Gravitas Ventures has released the first trailer for theRen & StimpydocumentaryHappy Happy Joy Joy, which explores the rise and fall of the cartoon’s controversial creatorJohn Kricfalusi.
DirectorsRon CiceroandKimo Eastwoodtake a fair and balanced look at the troubling allegations surrounding Kricfalusi while also paying tribute to his greatest creation –Ren & Stimpy. The iconic animated series saw Kricfalusi celebrated as a visionary, and while his eccentric personality was certainly synonymous with the show, the fact remains that dozens of artists and network executives were just as responsible for its meteoric rise.
There’s no doubt that Cicero and Eastwood have made an impressive directorial debut here, having each worked in electrician production jobs over the years. Though I think the documentary waits a little too long to address the elephant in the room – namely, that Kricfalusi used his position of power to take advantage of young women – the filmmakers do a great job of explaining Kricfalusi’s creative genius and what madeRen & Stimpyso special.
The documentary also explores the extent to which Kricfalusi’s reputation has threatened to taint the show. Suffice to say, it’s hard to separate the art from the artist in this case, andRen & Stimpyis unlikely to be revived by a responsible network anytime soon. It’s a shame, because I grew up watching the show and reveling in its scatalogical humor.
As pop culture expertChris Gorenotes in this trailer,Ren & Stimpywent on to influence pretty much every animated series that’s currently popular right now, includingRick and MortyandBojack Horseman. So if you’re curious about what came before those two shows, and what broughtRen & Stimpyto an abrupt end, watch the trailer forHappy Happy Joy Joybelow.
Gravitas will release the documentary on Aug. 14. If you need extra encouragement to check it out,click hereto readDave Trumbore’s A-grade review out of Sundance, where we also had the chance to speak with Cicero and Eastwood. To watch that interview,click here.
