''Ben Hur'', -b 1959 - art by Reynold Brown is a mixed media by Movie World Posters which was uploaded on February 10th, 2021.
''Ben Hur'', -b 1959 - art by Reynold Brown
Vintage movie poster reproduction for ''Ben Hur'', a 1959 American epic historical film directed by William Wyler and based on Lew Wallace's 1880... more
Title
''Ben Hur'', -b 1959 - art by Reynold Brown
Artist
Movie World Posters
Medium
Mixed Media - Digital Art
Description
Vintage movie poster reproduction for ''Ben Hur'', a 1959 American epic historical film directed by William Wyler and based on Lew Wallace's 1880 novel "Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ." The film is known for its grand scale, epic chariot race, and impressive production values. It starred Charlton Heston in the titular role and remains one of the most iconic and acclaimed films in cinematic history.
Here are some key elements and notable aspects of "Ben-Hur" (1959):
Charlton Heston as Judah Ben-Hur: Charlton Heston delivers a powerful and memorable performance as Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish prince who is wrongfully accused and seeks revenge against his former friend Messala.
Epic Scale: "Ben-Hur" is renowned for its epic scale, featuring elaborate sets, massive crowds, and spectacular sequences that transport audiences to ancient Rome and Jerusalem.
Chariot Race: The film's centerpiece is the thrilling and iconic chariot race sequence, widely considered one of the greatest action scenes in cinema history. The race is a breathtaking spectacle that took months to plan and film.
Religious Themes: "Ben-Hur" incorporates religious themes and parallels with the life of Jesus Christ, who plays a significant role in the story. The film explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and spiritual transformation.
William Wyler's Direction: Director William Wyler's meticulous attention to detail and his ability to capture both intimate character moments and grand spectacle contributed to the film's success.
Academy Awards: "Ben-Hur" won a record-breaking 11 Academy Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Actor for Charlton Heston. This achievement was unmatched until "Titanic" (1997) and "The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King" (2003).
Cultural Impact: "Ben-Hur" had a significant impact on popular culture, becoming a classic example of the epic film genre. Its chariot race sequence is often referenced in cinematic discussions.
Adaptation: The film is a remake of the 1925 silent film adaptation of Lew Wallace's novel. Both versions are highly regarded, with the 1959 adaptation being the more famous of the two.
Technological Advances: "Ben-Hur" made use of innovative special effects and cinematography techniques for its time, contributing to its visual splendor.
Enduring Legacy: "Ben-Hur" (1959) remains a beloved and respected film, not only for its epic storytelling and grandeur but also for its timeless themes and performances. It continues to be celebrated as one of the greatest achievements in the history of cinema.
In summary, "Ben-Hur" (1959) is an epic historical film known for its grand scale, memorable performances, and iconic chariot race sequence. It has left an indelible mark on cinematic history and continues to be celebrated for its cinematic achievements and timeless themes.
About the artist:
William Reynold Brown (October 18, 1917 – August 24, 1991) was an American realist artist who painted around 250 Hollywood film posters. He was also briefly active as a comics artist and he worked as a technical artist at North American Aviation during World War II.
Following the war, Brown drew paperback book covers along with advertisements and illustrations for numerous magazines including Argosy, Popular Science, Saturday Evening Post, Boys' Life, Outdoor Life, and Popular Aviation.
Brown taught at the Art Center College of Design in Los Angeles before he started creating film posters. Among the dozens he designed was an original painting for The Alamo, which hung for years at the actual Alamo in San Antonio, Texas. Some of his other well-known posters at the time included How the West Was Won, The Incredible Shrinking Man, Dr. Zhivago, Ben Hur, Spartacus, Mutiny on the Bounty, and The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Today, he is best remembered for his posters for The Creature From the Black Lagoon and the cult classic Attack of the 50-Foot Woman.
Brown's posters imparted a sense of cinematic adventure to movie theater lobbies across the country. The posters became popular due to his ability to portray movie scenes using a dramatic collage effect. Unlike earlier poster designers, he based his illustrations and compositions not on traditional graphic design but on the dynamic nature of popular filmmaking.
Although his posters were widely recognized and contributed to the success of many popular films, Brown, like other movie poster artists, was contracted to maintain his anonymity and could not sign his work.
In 1953, Brown cofounded the Society of Illustrators of Los Angeles. He suffered a stroke in 1976, after which he spent the remaining years of his life on a 180-acre plot of land in Nebraska.
In 1994, a documentary about Brown was broadcast on television, titled The Man Who Drew Bug-Eyed Monsters. In addition, a book with many of his artworks was published in 2009, “Reynold Brown: A Life in Pictures.” According to a movie reviewer in Nebraska, as a result of the documentary, Brown and his colleagues are beginning to get the recognition they deserve, not only as talented artists but for their broader impact on popular culture.
Uploaded
February 10th, 2021
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