''The Dragon Painter'', 1919, movie poster painting

Base painting for the vintage movie poster ''The Dragon Painter'', a silent romantic drama film released in 1919, directed by William Worthington and... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''The Dragon Painter'', 1919, movie poster painting

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Painting - Movie Posters

Description

Base painting for the vintage movie poster ''The Dragon Painter'', a silent romantic drama film released in 1919, directed by William Worthington and starring Sessue Hayakawa. Set against the backdrop of rural Japan, the film tells the story of Tatsu (played by Sessue Hayakawa), a talented but eccentric artist who becomes obsessed with finding the woman he believes to be his lost love, the Princess Ume-Ko, who vanished years ago.

Tatsu, known as "The Dragon Painter" due to his obsession with painting dragons, is discovered living in the mountains by a young woman named Ume-Ko (played by Tsuru Aoki), who bears a striking resemblance to the princess of his dreams. Ume-Ko, who is actually a common peasant girl, becomes both Tatsu's muse and his source of inspiration as he seeks to capture her likeness in his paintings.

As Tatsu's infatuation with Ume-Ko deepens, he struggles with conflicting desires: his longing for artistic fulfillment and his yearning for a love that may only exist in his imagination. The film explores themes of artistic passion, romantic obsession, and the quest for identity as Tatsu grapples with the blurred lines between reality and fantasy.

Sessue Hayakawa delivers a compelling performance as Tatsu, portraying his character's emotional complexity with subtlety and depth. Tsuru Aoki shines as Ume-Ko, bringing warmth and vulnerability to her role as the object of Tatsu's affection.

"The Dragon Painter" is notable for its evocative cinematography and its depiction of Japanese culture and mythology. Directed by William Worthington, the film offers a glimpse into the artistic traditions and spiritual beliefs of early 20th-century Japan, while also exploring universal themes of love, longing, and the power of creativity.

While "The Dragon Painter" may not be as well-known today as some other silent era classics, it remains a significant work in the history of cinema, showcasing Sessue Hayakawa's talent and the enduring appeal of its timeless story of love and artistic inspiration.

Base art is the poster artwork after the text has been digitally removed.

Uploaded

October 17th, 2022