A comment on counter culture (almost infact a counter to counter culture culture in itself) 'Fritz the Cat' is an oddity of a film, in the sense that it was made in 1972 (inspired by the works of Robert Crumb) but is set in the far out mists of time that was 1965-1968...Its not time specific, but the hippie/woodstock/free love movement is in full swing and beginning to be ridiculed during the time the events of this film take place, so im guessing it closer to '68 than it is '65...
Essentially we take a trip with Frtiz, a quote 'egotistical man child' careering around New York, passing himself off as a poet and revolutionary artist. Though in reality he's just looking to score and to see what he can get from society. Thats not to say he's an irredeemable character...just that he's a false one, and that we as the audience are set up to expect him to be unreliable in the face of self interest and satisfaction.
And...the movie...in essence is just that, a scathing takedown of that particular cross section of white heterosexual 'hippie'. The sort who'll fein concern and interest in the protection of minorites or vaguely gesture goodwill to people...While not actually doing all that much to actually make the situation better beyond words. Which is illustrated by the one time in the film where a chance to ACTUALLY change things comes up, and he realises he's NOT that invested.
Robert crumbs artwork here is replicated with relative love, his artistic style is always a delight (if not somewhat more questionable these days) and the animation teams did a fantastic job of bringing his style to life with wonderfully strange results.
It looks good, it sounds good. Its absolutely dated by modern standards, but I had a bit of a soft spot for Fritz, early adult animation that wasnt just straight up porn was a rarity at this point, and without Fritz its quite likely a lot of YA and adult animation (such as 80% of Adult swims output) likely wouldnt exist, or would be WILDLY different.
Worth catching at least once, I cant comment on it's rewatch value. But I have no regrets. Would probably be best enjoyed in an alcohol fueled fug.
source https://letterboxd.com/tytdreviews/film/fritz-the-cat/
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