''Modern Times'', 1936 - art by Anselmo Ballester
by Movie World Posters
Title
''Modern Times'', 1936 - art by Anselmo Ballester
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage Italian movie poster of ''Modern Times'', a classic American comedy film released in 1936, directed by and starring Charlie Chaplin. It is widely regarded as one of Chaplin's greatest works and a masterpiece of silent cinema, even though it incorporates some synchronized sound and dialogue.
The film is set during the Great Depression in the United States and tells the story of a nameless factory worker (played by Chaplin) struggling to find his place in a rapidly industrializing and mechanized world. The film is a satirical commentary on the dehumanizing effects of modern industrialization and the hardships faced by the working class during that era.
Here are some key aspects of "Modern Times":
The Tramp: Charlie Chaplin reprises his iconic character, the Tramp, in this film. The Tramp is a lovable and timeless character known for his bowler hat, mustache, and distinctive walk. He is a symbol of resilience and optimism in the face of adversity.
Factory Work: The film opens with the Tramp working on an assembly line in a factory, tightening bolts on an ever-moving conveyor belt. The repetitive and monotonous nature of the work highlights the dehumanizing aspects of modern industrial labor.
Social Commentary: "Modern Times" uses humor and satire to critique various aspects of modern society, including the treatment of workers, unemployment, poverty, and the struggle for survival. It also touches on the increasing mechanization of labor and its impact on individuals.
Romantic Subplot: The film introduces a love interest for the Tramp, a young woman (played by Paulette Goddard) who is also struggling to make a living in difficult circumstances. Their relationship adds a heartwarming element to the story.
Iconic Scenes: "Modern Times" is filled with memorable and iconic scenes, including the Tramp getting caught in the gears of a giant machine, his attempts to feed an automatic feeding machine, and a comical roller-skating sequence.
Message of Hope: Despite the hardships and challenges faced by the characters, the film ultimately conveys a message of hope and resilience. It suggests that even in the face of adversity, human kindness and the human spirit can prevail.
"Modern Times" is notable for its blend of physical comedy, social commentary, and Chaplin's ability to convey deep emotions through his silent character. It was a critical and commercial success upon its release and continues to be celebrated as a classic of cinema. The film's themes of the struggle for dignity and humanity in a rapidly changing world remain relevant and timeless.
About the poster artist:
Anselmo Ballester (1897–1974) was a noted Italian painter and film poster designer from Rome. He was the son of Federico Ballester (Rome, 1868–1926), a painter of Spanish origins. Inspired by his father's artistic endeavors growing up, Anselmo completed his first works at 15.
After attending the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, he specialized in film advertising for the most important silent film production houses. He created posters and other advertising material for CINES, Caesar Film, and numerous other studios.
In his studio in Rome, via della Croce 50a (then via della Passeggiata Ripetta 19), he spent almost 50 years creating thousands of sketches for playbills and paintings for film posters. He went on to form the design company BCM along with two other prominent Italian poster artists, Alfredo Capitani and Luigi Martinati
The movie posters Ballester created between the 1930s and 1950s showcased his unique painting style using tempera medium and bold colors. They typically featured one or two significant characters. His style is reminiscent of pulp fiction covers and, like the best cinema advertisements, were infused with intrigue, conflict, and passion. His works were uncomplicated yet rich in detail, a techniqe and style he himself describes:
"To become a creator of film posters ... it is necessary to study passionately, always to draw and paint everything from the truth. Then you can let your imagination run free. Whether you are creating a work of art, or a more humble advertising poster, you must be able to attract the interest of the public, to satisfy both the most refined people and the roughest, who are the majority."
From a stylistic and compositional point of view, Alfredo Ballester began by drawing inspiration from the advertising posters of Art Nouveau, and then he defined his personal code. The painter exhibited a common layout in his movie posters: the actor or actress beautifully portrayed in the foreground, and one or two scenes from the film in the background.
To achieve this result, he used a methodical technique, making numerous sketches of the project only after having the best two selected by the client, he devoted himself to the final painting, strictly handmade.
Ballester's color palette, however, was his greatest talent. The artist used colors expressively, as a tool to convey emotions. The portraits of the stars were extremely realistic but often colored with unnatural hues such as pinks or intense light blues. Ballester illustrated his characters with colors capable of conveying the range of feelings transmitted by the film.
He was written about in "Anselmo Ballester: the Origins of the Film Poster," published by the University of Parma, Study Center and Communication Archive in 1981. In addition, Dave Kerr made extensive use of his images in his 2003 book, "Italian Film Posters, "published by The Museum of Modern Art in New York.
Permanent collections of his work are displayed at the University of Parma, Communication Studies Center and Archive (CSAC) and the Cinema Museum in Brush, Montecosaro.
To see more of his posters search by his last name.
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February 7th, 2022
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