''Two Men in Manhattan'', 1959 - art by George Kerfyser
by Movie World Posters
Title
''Two Men in Manhattan'', 1959 - art by George Kerfyser
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage French movie poster of ''Two Men in Manhattan'', a 1959 French film directed by and starring Jean-Pierre Melville. The film is often categorized as a crime drama and falls within the film noir genre. It is notable for its unique portrayal of New York City and its exploration of themes like loneliness, alienation, and the gritty urban environment.
The plot of the film revolves around two French journalists, Moreau (played by Jean-Pierre Melville himself) and Delmas (played by Pierre Grasset), who are sent to New York City to cover the sudden disappearance of a French United Nations delegate. As they investigate the case, they encounter a series of colorful characters and delve into the underbelly of the city, exploring its jazz clubs, bars, and dark alleys.
"Two Men in Manhattan" is characterized by its moody and atmospheric cinematography, capturing the cityscape of New York in stark black and white. The film's portrayal of the city is both romanticized and critical, showcasing the contrast between its glamour and its seedy, hidden aspects.
The film also delves into the personal lives of the two journalists, particularly Moreau, who grapples with his own moral dilemmas and sense of isolation in the bustling metropolis. The film's exploration of the characters' inner struggles adds depth to the narrative.
"Two Men in Manhattan" is a relatively lesser-known work in Jean-Pierre Melville's filmography, but it is often appreciated for its unique take on the American crime genre and its introspective look at the lives of its characters. It offers a blend of mystery, character study, and a distinctive portrayal of 1950s New York City, making it a noteworthy piece of cinema for enthusiasts of classic films and film noir.
About the artist:
George Kerfyser (1923 Paris, France–2001 Sisteron, France) was a leading French movie poster designer.
With a talent early in his life for drawing and painting, he studied art at the Ecole des Arts Decoratifs in Paris. After graduation, he began getting commissions to design movie posters. His style and technical ability caught the attention of leading film studios in France. As a result, he became the Artistic Director at Columbia Pictures. He designed a number of their posters for major films, including "Bridge on the River Kwai" (1957) and "Lawrence of Arabia" (1963).
Kerfyser's use of colors gives a distinct, recognizable impression. The backgrounds are not crowded with scenes and characters but essential and straightforward. They are characterized by plain uniformly spread colors. Blues, azures, greens, occasionally grays, and reds compose a mosaic of colors in wonderfully cool tones.
Among the characteristics of his style was its versatility, using a variety of designs and techniques he felt were appropriate for the type of film. He also used solid colors running to the edges of his posters. In addition, he made unique typography or hand lettering a central feature.
The characters created by Kerfyser stand out against these colored backgrounds. They often contrast figures with marked outlines, black and evocative in their sometimes realistic, sometimes caricatured style. The modernity of Kerfyser's posters is palpable: they seem like unique covers of contemporary graphic novels.
In his later years, he worked with the Cannes film festival, helping it organize events.
Search "Kerfyser" to see more of his art.
Uploaded
January 23rd, 2022
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