A Bigger Splash Review: Sun, Suspicion, and Artistic Echoes in a Mediterranean Setting

Ever heard of "A Bigger Splash"? You might feel confused. You're not alone. "A Bigger Splash" refers to two different, yet thematically connected works. One is a vibrant 1967 painting, the other a 2015 film. Curious? You should be. Let's dive into both and see why they're splashy.

I. A Bigger Splash (2015 Film): Sun, Sex, and Suspicion on Pantelleria

Picture a vacation. A gorgeous Italian island, sun shining, and the Mediterranean glistening. Sounds great, right? Add a famous rock star recovering from vocal surgery. Include her filmmaker boyfriend battling demons. Then, toss in an old flame with a secret daughter. Now it’s dangerous. This is Luca Guadagnino's A Bigger Splash.

Plot: Paradise Interrupted

The story focuses on Marianne Lane, played by Tilda Swinton. Marianne is a world-famous rock star. She is currently silent due to surgery. She's trying to recuperate with her boyfriend, Paul De Smedt (Matthias Schoenaerts), on Pantelleria. Paul fights alcohol addiction and past trauma. Their peace vanishes with Harry Hawkes's arrival (Ralph Fiennes). He isn't just an old friend. He's Marianne’s former lover, who handed her to Paul. To complicate things, Harry brings along Penelope "Pen" Lanier (Dakota Johnson), his unknown daughter, adding tension.

Harry and Pen's arrival shatters Marianne and Paul’s fragile peace. Old feelings resurface, new jealousies ignite, heightened by the Italian heat. As Film Comment states, the film explores "textures, surfaces, and bodies". People emit vibes by simply sharing space, without words. The unspoken creates much tension in the film: glances, gestures, and chemistry spark friction among the four characters.

A Remake with a Twist

Film lovers may recognize A Bigger Splash as a remake of Jacques Deray's 1969 film La Piscine. Both films center on a couple's vacation disrupted by an old flame and an unexpected guest. The web of relationships leads to tragedy. But, Guadagnino's version is not a simple copy. It updates the narrative, infusing psychological tension for a contemporary audience. Think of it as La Piscine with edgy 21st-century art-house flair.

Setting the Scene: Pantelleria, the Fifth Protagonist

Pantelleria is crucial to A Bigger Splash. It’s a volcanic island between Sicily and Tunisia. This isn't a typical Italian postcard destination. Pantelleria is rugged and has raw beauty. Director Luca Guadagnino refers to the island as "the fifth protagonist." The stark landscape, intense heat and isolation build the film’s atmosphere of tension. The villa where Marianne and Paul stay, Tenuta Borgia Estate, serves as a stage for the unfolding drama. It features a terrace that overlooks striking Pantellerian views and hosts confrontations and intimate moments. The island's majesty reflects the characters' emotional turmoil.

II. A Bigger Splash (1967 Painting): Hockney's Californian Dream

Now, let’s switch topics and explore the splash captured on canvas by British Pop artist David Hockney. Hockney's A Bigger Splash, painted in 1967, exemplifies Pop Art with vibrant color and simplicity. This painting is instantly recognizable, embodying cool Californian living and 1960s spirit.

David Hockney: Pop Art Pioneer

David Hockney was born in 1937 in Bradford, England. He became a leading figure in the Pop Art movement in the 1960s. Pop Art reacted against the seriousness of abstract expressionism. It embraced popular culture, bright colors, and everyday imagery. Hockney's work combines clarity, wit, and modern life exploration, embodying this aesthetic. He rejected stuffy art in galleries. He wanted accessible art reflecting reality.

Acrylic on Canvas: A Modern Medium

A Bigger Splash uses acrylic paint on canvas. This was novel in 1967. Hockney embraced acrylics for their quick-drying and vibrant nature. He used Liquitex acrylics, liked by other Pop Art stars like Andy Warhol. Liquitex developed less liquid medium in 1963, enticing Hockney's switch from oils to broaden acrylic possibilities. Today, Liquitex remains a popular acrylic brand.

The Subject: A Moment Frozen in Time

The painting captures a diver's precise moment as they leap into a swimming pool, creating a "bigger splash." Yet it tells more than just this moment. Hockney captures everything around it with almost photographic realism set in a stylized graphic way typical of Pop Art. We see the clean lines of a modern house, swaying palm trees, a clear blue sky, and the still turquoise pool disrupted by the dynamic splash. This juxtaposition creates stillness and anticipation against sudden action, making the splash the motion in an otherwise static scene.

Idyllic California: A Lifestyle Portrait

A Bigger Splash represents more than a swimming pool scene. It symbolizes the "idyllic Californian lifestyle" Hockney experienced in Los Angeles during the early 1960s. Hockney was captivated by California’s light, modern architecture, leisure culture, and artistic beauty. The painting evokes California as a sunlit paradise with perfect skies, pools, stylish houses, and untroubled leisure. This well-crafted image of flawlessness reflects Hollywood glamour and the California dream.

Location and Value: A Masterpiece in London

Where can you view A Bigger Splash? The iconic painting resides at Tate Britain in London, showing its importance in art history. It's a major attraction for visitors and encapsulates Pop Art's witty commentary on modern life. Concerning value, A Bigger Splash is culturally and financially significant. In 2020, Hockney's "The Splash" sold for £23,117,000 (over $29.8 million). Though A Bigger Splash hasn't sold publicly lately, its iconic status suggest it would demand an even heftier price.

III. Movie Review Deep Dive: Beyond the Surface of "A Bigger Splash"

The 2015 film A Bigger Splash transcends its stunning visuals in a beautiful setting. Critics noted several features that elevate it beyond typical thriller fare.

Message: Vibes and Visceral Sensations

Many reviews highlight that A Bigger Splash operates on a sensory level. It reflects "textures, surfaces, and bodies," as noted by Film Comment. It's about unspoken communication that emits through presence alone. The film prioritizes atmosphere and emotional depth over plot-driven action. It's

An experience to be felt as much as understood. A feast for the eyes. It explores human desire and jealousy.

Worth Watching? A Resounding Yes

Is A Bigger Splash worth your time? Yes. Critics praised it. The cast's performances shine. Guadagnino's direction is stylish. The film has a strong impact. One review calls it "a vivid and lavish feast for the eyes." It features "indescribably talented actors in a pressure cooker of sex and vice."

The "fresh score" enhances its appeal. The filmmaking possesses an artful quality. If you seek a mature drama that captivates and provokes thought, A Bigger Splash satisfies.

Rating R: Mature Themes Ahead

Be warned, A Bigger Splash earns its R rating for strong reasons. Parents should note the film includes "extremely strong sexual content." This involves "male and female full-frontal nudity, graphic sex scenes, oral sex, and hints at unorthodox sex." It's a "very mature drama" that explores adult issues of desire, infidelity, and violence.

This film is not for casual family viewing. It's made for an audience ready to engage with complex and explicit matters.

The Ending: A Chilling Realization

The ending of A Bigger Splash lingers, invoking unease. Without too many spoilers, the film concludes with Marianne uncovering Paul's true past. An insightful analysis notes, "After Paul confesses his crime to Marianne, she frets and struggles to protect him, but I kept thinking, 'You do realize he's still a murderer.'"

This realization hits Marianne in the film's last shot, transitioning "from the euphoria of Paul's exoneration to this epiphany." It's a subtle yet powerful ending. It suggests the seemingly idyllic facade of their relationship is fragile.

LGBTQ+ Themes: Subtext and Hockney's Influence

A Bigger Splash isn't just a "gay film," but it highlights "gay themes" and touches on David Hockney's art. Hockney was openly gay. His art explored desire and sensuality. The film connects to Hockney's work and reveals complex relationships.

The exploration of "vibes" and unspoken desires complements a queer sensibility. It invites alternative interpretations that read between conventional lines.

IV. Related Films: Splashes of Inspiration

If A Bigger Splash intrigues you, consider its cinematic relatives. Two films stand out: the original La Piscine and Splash (1984).

La Piscine (1969): The Source Material

A Bigger Splash is based on Jacques Deray's La Piscine. This 1969 French thriller stars Alain Delon and Romy Schneider. It tells the story of a couple disrupted by a former lover's arrival. La Piscine is a European suspense classic, renowned for stylish direction and tension.

If you enjoyed A Bigger Splash, watch La Piscine. It offers a compelling comparison, showing how Guadagnino reinterpreted the original for contemporary audiences.

Splash (1984): A Mermaid Tale of a Different Kind

On a lighter note, there's Splash, a romantic comedy starring Tom Hanks and Daryl Hannah. While different from the psychological depth of A Bigger Splash, it shares thematic links through its title and unexpected romance. Splash follows Allen Bauer, saved by a mermaid from drowning as a child.

Twenty years later, Madison returns to New York City to find him. Their whimsical romance faces disruption from a scheming scientist, Dr. Walter Kornbluth.

Splash(1984) ends happily: Allen joins Madison under water, choosing love over land life.

Fun fact: underwater scenes were filmed in the Bahamas, adding realism. For Tom Hanks, this was a breakout role at 28, marking his rise to stardom. While different from A Bigger Splash, Splash offers laughter, romance, and aquatic adventure.

V. Tom Hanks: From Mermaid Romance to Hollywood Icon

Tom Hanks's career is notable. Starring in Splash at 28 transformed him from a TV actor to a movie star. However, Splash was just the start. Hanks became one of America's most cherished actors. He won back-to-back Best Actor Oscars for Philadelphia and Forrest Gump.

Interestingly, he turned down roles in iconic films like The Shawshank Redemption and Groundhog Day. It’s hard to envision anyone else in these roles, reminding us that even top stars make choices that shape their careers.

On a personal note, Hanks married twice. His first wife, Samantha Lewes, bore two children before her death in 2002. He married actress Rita Wilson in 1988, with whom he has two sons. Rita is a breast cancer survivor and advocates for awareness. Hanks's family life reflects both joy and sorrow and makes him relatable in Hollywood.

VI. David Hockney: More Than Just Splashes

David Hockney's contributions extend beyond A Bigger Splash. He is a prolific artist in painting, drawing, printmaking, photography, and stage design. His style evolved over decades while rooted in Pop Art.

Hockney's innovative use of acrylic paint changed the game back then. He continues to experiment today, embracing iPad painting later in his career. He believes art can happen with any tools available.

The process of looking defines his work. Hockney stated, "The very process of looking can make a thing beautiful." This philosophy urges us to find beauty in the everyday and translate observations into visual experiences.

While A Bigger Splash is famous, notable works include Portrait of an Artist (Pool with Two Figures) and the Pearblossom Hwy series. Each piece reflects Hockney's vision and exploration of light, space, and perception.

VII. Characters in "A Bigger Splash" (2015): A Quartet of Complexity

The success of A Bigger Splash hinges on its central characters. Each of the four main characters – Marianne, Paul, Harry, and Pen – are complex and psychologically rich.

• Marianne Lane (Tilda Swinton): A world-famous rock star recovering from vocal surgery. She seeks solace from the spotlight and remains voiceless for much of the film. Her silence becomes powerful through gestures and expressions.
• Paul De Smedt (Matthias Schoenaerts): Marianne's filmmaker boyfriend who battles addiction and trauma. He is quieter and more reserved but hides deep emotions adding to the film's unease.
• Harry Hawkes (Ralph Fiennes): Marianne's former lover and flamboyant music producer. Harry bursts into their paradise creating old tensions. Fiennes's performance brings manic energy.
• Penelope "Pen" Lanier:
• (Dakota Johnson): She plays Harry's daughter. Pen's presence adds complexity to the relationships. Dakota gives Pen a pout that intrigues and irritates. She becomes a key figure in the film's drama.

The dynamics among the four characters form the core of A Bigger Splash (2015). They are flawed and engaging to watch.

VIII. Art Terminology: Gouache Explained

We discussed acrylic paint and Pop Art. Now, let's explore another term: Gouache.

Gouache: Pronounced "gwash," gouache is a water-based paint. It is like watercolor but more opaque. This opacity results from adding white pigment, making it thicker and light-fast. Gouache dries quickly with a matte finish. It boasts rich colors and is used in various art forms. While Hockney used acrylics for A Bigger Splash, knowing gouache enhances your art vocabulary.

There you have it – a look into "A Bigger Splash." Whether you prefer the drama of the 2015 film or Hockney's vibrant 1967 piece, both showcase creativity and intrigue. Impress your friends with this newfound knowledge!