''West Side Story'' 1961 - art by Silvano Campeggi is a mixed media by Movie World Posters which was uploaded on April 6th, 2021.
''West Side Story'' 1961 - art by Silvano Campeggi
A vintage Italian poster for the musical ''West Side Story'', a 1961 American musical drama film directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. The film... more
Title
''West Side Story'' 1961 - art by Silvano Campeggi
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters
Description
A vintage Italian poster for the musical ''West Side Story'', a 1961 American musical drama film directed by Jerome Robbins and Robert Wise. The film is an adaptation of the 1957 Broadway musical of the same name, which was inspired by William Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet." "West Side Story" is renowned for its powerful storytelling, memorable music, and choreography, and it remains a classic of American cinema.
The film is set in the streets of New York City and revolves around two rival gangs: the Jets, a group of white American teenagers, and the Sharks, a Puerto Rican immigrant gang. Amid the tension and conflict between the two groups, a love story unfolds between Tony (played by Richard Beymer), a former Jet, and Maria (played by Natalie Wood), the sister of the Sharks' leader.
"West Side Story" is celebrated for its dynamic and emotionally charged musical numbers, composed by Leonard Bernstein with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The film's iconic songs include "Tonight," "Maria," "America," and "I Feel Pretty," among others. The music enhances the emotional depth of the characters and the cultural clash between the two gangs.
Natalie Wood's performance as Maria is a central highlight of the film. She captures the innocence, passion, and vulnerability of her character, making Maria a sympathetic and memorable figure in the story. Richard Beymer's portrayal of Tony complements Wood's performance, and their chemistry onscreen adds to the film's romantic tension.
The film's choreography, overseen by Jerome Robbins and reproduced for the screen by Peter Gennaro, is a standout aspect of "West Side Story." The dance sequences are energetic and visually striking, with the "Dance at the Gym" and the rumble between the gangs being particularly memorable.
"West Side Story" received widespread critical acclaim upon its release and won ten Academy Awards, including Best Picture. It is celebrated for its bold and innovative storytelling, addressing themes of love, prejudice, and social conflict. The film's adaptation of Shakespeare's timeless tragedy to the streets of 1950s New York City adds depth and resonance to the narrative.
The enduring popularity of "West Side Story" has led to numerous stage revivals and adaptations, cementing its status as a classic of American musical cinema. The film's impact on musical theater and its timeless themes continue to resonate with audiences, making it a beloved and enduring classic.
About the artist:
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.
To see his other posters, enter his last name in the search.
Uploaded
April 6th, 2021