''Serpico'', 1973 - art by Jano

A vintage movie poster of ''Serpico'', a 1973 American crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet. The film is based on the real-life experiences of... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''Serpico'', 1973 - art by Jano

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Mixed Media - Vintage Movie Poster

Description

A vintage movie poster of ''Serpico'', a 1973 American crime drama film directed by Sidney Lumet. The film is based on the real-life experiences of Frank Serpico, a New York City police officer who exposed corruption and misconduct within the NYPD during the 1960s and early 1970s.

Here are some key aspects of "Serpico" (1973):

Plot: The film follows the life and career of Frank Serpico, portrayed by Al Pacino, from his early days as a police officer to his assignment in various precincts in New York City. Serpico becomes increasingly aware of widespread corruption and unethical behavior among his fellow officers. He takes it upon himself to expose the corruption, leading to a dangerous and isolating journey.

Al Pacino: Al Pacino delivers a standout performance as Frank Serpico, capturing the character's integrity, determination, and internal conflict. Pacino's portrayal earned him critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Real-Life Inspiration: "Serpico" is based on the true story of Frank Serpico, who became a whistleblower within the NYPD and testified before the Knapp Commission about widespread corruption. The film closely follows his experiences, including his struggles to bring the truth to light and the personal toll it took on him.

Director Sidney Lumet: Sidney Lumet, known for his expertise in directing crime and character-driven dramas, helmed the film. His direction helped create a gritty and authentic portrayal of urban policing and corruption in New York City.

Themes: "Serpico" explores themes of moral integrity, institutional corruption, and the price one pays for standing up against wrongdoing. It delves into the moral dilemmas faced by individuals who choose to speak out against corruption and injustice.

Realism: The film is known for its realistic depiction of police work and life in New York City during the 1960s and early 1970s. It captures the grittiness of the urban environment and the challenges faced by law enforcement officers.

Impact: "Serpico" had a significant impact on public perception of police corruption and accountability. It shed light on the need for transparency and reform within law enforcement agencies.

Legacy: "Serpico" remains a classic in the crime drama genre and is considered one of Al Pacino's most iconic roles. It continues to be regarded as a powerful and thought-provoking film that addresses important social and ethical issues.

"Serpico" (1973) is a gripping crime drama that explores the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by a police officer who refuses to turn a blind eye to corruption. Al Pacino's powerful performance and the film's commitment to portraying real-life events make it a significant and enduring work in American cinema.

About the artist:

Francisco Fernández-Zarza Pérez (1922, Madrid – May 12, 1992), better known as "Jano," was a Spanish film poster artist, one of the most highly regarded of his time along with Soligó and Macario Quibus, aka "Mac."

The large number of artworks created by Fernando Zarza, known as "Jano," makes it complex to define the unitary aspects of his style. Lively, dynamic, and with intricate compositions, Jano is one of the favorite designers in the panorama of Spanish cinema. He created movie posters that are realistic and photographic and others more caricatured; he realized sensual female portraits but also conceptual images, characterized by few elements and characters.

What strikes you when you look at one of his works is the feeling of movement, dynamism, the vitality of his compositions. Scenes, settings, and protagonists fit together following different directives and vanishing points. The chaos of elements and colors makes Jano's posters a loud set of faces. But in this chaos, there is life, true action.

During the Spanish Civil War from 1936 to 1939, Jano worked as an illustrator for Republican magazines, which caused him to be imprisoned. In the 1950s, he worked as a comic book cover artist for publishers such as "Dollar." However, his skill in film advertising made him the preferred poster artist for many Spanish studios.

In 2006, Montserrat published a book featuring 221 actors painted by Jano. In 2014, an exhibition was held in his honor titled "Jano Movie Faces, 20 Posters to Remember". He also taught painting courses at the University of Madrid.

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Uploaded

September 25th, 2021