''The Asphalt Jungle'', 1950 - art by Angelo Cesselon

A vintage poster reprint of ''The Asphalt Jungle'', a 1950 film noir directed by John Huston and is widely regarded as one of the quintessential... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''The Asphalt Jungle'', 1950 - art by Angelo Cesselon

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters

Description

A vintage poster reprint of ''The Asphalt Jungle'', a 1950 film noir directed by John Huston and is widely regarded as one of the quintessential heist films in cinematic history. The film is known for its intricate plotting, morally complex characters, and its influence on the crime genre.

"The Asphalt Jungle" tells the story of a meticulously planned jewelry heist in a gritty urban setting. The film features an ensemble cast, with notable performances by Sterling Hayden, Louis Calhern, James Whitmore, and Marilyn Monroe in one of her early roles. The central character, however, is Doc Erwin Riedenschneider, a mastermind behind the heist, played by Sam Jaffe.

The film follows the criminals as they gather to execute the heist, facing obstacles and betrayals along the way. The characters in the film are morally ambiguous, with their own motivations and flaws, making it a study of the human condition under pressure.

One of the notable aspects of "The Asphalt Jungle" is its realistic portrayal of crime and its consequences. It highlights the tension and paranoia that accompany criminal activities, as well as the challenges of evading law enforcement. The film's title itself reflects the harsh and unforgiving nature of the city streets where much of the action takes place.

John Huston's direction and the screenplay, co-written with Ben Maddow, are praised for their tight and suspenseful storytelling. The film's cinematography by Harold Rosson and its use of shadows and lighting are also exemplary of the film noir style.

"The Asphalt Jungle" received critical acclaim upon its release and is considered a classic in the film noir genre. It had a significant influence on subsequent heist films and crime dramas, setting a template for the genre. The film's exploration of the criminal psyche and its moral ambiguity have made it a thought-provoking and enduring work in the world of cinema.

About the artist:

Angelo Cesselon (Feb. 17, 1922 - Sept. 26, 1992) was an Italian poster painter born in Cinto Caomaggiore, Veneto. His art style became noted for its vibrant chromatic mixtures and original compositions. In addition, he had the striking ability to identify the psychology of a face and paint it using a rich artistic expression.

Cesselon began painting in the traditional 19th-century Venetian style from an early age. However, he became interested in contemporary art after his family moved to Rome. As a result, he began visiting the city's many art and graphic studios.

After World War II he designed posters for cinema studios, where he worked on all stages of poster production, from the initial draft to the completed poster. His preferred style, which he called the "spirit of the film," depicted only one large image, often a portrait, instead of the typical collage of many small images. Along with other Italian poster designers from the 1940s through the 1970s, he introduced new expressive methods that changed the look and feel of movie posters.

Cesselon also was known for his graphic design skill in the form of magazine and newspaper illustrations. In 1955, he was awarded the Italian Spiga Cambellotti prize for being the best cinematographic painter of the year. After winning another international award in 1958, his portrait work gained worldwide recognition. He was commissioned to paint portraits of many famous and influential personalities, including Italian President Giovanni Gronchi, Pope John XXIII, and Pope John Paul II.

As a portraitist for film stars into the 1970s, he worked directly with Gina Lollobrigida, Marilyn Monroe, Vittorio Gassman, and Totò. His work also led to collaborations with several major film studios in Europe and America, painting many of Hollywood's major stars.

He died in Velletri, Italy, in 1992. A book was published about his work in 1999: "Angelo Cesselon, Cinema Painter: A love story, Original cinematographic sketches: 1945-1975 ."

To see his other posters, enter his last name in the search.

Uploaded

May 26th, 2021