''Scarface'' 1932 - art by Constanin Belinsky

A vintage movie poster reprint of ''Scarface'', a 1932 American pre-Code gangster film directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Howard Hughes. The... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''Scarface'' 1932 - art by Constanin Belinsky

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Posters

Description

A vintage movie poster reprint of ''Scarface'', a 1932 American pre-Code gangster film directed by Howard Hawks and produced by Howard Hughes. The film is loosely based on the life of Al Capone and features Paul Muni in the leading role as Tony Camonte, a ruthless and ambitious mobster. George Raft plays the character of Guino Rinaldo, Camonte's loyal friend and right-hand man. "Scarface" is known for its gritty depiction of organized crime and its impact on society.

Here are some key elements of the film:

Tony Camonte (Paul Muni): Paul Muni portrays Tony Camonte, a hot-tempered and power-hungry mobster who rises through the ranks of the Chicago underworld. His character is driven by a desire for wealth and control.

Guino Rinaldo (George Raft): George Raft plays Guino Rinaldo, Tony's close friend and confidant, who is known for his skill with a coin-flip and unwavering loyalty to Tony.

Prohibition Era: "Scarface" is set during the Prohibition era in Chicago, a time when the illegal production and distribution of alcohol fueled the rise of organized crime.

Violence and Crime: The film does not shy away from depicting violence, criminal activities, and the brutal tactics used by Tony and his gang to maintain control over their territory.

Censorship Issues: "Scarface" was released during the pre-Code era of Hollywood, which allowed for more explicit content in films. However, it faced censorship challenges due to its violence and portrayal of criminal behavior.

Howard Hawks' Direction: Director Howard Hawks brings his skill in creating tension and suspense to the film, crafting a compelling story that explores the dark side of ambition and criminality.

Influence on the Gangster Genre: "Scarface" is considered one of the early classics of the gangster film genre and had a significant influence on subsequent films within the genre.

Al Capone Connection: While the film is not a direct biographical account of Al Capone's life, it is widely believed to have been inspired by his rise to power as a notorious gangster.

Morality and Consequences: The film raises questions about the consequences of a life of crime and the morality of its characters. Tony's ruthlessness and ambition lead to his downfall.

Legacy: "Scarface" has left a lasting legacy in the world of cinema and is often referenced in discussions about gangster films and the portrayal of antiheroes.

"Scarface" remains a classic and influential entry in the gangster film genre. Paul Muni's intense performance as Tony Camonte, along with the film's portrayal of crime and ambition, continue to captivate audiences and serve as a reminder of the turbulent era of Prohibition-era organized crime.

About the artist:

Constanin Belinsky (1904–1999) was born in Bratslav, Ukraine. He studied art in Chișinău, Romania before working professionally in Paris, where he painted posters for classic dramas. Later in his career, he specialized in genre films such as "The Creature from the Black Lagoon."

Belinsky’s style is particularly bright and attention-grabbing, thanks to a color palette with major yellow elements. Much attention is also paid to the typographic characters, creating particularly expressive titles and varying with other textual elements, such as names of actors, directors, film production companies. The result is a diverse miscellany of images and words. Unlike other movie posters, Belinsky's portraits are not particularly realistic, they do not want to faithfully represent the faces of the protagonists as if they were true. The designer is more focused in producing powerfull figures often depicted full length, accentuating poses, movements, and dynamism.

Search "Belinsky" to see more of his art.

Uploaded

April 17th, 2021