''Them'', 1954 - art by Luigi Martinati
by Movie World Posters
Title
''Them'', 1954 - art by Luigi Martinati
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage Italian movie poster of ''Them'', a classic 1954 science fiction-horror film directed by Gordon Douglas and starring James Whitmore, among others. The movie is notable for its contribution to the giant monster genre, specifically featuring giant ants as the menacing creatures.
The story revolves around the discovery of monstrous ants in the New Mexico desert. The film begins when two police officers stumble upon a young girl who is in a state of shock and unable to communicate. Soon after, a series of bizarre and unexplained events occur, including the mysterious destruction of a trailer home and the discovery of a partially eaten sugar shipment. These incidents lead the authorities to investigate the source of these disturbances.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that radiation from nuclear tests in the area has mutated ants into giant, highly intelligent, and aggressive creatures. The film follows a team of scientists and military personnel as they join forces to track down and eliminate the giant ants before they can wreak havoc on humanity.
"Them!" is known for its suspenseful and thrilling sequences, as well as its commentary on the potential dangers of nuclear weapons and their effects on the environment. The film was one of the early entries in the "giant monster" subgenre that would go on to become a popular and enduring part of science fiction cinema. It remains a classic in the genre and is remembered for its iconic giant ant creatures and the tagline, "The Amazing New Shocker That Starts Where 'Tarantula' Leaves Off!"
About the poster 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.
To see some of his other posters, enter his last name in the search.
Uploaded
February 2nd, 2022
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