John Kricfalusi's gearing up to do a new George Liquor cartoon, "Cans Without Labels," and to judge from the pitches, it promises to be the best thing he'll have done with that character....by far! If the man animates as well as directs then we'll have something for the ages....pure animated joy!
Here's (above) a picture of John attempting to pitch...I'm guessing...a George Liquor cartoon. It's amazing that he can even speak, covered as he is with purple ants running around screaming at their larvae.
The film features old Spumco hands Jim Smith, Eric Bauza, and Gabe Swarr, and new talent: John Kedzie and Sarah Harkey. I'm in there too as the voice of Cigarettes the Cat!
The film also features Mike Pataki as the voice of George Liquor. Mike's always been good with this voice but his performance on this film may be the best thing he's ever done...a career high point. Let me explain.
Mike (above, as a Klingon on Star Trek) was a truly great actor who was rarely used correctly during his lifetime. His one-of-a-kind gravely voice, his musical delivery, his ability to project personality, and his endless nuance and invention made him unique. I'm amazed that, before John, no one attempted to build a character around him. I was present at the recording for this film and I got a strong sense that Mike felt he was finally working for someone who "got" what he was about. What I saw was an actor at the peak of his power who was determined to give the session 100% of himself, with no holding back.
John had to have been Mike's dream director. John had a definite point of view about things and I think Mike needed that to help him focus. The two complemented each other perfectly. You could feel the respect and affection they had for each other.
And why shouldn't they? Here were two enormously talented people who had subordinated everything to their work, who made enormous personal sacrifices to make the discoveries that they did. Here they were in a studio session, working on a project they both strongly believed in. I had no doubt whatsoever that I that was watching history being made.
Geez, I forgot to talk about the story! That's okay...you can listen to John pitch it himself on Kickstarter. Here's the link:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/1056985656/john-ks-cans-without-labels
Thanks to Fred Seibert for the picture of John covered with ants.
http://archives.frederatorblogs.com/frederator_studios/tag/john-k/