We said it last year, but apparently the bigwigs over on the left coast didn't listen: Hollywood needs to step up its poster game. If you ask us, the industry has forgotten that posters should be an artform, rather than an annoying product of marketing. In an effort to catch our eyes, movie posters have been stripped of their voice, their style, and their ability to be challenging. Where's this generation's Silence of the Lambs? Can a dude get that Clockwork Orange heat in 2016?
It's not like this year's Oscar noms have been bereft of verve. There was Mad Max, one of the most visually loud movies in recent memory; there was Leo intermingling with the innards of an animal; there was a Quentin Tarantino movie for gods sake. Yet all we got from the art departments were some cheesy poses, and a close-up of DiCaprio's flea-beard. There was even a Star Wars movie this year, and though the poster that came with it satisfied both tradition and fans' need for information (and conspiracy fodder), it left more than a little to be desired in the creativity department.
So once again, we had to put ourselves in the shoes of DONDA, the team who might have too much creativity. Kanye's design collective is fresh off packing hundreds of YZY-clad, sad-looking, rules-following models into Madison Square Garden while 'Ye passed around the AUX cord. Meanwhile, at the merch stands in the concourse, they were selling these T-shirts, airbrushed proof that no one else is on their level (whether that's a good or bad thing, you decide). So let's once again bring that attention to design to the Oscars, because clearly they need some help. Maybe by next year, the Academy will take note.
Artwork by Danny Scanzoni
creed
the hateful eight
mad max: fury road
inside out
the revenant
star wars: the force awakens
steve jobs
straight outta compton