The Rediscovery of György Kovásznai’s ‘Bubble Bath’

The work of Hungarian animator György Kovásznai, largely unknown during his lifetime, is experiencing a resurgence, culminating in the recent restoration and re-release of his sole feature film, Bubble Bath. A key figure in Hungary’s neo-avant-garde movement of the 1960s, Kovásznai’s films are characterized by experimental techniques and unconventional storytelling.

A Life Shaped by Artistic Tension

György Kovásznai’s career unfolded against a backdrop of state censorship in Hungary. His artistic development was supported by individuals like Dezső Korniss and György Matolcsy, who fostered his challenging creative ideas . He was even expelled from Hungary’s School of Fine Arts for his political and artistic radicalism, despite being considered a gifted prodigy.

What is Bubble Bath About?

Released in 1980, Bubble Bath defies easy categorization. The 80-minute film centers on Zsolt Mohai, who attempts to postpone his wedding by seeking aid from Annika Parádi, a friend of his fiancée, Klárika Horváth. The situation is complicated by Anni’s attraction to Zsolt and Klári’s oblivious arrival with a prize-fighter. The narrative is loose and often surreal, resembling the work of early Ralph Bakshi, such as Heavy Traffic, and the dreamy transformations found in Max Fleischer’s animation.

A Unique Visual Style

Kovásznai’s animation in Bubble Bath is visually striking and constantly shifting. Characters morph between different art styles – from caricatures to Cubist angles to abstract shapes – often within the same frame. The film employs techniques like refracting surfaces, filters, spinning lights, and photo montages to create a disorienting and psychedelic experience. This visual approach draws comparisons to the work of Heinz Edelmann (Yellow Submarine) and surrealist animators like René Laloux (Fantastic Planet).

Sound and Narrative Chaos

The film’s soundscape is as chaotic as its visuals, blending genres from 1960s pop to jazz and opera. The songs don’t necessarily advance the plot but contribute to the film’s hypnotic and unsettling atmosphere. The narrative itself is fragmented, with characters frequently talking over each other, creating a dreamlike sense of disconnect. Kovásznai similarly intersperses the main story with visuals accompanying lectures and discussions about parenthood.

Restoration and Availability

For years, Kovásznai’s work remained obscure. Existing prints were often of poor quality. The recent restoration by Deaf Crocodile has allowed the film to be seen as intended, highlighting the meticulous detail and artistic vision behind each frame. Bubble Bath is currently streaming on Kanopy, Tubi, and Eternal Family, and is available on Blu-ray from Deaf Crocodile.

A Lasting Legacy

György Kovásznai died in 1983 at the age of 49 even as working on his second feature film. Bubble Bath stands as a testament to his daring and idiosyncratic vision. It’s a film that demands surrender and rewards viewers willing to embrace its sensory overload and surreal altered reality.