''A Woman Under the Influence'', 1974 - art by Jano

by Movie World Posters

Title

''A Woman Under the Influence'', 1974 - art by Jano

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster

Description

A vintage movie poster from Spain of ''A Woman Under the Influence'', a 1974 American drama film written and directed by John Cassavetes. The film is widely regarded as a landmark in American independent cinema and is known for its raw and emotionally intense portrayal of a troubled marriage.

The story revolves around the central character, Mabel Longhetti, played by Gena Rowlands in an Oscar-nominated performance. Mabel is a housewife and mother of three who struggles with mental health issues, including emotional instability and erratic behavior. Her husband, Nick Longhetti, portrayed by Peter Falk, is a construction worker who is deeply devoted to his wife and family but finds it increasingly difficult to cope with Mabel's unpredictable behavior.

The film explores the dynamics of their relationship as Mabel's behavior becomes more erratic and unpredictable, leading to tension and conflict within the family. Cassavetes' style of filmmaking is characterized by its use of improvisation and a focus on character-driven narratives, and this film is no exception. The performances of the lead actors are emotionally charged and authentic, adding to the film's realism.

"A Woman Under the Influence" delves into themes of love, family, and the complexities of mental illness. It offers a poignant and unflinching look at the challenges faced by individuals dealing with mental health issues and the impact on their loved ones. The film's intimate and intense storytelling style has made it a classic in the realm of American independent cinema and continues to be celebrated for its powerful performances and thought-provoking themes. Gena Rowlands received an Academy Award nomination for her role, and the film itself received critical acclaim for its bold and unvarnished portrayal of a woman struggling to maintain her sanity and her place within her family.

About the artist:

Francisco Fernández-Zarza Pérez (1922, Madrid – May 12, 1992), better known as "Jano," was a Spanish film poster artist, one of the most highly regarded of his time along with Soligó and Macario Quibus, aka "Mac."

The large number of artworks created by Fernando Zarza, known as "Jano," makes it complex to define the unitary aspects of his style. Lively, dynamic, and with intricate compositions, Jano is one of the favorite designers in the panorama of Spanish cinema. He created movie posters that are realistic and photographic and others more caricatured; he realized sensual female portraits but also conceptual images, characterized by few elements and characters.

What strikes you when you look at one of his works is the feeling of movement, dynamism, the vitality of his compositions. Scenes, settings, and protagonists fit together following different directives and vanishing points. The chaos of elements and colors makes Jano's posters a loud set of faces. But in this chaos, there is life, true action.

During the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939, Jano worked as an illustrator for Republican magazines, which caused him to be imprisoned. In the 1950s, he worked as a comic book cover artist for publishers such as "Dollar." However, his skill in film advertising made him the preferred poster artist for many Spanish studios.

In 2006, Montserrat published a book featuring 221 actors painted by Jano. In 2014, an exhibition was held in his honor titled "Jano Movie Faces, 20 Posters to Remember". He also taught painting courses at the University of Madrid.

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Uploaded

January 29th, 2022

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