Watch It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise

It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise is a documentary film that tells the story of Hilary Knight, the illustrator of the beloved children's book character Eloise. The film delves into Knight's life and career, exploring his artistic process, personal life, and the impact that his work has had on generations of readers. Directed by Matt Wolf, the film features interviews with Knight himself, as well as with friends, family members, and colleagues who have worked with him over the years. Alongside these interviews, the film includes archival footage, photographs, and Knight's illustrations themselves, providing a rich and detailed portrait of his life and work.

The film opens with Knight's childhood, exploring his early interest in art and his relationship with his parents, both of whom were wealthy and well-connected members of New York City's social elite. Despite this privileged upbringing, Knight struggled to find his place in the world until he discovered a love for drawing and illustration.

Throughout the film, Knight describes his artistic process in detail, from his early experiences drawing in charcoal to his later work in watercolor and pen-and-ink. He also reflects on the challenges of creating a lasting character like Eloise, describing how he worked to capture her iconic voice and personality in his illustrations.

In addition to Knight's own story, the film also explores the cultural impact of Eloise, from her origins as a fictional character in the 1950s to her status as an enduring symbol of childhood and imagination. Alongside interviews with contemporary artists like Lena Dunham and Tavi Gevinson, the film includes commentary from cultural critics and children's literature experts, who reflect on the unique appeal of Knight's illustrations and the enduring popularity of Eloise.

Despite its subject matter, It's Me, Hilary is not simply a film for children or fans of children's literature. With its emphasis on Knight's artistic process and personal story, the film offers a nuanced and intimate portrait of a creative mind at work. It also explores themes of identity, belonging, and the joy of creativity, making it a compelling and thought-provoking film for viewers of all ages.

If you are a fan of children's literature or simply love beautiful artwork, It's Me, Hilary is a must-see film that will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted. Whether you are already familiar with Knight's work or are just discovering it for the first time, this documentary is a fascinating and insightful look into the life and mind of one of our most beloved illustrators.

It's Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise is a 2015 documentary with a runtime of 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.