Film & Docs

A Bigger Splash

Jack Hazan's film that traces the life and work of David Hockney and his role in the art movement of Los Angeles, observing the break up between Hockney and fellow artist Peter Schlesinger. Hockney plays himself

This imaginative reconstruction of David Hockney's art and love life is stunningly filmed by photographer Jack Hazan in the moods, colours, and tones of Hockney's paintings. Born in Bradford, Hockney quickly established himself as a leading British Pop Art figure - indeed, he was the only living British artist many could name in the 1970s. After his break-up with fellow artist Peter Schlesinger, Hockney moved to California, where he found a new mine of inspiration. It was here that he painted his work A Bigger Splash, which gave its title to the Hazan film.

The film follows this period in Hockney's life. The former lovers star as themselves, as do many of the subjects of Hockney's paintings. Offering a swirling view of the 1970s London art scene - its art dealers, fashion trends, and gay bars - this semi-fictitious documentary captures the essence of the artist and the era. It was also ground-breaking in its portrayal of gay relationships, and its portrait of Hockney's influential relationship with Celia Birtwell and fashion guru Ossie Clark is intriguing.

Hazan was later to make Rude Boy, another end-of-an-era monument (starring The Clash) that marked the death of punk at the end of the 70s.