''The Big Sleep'', 1946 - art by Luigi Martinati is a mixed media by Movie World Posters which was uploaded on May 11th, 2021.
''The Big Sleep'', 1946 - art by Luigi Martinati
A vintage reprint of the movie poster for ''The Big Sleep'',a 1946 American film noir directed by Howard Hawks, based on the 1939 novel of the same... more
Title
''The Big Sleep'', 1946 - art by Luigi Martinati
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters
Description
A vintage reprint of the movie poster for ''The Big Sleep'',a 1946 American film noir directed by Howard Hawks, based on the 1939 novel of the same name by Raymond Chandler. The film is known for its complex and labyrinthine plot, sharp dialogue, and the iconic pairing of Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall.
Humphrey Bogart plays the role of Philip Marlowe, a private detective hired by a wealthy and enigmatic older man named General Sternwood to investigate a series of mysterious events involving his two daughters. Lauren Bacall portrays Vivian Rutledge, one of the daughters, while Martha Vickers plays her younger sister Carmen. The film follows Marlowe as he delves into a web of deceit, crime, and moral ambiguity, encountering a host of colorful characters along the way.
"The Big Sleep" is celebrated for its intricate and convoluted plot, which mirrors the complexity of the source novel. It is filled with double-crosses, red herrings, and morally ambiguous characters, making it a classic example of the film noir genre.
The film is also notable for its sharp and witty dialogue, with Humphrey Bogart delivering Marlowe's lines with a characteristic blend of cynicism and toughness. The on-screen chemistry between Bogart and Lauren Bacall, who were married in real life, adds to the film's appeal. Their scenes together are particularly memorable, and their banter is a highlight of the movie.
While "The Big Sleep" received mixed reviews upon its initial release, it has since gained recognition as a quintessential film noir and a classic of the genre. The film's complex narrative and atmospheric cinematography, combined with Bogart's iconic performance as Philip Marlowe, have solidified its status as a staple of noir cinema.
"The Big Sleep" remains a highly regarded film, known for its dark and moody atmosphere, intricate plot, and the enduring appeal of its lead actors. It continues to be studied and appreciated for its contribution to the film noir tradition in Hollywood.
About the artist:
Luigi Martinati (1893-1983), born in Florence, Italy, on Dec. 31, 1893, was a significant Italian illustrator and painter. He spent most of his career creating artwork for film posters.
While growing up in Florence, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts, then moved to Rome in 1911 when he was 18. There, he worked as an apprentice for film poster artist Federico Ballester (1868-1926), the father of Anselmo Ballester, who also became a poster artist.
Between 1923 and 1941, he devoted himself to advertising illustration. He designed posters of various subjects and themes, from commercial advertising billboards to tourist signs to political posters to significant celebratory events.
He later became the director of IGAP (Impresa Generale Affissioni PubblicitĂ ), a leading advertising agency in Rome. In that role, he began collaborating with various film companies, primarily Warner Brothers studios. Soon after World War II, the advertising sector became dedicated exclusively to movie illustrations.
In the mid-1940s, he teamed up with two other painters of Italian film posters, Anselmo Ballester and Alfredo Capitani. Together, they founded BCM studio (using letters from their surnames) and dedicated their efforts exclusively to producing film posters.
Martinati's images typically invoked robust realism. His style was characterized by a foreground depicting a large portrait with a minor scene in the background. He also stands out for his technique, which focused on the strength of the subjects without lingering on details and particulars. The heroes of Martinati posters are realistic and believable, with few exaggerated expressions or poses.
In 1959, he cut back on his partnership with Warner Brothers and other film production and distribution companies. By 1967, he discontinued his successful career as a film poster artist to work primarily as an easel painter.
He died in Rome in 1983 at the age of 90.
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Uploaded
May 11th, 2021
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