''White Heat'' - 1949 - art by Luigi Martinati

A vintage movie poster of ''White Heat,'', a 1949 American film noir and crime drama directed by Raoul Walsh. This film is celebrated for its intense... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''White Heat'' - 1949 - art by Luigi Martinati

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Photograph

Description

A vintage movie poster of ''White Heat,'', a 1949 American film noir and crime drama directed by Raoul Walsh. This film is celebrated for its intense and electrifying portrayal of a ruthless and psychologically complex criminal, as well as its exploration of the dark side of human nature.

The story revolves around Cody Jarrett (played by James Cagney), a cunning and volatile gangster with a mother complex. Cody leads a gang of criminals in a series of daring heists and violent crimes. When he becomes the prime suspect in a train robbery and murder, he decides to surrender to the authorities for a lesser charge. However, this is just part of his plan to gain access to a prison where he can continue his criminal activities. Inside the prison, Cody's volatile nature and obsession with his mother escalate, leading to a dramatic and explosive climax.

"White Heat" is characterized by its gritty and suspenseful storytelling, as well as James Cagney's iconic and unforgettable performance as Cody Jarrett. Cagney's portrayal of the complex and unhinged gangster is considered one of the highlights of his career.

The film explores themes of crime, psychology, and the blurred lines between law enforcement and criminality. It delves into the disturbing relationship between Cody and his overbearing mother, played by Margaret Wycherly, adding a layer of psychological depth to the narrative.

"White Heat" is also known for its famous line, "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!", delivered by Cagney during the film's climactic finale.

While "White Heat" may not be as well-remembered as some other classic crime films, it remains a significant work for its portrayal of a complex and iconic cinematic gangster and its exploration of the dark and twisted aspects of human behavior.

In conclusion, "White Heat" is a 1949 film noir and crime drama directed by Raoul Walsh, celebrated for its intense portrayal of a ruthless criminal, James Cagney's iconic performance, and its exploration of psychological complexity. It is a classic in the genre of crime cinema, offering a gripping and suspenseful narrative that continues to captivate audiences..

About the artist:

Luigi Martinati (1893-1983), born in Florence, Italy, on Dec. 31, 1893, was a significant Italian illustrator and painter. He spent most of his career creating artwork for film posters.

While growing up in Florence, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts, then moved to Rome in 1911 when he was 18. There, he worked as an apprentice for film poster artist Federico Ballester (1868-1926), the father of Anselmo Ballester, who also became a poster artist.

Between 1923 and 1941, he devoted himself to advertising illustration. He designed posters of various subjects and themes, from commercial advertising billboards to tourist signs to political posters to significant celebratory events.

He later became the director of IGAP (Impresa Generale Affissioni Pubblicità), a leading advertising agency in Rome. In that role, he began collaborating with various film companies, primarily Warner Brothers studios. Soon after World War II, the advertising sector became dedicated exclusively to movie illustrations.

In the mid-1940s, he teamed up with two other painters of Italian film posters, Anselmo Ballester and Alfredo Capitani. Together, they founded BCM studio (using letters from their surnames) and dedicated their efforts exclusively to producing film posters.

Martinati's images typically invoked robust realism. His style was characterized by a foreground depicting a large portrait with a minor scene in the background. He also stands out for his technique, which focused on the strength of the subjects without lingering on details and particulars. The heroes of Martinati posters are realistic and believable, with few exaggerated expressions or poses..

In 1959, he cut back on his partnership with Warner Brothers and other film production and distribution companies. By 1967, he discontinued his successful career as a film poster artist to work primarily as an easel painter.

He died in Rome in 1983 at the age of 90.

To see some of his other posters, enter his last name in the search.

Uploaded

August 1st, 2021