A Bigger Splash (1973 film)

A Bigger Splash is a 1973 British biographical documentary film about David Hockney's lingering breakup with his then-partner Peter Schlesinger, from 1970 to 1973. Directed by Jack Hazan and edited by David Mingay, it has music by Patrick Gowers. Featuring many of Hockney's circle,[2] it includes designers Celia Birtwell and Ossie Clark,[3] artist Patrick Procktor, gallery owner John Kasmin and museum curator Henry Geldzahler.

A Bigger Splash
Theatrical release poster
Directed byJack Hazan
Written by
  • Jack Hazan
  • David Mingay
Produced by
  • Jack Hazan
  • Mike Kaplan
StarringDavid Hockney
CinematographyJack Hazan
Edited byDavid Mingay
Music byPatrick Gowers
Release dates
  • October 1973 (1973-10) (Chicago)
  • 5 October 1974 (1974-10-05) (United States)
Running time
105 minutes
CountryUnited Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Box office$95,826[1]

Analysis

It is a fly-on-the-wall documentary, intercut with fictionalised and fantasy elements.[4] It was a groundbreaking production at the time and remains notable for its treatment of gay themes and its insights into Hockney's life and work.[5][6] The film takes its title from the 1967 painting A Bigger Splash, perhaps Hockney's best-known Californian swimming pool picture[7] and his best-known artwork at all.[8] Hockney was initially shocked by its intimacy[9] but later changed his mind.[10]

Critical reception and legacy

A Bigger Splash was a critical and commercial success upon its release. It was praised for its honesty, insight, and originality. The film was nominated for a BAFTA Award for Best Documentary Film in 1974. It is considered a landmark film in the history of documentary filmmaking. It was one of the first films to explore gay themes in a frank and open way, and it helped to break down the stigma surrounding homosexuality. The film is also notable for its innovative use of documentary techniques, such as the use of fictionalised and fantasy elements. A Bigger Splash has been praised by filmmakers and critics alike. Martin Scorsese called it "a masterpiece" and "one of the most important films ever made about the creative process." The film has also been cited as an influence by filmmakers such as Gus Van Sant and Todd Haynes.

Home Video

A Bigger Splash was newly restored in 4k from the original camera negative by Metrograph[11] and released on Blu-Ray by Kino Lorber in 2020.


See also

References
  1. "A Bigger Splash". Box Office Mojo. Retrieved January 24, 2020.
  2. www.oberon.nl, Oberon Amsterdam, A Bigger Splash (1974) - Jack Hazan | IDFA, retrieved 2023-05-05
  3. "BFI Screenonline: Bigger Splash, A (1974)". www.screenonline.org.uk. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  4. www.oberon.nl, Oberon Amsterdam, A Bigger Splash (1974) - Jack Hazan | IDFA, retrieved 2023-05-04
  5. Kenny, Glenn. "A Bigger Splash movie review & film summary (2019) | Roger Ebert". www.rogerebert.com/. Retrieved 2023-05-04.
  6. Anderson, Melissa. "Melissa Anderson on Jack Hazan's A Bigger Splash". www.artforum.com. Retrieved 2023-05-04.
  7. Tate. "'A Bigger Splash', David Hockney, 1967". Tate. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
  8. Tate. "Understanding David Hockney's A Bigger Splash". Tate. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
  9. "How 1970s Hockney film pre-empted reality TV". BBC News. 2012-01-27. Retrieved 2023-05-05.
  10. French, Philip (2012-03-04). "A Bigger Splash". The Guardian. ISSN 0261-3077. Retrieved 2023-05-03.
  11. "A Bigger Splash". Metrograph. Retrieved 2023-08-27.
  12. Variety Staff (1975-01-01). "A Bigger Splash". Variety. Retrieved 2023-05-04.
  13. Hoberman, J. (2019-06-19). "A Clearer Picture of 'A Bigger Splash'". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2023-05-05.


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