Monday, August 31, 2015

James Bond U.S. Poster Rankings: No. 7

The result of this poster being in the number seven spot among top domestic one-sheets for the James Bond film series might have been swayed a little by my feelings for the movie itself, but I do like the restraint that is used in the following poster.
 
 
7. Goldfinger
In today's world of ADD marketing where every square inch of the frame must be utilized, the poster for Goldfinger might have looked something like this.
 
 
This is the re-release poster used in the United States in 2010.  It is actually labeled Overdrive Release, which somewhat solidifies my point that even the names of things today have to be amped up in order to grab the attention of moviegoers.  Subtlety isn't really in the lexicon of marketing departments.  But if you look at the poster at the top, it is three small photos centered on a black background, with one image blocking the naked bottom of a golden model.  The only other coloring found is in the tag line and credits.  Much of the poster is dead space, which you just don't find much of in today's posters.
 
While I very much enjoy the poster at the top, I am also a fan of the French Grande, which mirrors many of the French posters found in the James Bond series.
 
 
The use of drawings instead of photographs, the action between Bond and Oddjob, and the conformity with other of the film's posters from around the globe of blocking the golden girl's behind with Bond's face are well balanced to create a great-looking piece of artwork.  And that is exactly what it is.  It's not just a promotional piece to market Goldfinger, but an artist's work that was thoughtfully crafted.

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