It wouldn't be out of line to say that Drew Struzan is the John Williams of movie advertising. He's the guy behind most of the best movie posters of the '80s and '90s; the man who married iconic marketing imagery with all of the great comedy and escapist fantasy movies of an era. He was able to encapsulate the spirit of a movie in a still image - a visual that would always spring to life. Something the current photoshopping trend is woefully lacking.
"Drew: The Man Behind the Poster" is a glowing look at the man behind the magic. Covered here are his neglected childhood, tough starving- artist training and his refining years as an album cover artist. There's no shortage of industry pros here to discuss the man's impact. It's high praise indeed when Steven Spielberg says he hoped his movies lived up to what Struzan painted. This is a terrific movie, absorbing and totally worth it - if for nothing else than to see all of the not-so-famous pieces he's done (and there is a LOT). It plays as a testament to how effective the dying art of dedicated movie advertising was. He's perched up there with Dave Stevens as one of my favorite illustrators - instantly recognizable and an icon of popular art.
Very good movie, and constantly brought a smile to my face.
9.5/10
Also, please, please, please, somebody make a documentary on Stevens.
"Drew: The Man Behind the Poster" is a glowing look at the man behind the magic. Covered here are his neglected childhood, tough starving- artist training and his refining years as an album cover artist. There's no shortage of industry pros here to discuss the man's impact. It's high praise indeed when Steven Spielberg says he hoped his movies lived up to what Struzan painted. This is a terrific movie, absorbing and totally worth it - if for nothing else than to see all of the not-so-famous pieces he's done (and there is a LOT). It plays as a testament to how effective the dying art of dedicated movie advertising was. He's perched up there with Dave Stevens as one of my favorite illustrators - instantly recognizable and an icon of popular art.
Very good movie, and constantly brought a smile to my face.
9.5/10
Also, please, please, please, somebody make a documentary on Stevens.