''Mash'', 1972 - art by Rick Meyerowitz

by Retro Movie Posters

Title

''Mash'', 1972 - art by Rick Meyerowitz

Artist

Retro Movie Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster

Description

A vintage movie poster key art of ''Mash'', a 1970 American satirical black comedy film directed by Robert Altman and based on the 1968 novel "MASH: A Novel About Three Army Doctors" by Richard Hooker. The film is set during the Korean War but is primarily a commentary on the Vietnam War, which was ongoing at the time of its release.

Here is a brief description of the movie "MASH" (1972):

Plot:
The film follows the antics of a group of irreverent and wisecracking medical personnel stationed at a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) during the Korean War. The main characters include Captain Benjamin "Hawkeye" Pierce (played by Donald Sutherland) and Captain John "Trapper" McIntyre (played by Elliott Gould), who are skilled surgeons but also notorious pranksters. They use humor and irreverence to cope with the stress and trauma of their work in a war zone.

The film is episodic in nature, depicting various humorous and sometimes outrageous situations that the doctors and nurses find themselves in. These include playing golf in the middle of a surgical procedure, throwing wild parties, and engaging in acts of rebellion against the strict military hierarchy. The film also explores the personal lives and relationships of the characters, including their interactions with nurses and other army personnel.

Themes:
"MASH" is known for its sharp satire and critique of war, bureaucracy, and the military establishment. It portrays war as absurd and senseless, contrasting the seriousness of the conflict with the absurdity of the characters' behavior. The film highlights the dehumanizing effects of war and the coping mechanisms people develop to deal with the trauma and chaos of combat.

Casting and Reception:
The film featured a talented ensemble cast, including Donald Sutherland, Elliott Gould, Tom Skerritt, Sally Kellerman, and Robert Duvall. It was praised for its innovative and improvisational style, with overlapping dialogue and a documentary-like approach to storytelling.

"MASH" was a critical and commercial success upon its release in 1970. It received five Academy Award nominations and won the Oscar for Best Adapted Screenplay. It also spawned a highly successful television series of the same name that ran from 1972 to 1983.

Legacy:
"MASH" is considered a classic of American cinema and is often cited as one of the greatest comedy films ever made. It has had a lasting impact on popular culture and is remembered for its dark humor, anti-war message, and memorable characters. The film's theme song, "Suicide Is Painless," written by Johnny Mandel and Mike Altman, also became widely recognized.

Overall, "MASH" is a satirical and irreverent take on the horrors of war, using humor as a means to critique the military and society at large. It remains a significant film in the history of American cinema.

About the artist:

Rick Meyerowitz (born November 29, 1943) is an American artist, and author, best known for his work for National Lampoon magazine and its spin-offs, including his poster for the comedy film Animal House.

Meyerowitz was born in The Bronx, New York. He is the younger brother of photographer Joel Meyerowitz. He started drawing during his childhood and attended art school at Boston University.

Uploaded

January 29th, 2022

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