A Bigger Splash (1973)

A Bigger Splash: Directed by Jack Hazan. With David Hockney, Peter Schlesinger, Celia Birtwell, Henry Geldzahler. Semi-fictionalized documentary biopic of British artist David Hockney. After a difficult break-up, Hockney is left unable to paint, much to the concern of his friends. Titled after Hockney’s pop-art painting ‘A Bigger Splash.’.

“Love animation, it was a big part of my life as a child, particularly Disney, Looney Tunes and Tom and Jerry, and still love it whether itu0026#39;s film, television or cartoons.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eA relatively early cartoon from Friz Freleng, u0026#39;Porkyu0026#39;s Bear Factsu0026#39; seems to be a loose take featuring Porky Pig on the fable u0026#39;The Grasshopper and the Antsu0026#39;. u0026#39;Porkyu0026#39;s Bear Factsu0026#39; may not be one of Frelengu0026#39;s best cartoons (his best period being the 50s, which saw a fair share of classics) or see him on the most top of forms, but it is not one of the finding-his-feet quality of his earlier cartoons, even if his style was stronger and more refined later. Itu0026#39;s very nicely done, with amusing and well timed, if never hilarious, moments and also messaging that resonates still today. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003ePorky is amusing and likeable but rather underused for a titular character. His foil is more interesting and funnier, but admittedly they do work well together. u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eWhile a good one, the story is slight and occasionally lacks momentum.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eMel Blancu0026#39;s voice acting as ever shows how amazing and multi-talented a voice actor he was, showing a knack for bringing an individuality and different personalities to every character he voiced (a vast majority of the time being multiple characters in the same cartoon.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eAnimation is excellent, itu0026#39;s fluid in movement, crisp in shading and very meticulous in detail. Freleng directs solidly.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eEver the master, Carl Stallingu0026#39;s music is typically superb. It is as always lushly orchestrated, full of lively energy and characterful in rhythm, not only adding to the action but also enhancing it.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOverall, very well done though falling short of greatness. 8/10 Bethany Cox”