The Silver Screen Oasis

When I saw these posters in an article honoring producer Saul Zaentz, who died in January, it occurred to me that we might have a place where the movie posters can be shared for mutual appreciation—and criticism.

I don’t pretend to any art appreciation talent, but I like movie posters that:

Make the title easy to see and read for these tired old eyes. Sorry, English Patient; you win Cuckoo’s Nest.

Tell us clearly, when appropriate, the lead actor(s). Cuckoo easily wins again, guess they were ashamed of the Patient who was English and nobody acted in Amadeus.

Finally, and most important, give us some idea of what the movie is about. Surprisingly, Amadeus wins here; the other two offer more information about their films, but Amadeus SHOUTS, “This ain’t no comedy!”

I’d welcome any other opinions on these posters and any other posters you might have pictures of and comments regarding. Of course, a poster is supposed to make you want to see the film. Sometimes, I think they forget that!

So, how about it, forget the cards and letters, and Post the Posters for Post-terity!

:—)—

The system said only 3 attachments were allowed, so this separate item honors Saul Zaentz.

If anyone wants to read the article, detailing his rise from Russian immigrant family to tops in his field, you can find it, including an interview with Zaentz by the article’s author, Ernest Beyl, at:

http://www.marinatimes.com

And I do mean tops. Zaentz is tied for the most Best Picture Oscars with Sam Spiegel—those posters are of his three Oscar winners; Spiegel’s were On the Waterfront, Bridge Over the River Kwai, and Lawrence of Arabia. That’s why I wanted to include this picture of him with the Oscar he won for The English Patient in 1997.

Make the title easy to see and read for these tired old eyes

And how! It's not just older people. Sometimes they make odd choices. The Chicago theatre scene (I'm talking about live theatre) runs some poorly designed newspaper ads. Let's see...here's the name of the play, the producing company, finally found the dates and showtimes. WHERE IN BLEEDING HELL IS IT? The problem is consistent. The ads are probably created by the same people.

I used to sell radio ads. Being a small business, I wrote the copy as well. My theory: Be creative all you want. Go wild with technology if that turns you on. But TELL PEOPLE WHAT THEY NEED TO KNOW! Why do you think we're doing this?

If our selection criteria are: 1) title easy to see and read, 2) lead actors clearly indicated, and 3) gives impression of what movie is about, then I think these movie posters and lobby cards would qualify:

















What do you think, Lucky?

All magnificent choices, PT! Not one would have turned me away from the box office. If I had to choose just one, I think it would be The Lost Moment; it really caught my attention.

Got any bad examples?

Bad examples, well, I collect only movie posters of my idol AM, and then only ones that I like, where she is pictured. But, I suppose this one would not meet the three criteria because, although the title is easy to read, it does not give the names of the main actors nor much sense of what the film is about. [But aesthetically, I like it. ]

Good choice. The title's certainly clear enough, but the picture looks more like a meeting of gangsters and a moll than "Damon Runyon's First Real Love Story!" And all four pctured performers were worthy of mention, to say the least. Miss Moorehead has always been a favorite of mine as well.

I assume you've been to reelsf.com and seen the photo of her "through the door's peephole." Nobody could do chilling better. Here it is for anyone who's missed it.

Loved seeing these posters of Agnes Moorehead films. Without Honor looks interesting.

Those who enjoy Shakespeare on film might find this interesting:

https://mubi.com/notebook/posts/movie-p ... re-on-film

Click picture for full size.