''Midnight Cowboy'', 1969 - art by Silvano Campeggi

A vintage movie poster of ''Midnight Cowboy'', a 1969 American drama film directed by John Schlesinger and based on the novel of the same name by... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''Midnight Cowboy'', 1969 - art by Silvano Campeggi

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters

Description

A vintage movie poster of ''Midnight Cowboy'', a 1969 American drama film directed by John Schlesinger and based on the novel of the same name by James Leo Herlihy. The film is known for its gritty and unconventional portrayal of urban life and the complex relationship between its two main characters. Here's a description of the movie:

Plot Summary:
"Midnight Cowboy" is set in New York City during the late 1960s. The film follows the story of Joe Buck, portrayed by Jon Voight, a young Texan who aspires to become a male prostitute servicing wealthy women in the city. Joe believes that his good looks and charm will lead to success in the urban jungle.

Upon arriving in New York, Joe quickly realizes that his dreams of easy money and glamour are far from reality. He struggles to find clients and is forced to live in squalor, often encountering danger and exploitation on the streets.

Joe's life takes an unexpected turn when he meets Ratso Rizzo, portrayed by Dustin Hoffman, a crippled and ailing con artist. Ratso becomes Joe's unlikely friend and confidant, and the two form a bond as they navigate the harsh realities of city life. Ratso dreams of escaping to Florida, believing it will be a haven for him and Joe.

The film explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Joe and Ratso are both outsiders in a city that can be cold and unforgiving. Their friendship provides them with a sense of companionship and shared dreams in a world that often rejects them.

"Midnight Cowboy" is notable for its unconventional narrative structure, blending flashbacks, dream sequences, and gritty realism. It is known for its groundbreaking portrayal of homosexuality and the struggles faced by marginalized individuals in society.

The film also features a memorable soundtrack, including the iconic song "Everybody's Talkin'" by Harry Nilsson, which became closely associated with the film.

Jon Voight delivers a compelling performance as Joe Buck, capturing the character's vulnerability and naivety as well as his determination to survive. Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of Ratso Rizzo earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination.

"Midnight Cowboy" was a groundbreaking film for its time, and it received critical acclaim upon its release. It won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture, and is regarded as a significant work in the history of American cinema. The film's exploration of urban decay, isolation, and the human capacity for connection continues to resonate with audiences and critics alike.

About the artist:

Silvano Campeggi, nicknamed "Nano," has a unique style characterized by a sharp simplicity. The line of his drawings is distinct and thick, with few colors and elements. This essentiality is not an obstacle as it led him to create endless scenarios and combinations.

The style is vaguely reminiscent of Japanese prints and etchings: there is the same pursuit of cleanliness, balance, and graphic directness. Campeggi in some movie posters even reaches the conceptual style, choosing for the representation of the film just iconic objects, a face, an expression, a title. There is truly essential modernity in Campeggi's posters.

Silvano "Nano" Campeggi (1923–2018), born in Florence, Italy, was a painter and poster designer, today considered one of the most influential graphic artists in the history of American cinema. While living in Hollywood, he designed and produced the posters for many classic Hollywood films. As a result, he became known as "The Artist to the Stars".

Campeggi returned to Florence in the late 1990s after a long career in the United States, where he had created cinematic billboards for historical films such as 'Gone with the Wind," "Casablanca," "Singing in the Rain," "An American in Paris," "West Side Story," "Cat on a Hot Tin Roof," "Winners and Losers," "Exodus," and "Breakfast at Tiffany's."

His father, a printer and typesetter, introduced him to the world of graphics and design at an early age. Campeggi attended the Art School at Porta Romana, studying under accomplished painters such as Ottone Rosai and Ardengo Soffici.

Campeggi's first career breakthrough arrived in the form of a World War II commission from the American Red Cross to paint the portraits of American soldiers before they returned home. After the war, he moved to Rome, where he was engaged by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer. Following, he produced the poster for "Gone with the Wind," featuring a painting of Clark Gable holding Vivien Leigh in a passionate embrace.

Over the course of his career, Campeggi designed posters and advertising graphics for over 3000 films, designing for the likes of MGM, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Universal, Columbia Pictures, United Artists, RKO, 20th Century Fox, and several other movie studios. Sixty-four of the films he illustrated for won Oscars.

By the 1970s, film poster illustrations packed less of a punch due to the emergence of television and newspaper advertising. In response, Campeggi returned to Florence, Italy around that time. Various private and public organizations soon commissioned him to do paintings, including a postage stamp in 1975.

In 2008, for the 150th anniversary of Giacomo Puccini’s birth, Campeggi was commissioned to produce a special tribute titled "The Girls of Puccini." The same year, he began working on a Napoleon series to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the emperor's association with the island of Elba. The "Napoleon at Elba" exhibition opened in September 2008 at Portoferraio.

Search "Campeggi" to see his other posters.

Uploaded

May 30th, 2021