''Sunset Boulevard'', 1950 - art by Boris Grinsson is a mixed media by Movie World Posters which was uploaded on December 26th, 2021.
''Sunset Boulevard'', 1950 - art by Boris Grinsson
A vintage French movie poster of ''Sunset Boulevard'', a classic film noir released in 1950, directed by Billy Wilder. It is considered one of the... more
Title
''Sunset Boulevard'', 1950 - art by Boris Grinsson
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster
Description
A vintage French movie poster of ''Sunset Boulevard'', a classic film noir released in 1950, directed by Billy Wilder. It is considered one of the greatest and most iconic films in the history of American cinema. The film blends elements of drama, noir, and dark comedy, and it is known for its sharp social commentary on the entertainment industry.
The story is narrated by a dead screenwriter, Joe Gillis, played by William Holden, who begins the film floating face-down in a swimming pool. Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about Joe's descent into the world of faded Hollywood glamour and his relationship with Norma Desmond, a silent film star played by Gloria Swanson, who has been forgotten by the industry but clings to her former glory.
"Sunset Boulevard" explores themes of obsession, delusion, and the price of fame. Norma Desmond's character is a poignant and tragic portrayal of a former star grappling with her own sense of self-worth and relevance. The film also examines the corrupting influence of Hollywood and the entertainment industry on those who aspire to success within it.
Gloria Swanson's performance as Norma Desmond is legendary, and her portrayal of the aging star is both haunting and unforgettable. The film features a memorable supporting cast, including Erich von Stroheim as Max von Mayerling, Norma's loyal butler, and Nancy Olson as Betty Schaefer, a young aspiring writer who becomes involved with Joe Gillis.
"Sunset Boulevard" is renowned for its sharp and witty dialogue, as well as its brilliant direction by Billy Wilder. The film's cinematography, which captures the decaying opulence of Norma Desmond's mansion and the dark underbelly of Hollywood, is also highly praised.
The film's exploration of the dark side of the entertainment industry, coupled with its unforgettable characters and iconic moments, has cemented its status as a classic in American cinema. "Sunset Boulevard" remains a must-see for cinephiles and is celebrated for its influence on subsequent films and its enduring impact on popular culture.
About the artist:
Boris Grinsson (1907, Pskov, Russia, - 1999, Paris) was a designer of Russian origin who lived and worked in France. For about 30 years of his career, from the 1940s to the 1970s, he painted more than 2000 posters for the French cinema circuit, becoming extremely popular among film directors.
After studying at the Academy of Fine Arts in Estonia, where the family moved to escape the Russian Revolution, the artist reached Berlin and enrolled in Decorative Arts. Grinsson immediately started working in cinema at the UFA studios in Balberg and soon began designing posters for the Paramount and MGM. He worked among the many directors, including Alfred Hitchcock, Luis Buñuel, Billy Wilder, Alain Resnais, and Luchino Visconti.
His designs were also particularly controversial. In 1932 he drew a polemic caricature of Adolf Hitler. As a result, he was forced to move to Paris to escape the Nazi regime. Nevertheless, he continued to create the French versions of many famous movie posters in France.
Grinsson’s painting style for posters is characterized by his peculiar treatment of colors. If compared with the style of Italian designers, for example, his portraits appear somewhat schematic. Rather than using strong contrasts between light and shadow, Grinsson
modulated his figures with bold flat planes of colors and cool and defined outlines.
His posters often look like works of modern art rather than traditional sketches. Even the color palette is somewhat restricted, preferring different shades of yellows, greens, blues. However, the chromatic and formal restriction of Grinsson’s style is not to be seen as a limitation but as a legacy of the lithography technique that dominated German design until the early 1960s. A historical and peculiar element that distinguishes its very different and endless production.
Search “Grinsson” to see more of his art.
Uploaded
December 26th, 2021
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