''Raiders of the Lost Ark'', 1981 - art by Richard Amsel

by Retro Movie Posters

Title

''Raiders of the Lost Ark'', 1981 - art by Richard Amsel

Artist

Retro Movie Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster

Description

A vintage movie poster of ''Raiders of the Lost Ark'', a classic adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and released in 1981. It is the first installment in the Indiana Jones film series and is often considered one of the greatest action-adventure movies ever made. The film was produced by George Lucas and features Harrison Ford in the iconic role of Indiana Jones, a daring archaeologist and adventurer.

The plot of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" revolves around Indiana Jones' quest to find the Ark of the Covenant, an ancient biblical artifact said to possess immense power. The Nazis, led by the menacing Colonel Dietrich and the sinister archaeologist Dr. René Belloq, are also in pursuit of the Ark, hoping to use its supernatural power to aid their war efforts.

The film is set in the 1930s and takes the audience on a globe-trotting adventure filled with action, intrigue, and perilous situations. Indiana Jones travels to various exotic locations, including Nepal, Cairo, and a remote island, as he races against time to locate the Ark before the Nazis can get their hands on it.

One of the most memorable and iconic scenes in the movie is the opening sequence, where Indiana Jones navigates a booby-trapped temple to retrieve a golden idol. The film is known for its thrilling action sequences, including a chase scene involving a rolling boulder and a climactic showdown on the island.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" blends elements of archaeology, history, and mythology with action and humor, making it a highly entertaining and enduring film. It also introduced audiences to the character of Indiana Jones, who would go on to become one of cinema's most beloved and enduring heroes.

The film received critical acclaim upon its release and was a massive box office success. It went on to win several Academy Awards and remains a beloved classic in the world of cinema, spawning three sequels and a devoted fan following. The character of Indiana Jones and his adventures have become synonymous with thrilling and adventurous storytelling in the world of film.

About the artist:

Richard Amsel (December 4, 1947 – November 13, 1985) was an American illustrator and graphic designer. His career was brief but prolific, spanning the creation of movie posters, album covers, and magazine covers.

He was born in Philadelphia, enrolling at the Philadelphia College of Art after high school. Soon after graduating, when he was 22, he created a proposed poster for the Barbra Streisand musical “Hello, Dolly!” During a nationwide talent search for artists, 20th Century Fox selected it as the winning poster.

Following that early success, Amsel designed the artwork for Bette Midler's debut album. Subsequently, several publishers commissioned him to design magazine covers, including Lily Tomlin’s “Time” cover in 1977.
He also worked with “TV Guide,” designing more than 40 covers over 13 years.

He created many recognizable movie posters during the 1970s, including “The Champ,” “Chinatown,” “Julia,” “The Last Picture Show,” “The Last Tycoon,” “The Life and Times of Judge Roy Bean,” “McCabe & Mrs. Miller,” “The Muppet Movie,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Nashville,” “Papillon,” “The Shootist,” and “The Sting.”

Amsel received multiple awards during his brief career, including the New York and Los Angeles Society of Illustrators Award, a Golden Key Award from “The Hollywood Reporter,” and a Grammy Award.

In 1985, Amsel died of AIDS at the age of 37. A documentary film about his life was announced in January 2016 and is currently in production. It will be titled “Amsel: Illustrator of the Lost Art.”

Search "Amsel" to see his other art.

Uploaded

January 28th, 2022

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