Vintage Movie Wallpaper of the Day
Thursday, February 19, 2009

If you’re a fan of great tracking shots and creative inter-scene movement of the camera in cinema… then you really should check out many Tonino Valerii films! He is one of those rare filmmakers I can feel perfectly his footprint in the flow of how a film is cut, the camera moves and the free flowing yet precise ways he guides his actors/actresses through their marks and character arcs. He’s a Leone disciple done proud. I’m not just saying that because you would also find filmmaker Richard Linklater damn near mirroring my sentiments but because I truly marvel and feel the same way about Valerii.

Here in Day of Anger (I Giorni dell’ira) if it weren’t for Lee Van Cleef getting some of the best dialogue of his career to say, you could almost turn the audio off save for the score by Riz Ortolani, you could experience it as a beautiful silent spaghetti western. The fusion of style, collaboration, energy and resourcefulness of the production designer, Enzo Serafin, Franco Fraticelli and Tonino Valerii make this one of my all-time favorite spaghetti westerns. This one is a real unsung treat that deserves to have a much wider following.

This re-release Japanese poster for the film is a great montage of imagery from the film and the symmetry Giuliano Gemma and Van Cleef share in it really elevates it even more. The only thing in my opinion it’s missing that would really put it over the top are some fiery flames. Regardless this is a stunning spaghetti western poster featuring a really inspired montage and sweaty crackling colors.

Many of the various home video releases of this film have been atrocious to say the least. Most save for the Wild East are too washed out, too cropped and riddled with audio imperfections to really grade it definitively. My recommendation would be to track down a copy of the Wild East DVD release (info) whenever it pops up on eBay. Outside of that I can say seeing this on film is hands down the best way to experience it. I’ve seen it once projected on the big screen and it’s that experience that makes it stand out so much.

Related Coverage:
::: Japanese Poster Celebration Month – January 2009

Image Source:
Official artwork that was used in the original Japanese poster for the film.

Related Links:
::: IMDb Profile

As far as westerns go this is a love it or hate it affair with most seeming to like regardless the performances by Lee Van Cleef and Jim Brown. However you feel there is no getting around this outstanding poster for El Condor. Nothing like a great Lee Van Cleef or Jim Brown poster!

Related Coverage:
::: Previous Lee Van Cleef Movie Wallpaper (Cinema is Dope)
::: Japanese Poster Celebration Month – January 2009

Image Source:
Official artwork that was used in the original Japanese poster for the film.

Related Links:
::: IMDb Profile

Slow burn cowboy tales aren’t for everyone but when done right, especially in the hands of Sam Peckinpah, pack in with a strong current of immersion, character and movie escapism.

I suppose this title is more of an acquired taste entry from Sam Peckinpah than one widely loved and praised. In many ways for me it feels like a nice departure from his other tense action packed movies that adds nice variety to his overall body of work. Make no mistake the Peckinpah footprint is all over this one despite its lack of action packed frames. Seeing this on the big screen during one of the Tarantino Film Festivals stands out as one of my favorite Austin film experiences.

Steve McQueen is of course great in this role as is one of my other favorites in Barbara Leigh. They both certainly made audiences, myself included, rise up in their chairs whenever they were onscreen as they added all those extra intangibles and magic that just cannot be taught.

Related Coverage:
::: Previous Steve McQueen Movie Wallpaper (Cinema is Dope)
::: Previous Barbara Leigh Movie Wallpaper (Cinema is Dope)
::: Japanese Poster Celebration Month – January 2009

Image Source:
Official artwork that was used in the original Japanese poster for the film.

Related Links:
::: IMDb Profile

Lee Marvin Month – February 2009

Vintage Wallpaper of the Day
Sunday, February 8, 2009

Been under the weather the past several days, so expect Lee Marvin month to pick back up again in the next 24-48 hrs. Up today we have Mr. Marvin in a landmark role and in one of the most memorable poses and photographs of his career.

Lee Marvin Month! – February 2009 (Archive):
::: February 8 – Cat Ballou (1965)
::: February 3 – Combat! – The Bridge at Chalons (1963)
::: February 2 – Lee Marvin Portrait #2 (Smiling)
::: February 2 – The Professionals (1966)
::: February 1 – Lee Marvin Portrait #1 (San Quentin – Drama at Prison)
::: February 1 – The Dirty Dozen (1967)
::: Preview – The Virginian (1962)

About Lee Marvin Month:
Lee Marvin fans rejoice with the month long celebration, immersion and exploration of his work here at Cinema is Dope. This series will take place in February 2009 and will highlight the career of Lee Marvin from cinema to television to real life. Pictures will be of him kicking ass, fighting, drinking, smiling, displaying his trademark scowl and more. Rest assure lots and lots and lots of rare images from both is work and personal life will be on display.

Please help and spread the word on Lee Marvin Month here at Cinema is Dope. Tweet your friends. Mention it in your Facebook status or Friendfeed. Link to it on your blog. Any support is greatly appreciated!!!!!

You can follow along at these specific urls/web addresses:
::: www.cinemaisdope.com/category/movie-wallpaper-lee-marvin-month/
::: tinyurl.com/lee-marvin-month

Related Coverage:
::: Previous Lee Marvin Wallpaper (Cinema is Dope)
::: Lee Marvin: The Coolest Lethal Weapon – Retro done at the Lincoln Center
::: NYT look at Lee Marvin and Lincoln Center Retro

If you’re interested in learning more about Lee Marvin, I highly recommend the following Cinema is Dope book pick for February 2009, MARVIN – The Story of Lee Marvin by Donald Zec.

Additionally fans of Lee Marvin cinema will want to pick up this amazing Point Blank poster from Mondo Tees!

As always when in Austin, Texas, be sure to check out Weird Wednesday (January/February 2009 lineup). Previous titles screened include Point Blank.

My current favorite restaurant in Austin is Kyoto Japanese Restaurant. Sushi rolls recommended are their Longhorn and Godzilla rolls. If you’re in a hurry sitting at the sushi bar is recommended. Be sure to tell them CinemaisDope.com sent you if you visit.

Image Source:
Official still used in the original US release.

Related Links:
::: IMDb Profile

Coming Soon – March 2009 @ Cinema is Dope will feature a month long look at the Neuchatel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF).

Previous Monthly Highlights:
::: Japanese Poster Appreciation Month Preview – January 2009