical reality hold up?
Treatment/uncertainty is not used as instant terminal shorthand.