''Midnight Cowboy''1969, painting by Silvano Campeggi
by Movie World Posters
Title
''Midnight Cowboy''1969, painting by Silvano Campeggi
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Painting - Movie Posters
Description
Base painting for the vintage movie poster ''Midnight Cowboy''a 1969 drama film directed by John Schlesinger, based on the novel of the same name by James Leo Herlihy. Starring Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight in the lead roles, the film follows the journey of two drifters who form an unlikely friendship amidst the gritty and unforgiving streets of New York City.
Dustin Hoffman portrays Ratso Rizzo, a small-time con artist with dreams of escaping his impoverished existence. Jon Voight stars as Joe Buck, a naive and optimistic Texan who moves to New York City with aspirations of becoming a gigolo. As Joe struggles to find success in the city's underworld, he forms a bond with Ratso, who becomes his unlikely companion and guide.
Set against the backdrop of the late 1960s counterculture, "Midnight Cowboy" explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for connection in a modern urban environment. Through Joe and Ratso's tumultuous journey, the film delves into the harsh realities of poverty, addiction, and the pursuit of the American Dream.
Directed with gritty realism by John Schlesinger, "Midnight Cowboy" is known for its groundbreaking approach to storytelling and its unflinching portrayal of urban decay and human suffering. The film's raw and authentic depiction of life on the margins of society earned it critical acclaim and multiple Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director.
Dustin Hoffman delivers a transformative performance as Ratso Rizzo, capturing the character's vulnerability, desperation, and resilience with depth and nuance. Jon Voight is equally compelling as Joe Buck, imbuing the character with a mix of naivete and determination that makes him both sympathetic and relatable.
With its powerful performances, evocative cinematography, and haunting musical score, "Midnight Cowboy" remains a timeless classic of American cinema. Its exploration of universal themes and its poignant portrayal of human relationships continue to resonate with audiences, cementing its status as a landmark film in cinematic history.
Base art is the poster artwork after the text has been digitally removed.
About the artist:
Silvano "Nano" Campeggi (1923–2018), born in Florence, Italy, was a painter and poster designer, today considered one of the most influential graphic artists in the history of American cinema. While living in Hollywood, he designed and produced the posters for many classic Hollywood films. As a result, he became known as "The Artist to the Stars".
Campeggi returned to Florence in the late 1990s after a long career in the United States, where he had created cinematic billboards for historical films such as 'Gone with the Wind," "Casablanca," "Singing in the Rain," "An American in Paris," "West Side Story," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Winners and Losers," "Exodus," and "Breakfast at Tiffany's."
His father, a printer and typesetter, introduced him to the world of graphics and design at an early age. Campeggi attended the Art School at Porta Romana, studying under accomplished painters such as Ottone Rosai and Ardengo Soffici.
Campeggi's first career breakthrough arrived in the form of a World War II commission from the American Red Cross to paint the portraits of American soldiers before they returned home. After the war, he moved to Rome, where he was engaged by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Following, he produced the poster for "Gone with the Wind," featuring a painting of Clark Gable holding Vivien Leigh in a passionate embrace.
Over the course of his career, Campeggi designed posters and advertising graphics for over 3000 films, designing for the likes of MGM, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Universal, Columbia Pictures, United Artists, RKO, 20th Century Fox, and several other movie studios. Sixty-four of the films he illustrated for won Oscars.
By the 1970s, film poster illustrations packed less of a punch due to the emergence of television and newspaper advertising. In response, Campeggi returned to Florence, Italy around that time. Various private and public organizations soon commissioned him to do paintings, including a postage stamp in 1975.
In 2008, for the 150th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s birth, Campeggi was commissioned to produce a special tribute titled "The Girls of Puccini." The same year, he began working on a Napoleon series to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the emperor's association with the island of Elba. The "Napoleon at Elba" exhibition opened in September 2008 at Portoferraio.
To see his other posters, Campeggi in the search.
Uploaded
October 22nd, 2022
Embed
Share
Comments
There are no comments for ''Midnight Cowboy''1969, painting by Silvano Campeggi. Click here to post the first comment.