Anything Gauche » poster

Objects: Matt’s Stuff: Handwritten

Trish — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 17:00:38 +0000

Inspired by the packaging for Matt’s Agnès Varda box set,
some lovely examples of handwritten text used as design elements.

. . .

Maybe Sagmeister is an obvious one, but still worth the mention, no?

. . .

I’ll admit — it’s a clever poster.

. . .

{Point of Reference #1} … {Point of Reference #2}

Objects: Matt’s Stuff

Trish — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 18:02:16 +0000

It’s been a month since my last post. Is it even still relevant? Yes — especially when I have friends who so kindly answered my questions about their beloved possessions. In fact, I could probably tangent off their responses.

Matt — an amazing drummer, all around good guy, and one of the biggest cinephiles I know — owns hundreds of movies, each significant in their own way –

– partly for their monetary value:

…

– or their sentimental worth:

…

Matt is also working on his collection of vintage movie posters, which includes these very cool pieces:

But not all that is valued is cinematic. When I asked Matt what armload of possessions he would take if he had to abandon all his stuff, he replied: “My cat, my 50 years of Janus box set, my first edition Sea of Fertility tetralogy, my Wustof knives. I would carry it all on my 21″ Jack Dejohnette unfinished ride cymbal.”

Nice.

{Point of Reference}

Tangent from: The Thin Man

Trish — Fri, 29 May 2009 19:28:12 +0000

I’ve recently been on a Thin Man kick. This involves reading The Thin Man and then watching and re-watching all the movies from the series. I’ve realized that the subsequent movies aren’t as wonderful as the very first, but I’m happy that the witty banter between the husband and wife team played by William Powell and Myrna Loy (a great pairing) remain clever and charming throughout. I’ll admit that The Thin Man is also the only Dashiell Hammett novel I’ve read (though certainly not the only Hammett film adaptation I’ve seen) and I’m eager to read more of his work.

Just as charming are the film posters for the movie, with the lovely type from the time period and (surprise, surprise) a lot of images of Nick and Nora Charles, my favorite detective team.

Into the Sunset: Spaghetti Westerns

Trish — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 17:50:19 +0000

Geographically, Spaghetti Westerns are filmed nowhere near the American West, but they’re obviously about/influenced by it. These low-budget films introduced an international audience to cinematic and musical talents and maintain a significant place in film culture and history.

They’ve also produced some badass film posters.

(This is a DVD cover. And it has Klaus Kinski in it! I didn’t know he did Spaghetti Westerns!)

(The head on the ground is disgusting. I could do without that…)

. . .

And, in case you missed Mike’s comment, check out this wonderful short film by Salla Tykka featuring music by the great Morricone.

{Point of Reference}

Kid: Books of Wonder

Trish — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 00:25:39 +0000

Last Friday I had the day off and decided to visit AIGA to check out a great exhibition full of innovative and inspiring ways to use type and material. Since I was in the neighborhood, I decided to stop by Books of Wonder, where I’m guaranteed a treat in the form of beautifully illustrated and produced books, as well as yummy cupcakes.

Here’s a visual summary of my visit.

These posters are available for sale on their site.

{Point of Reference}

Kid: The Tramp (and The Kid)

Trish — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 17:38:53 +0000

The recreation of heartwarming scenes and the combination of varying colorful type make for some very sweet and touching film posters for the Tramp’s The Kid.

{Point of Reference}

The Third Man: Totally Crushing

Trish — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 04:30:38 +0000

I am totally crushing on Joseph Cotten.

{Point of Reference}

The Wife: Architecture In Helsinki

Trish — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 05:00:36 +0000

Joan Castleman’s thoughts on Nordic building designs are evident when she describes an acquaintance’s features: “…I was formally introduced to the president, a man of my age named Mr. Timo Kristian with a stern face not unlike Finnish architecture.”

She is clearly not thinking of the upbeat playful pop that is Architecture in Helsinki. One can see how the bright cartoon charm of their packaging, video, and photos is an accurate representation of their sound.

* * *

Check out their infectious energy from their performance for the artfully produced Take Away Shows.

About the Take Away Shows:

“Every week, we invite an artist or a band to play in the streets, in a bar, a park, or even in a flat or in an elevator, and we film the whole session. Of course, what makes the beauty of it is all the little incidents, hesitations, and crazy stuff happening unexpectingly.”

{Point of reference}

The Wife: To Walk A Mile In Your Heels

Trish — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 05:00:53 +0000

There’s nothing like cross-dressing to give you some perspective.

Anyway, that’s what I enjoy about movies that involve playing dress-up. The protagonist develops: an awareness of his/her surroundings; an appreciation for his/her colleagues, peers, and companions; and an understanding of the other gender, as well as his/her self. Plus, it makes for good comedy.

The film posters for Some Like It Hot include hand-drawn lettering, bright colors, and its cast of comedians.

And of course Marilyn.

***

Tootsie uses the memorable Dorothy Michaels in its promotion. The Russian film poster even shows the character metamorphosis.

***

Just One of the Guys just uses sex appeal– of both genders.

I don’t even get that last poster. Oh well — blame it on the 80’s.

{Point of Reference}

Maneaters: El Matador

Trish — Tue, 17 Mar 2009 04:18:13 +0000

Let me be clear about this: I do not condone bullfighting. I think it is a cruel, barbaric,and unnecessary sport. I fully support PETA’s campaign in Europe to end it.

I am, however, fascinated by the grace and glamour of the matador and can understand how Manet and Hemingway were inspired by them.

To see them move in the ring must be like the watching a ballet (I’ve never actually seen a bullfight). And their attire is far more ornate and beautiful than the tutu.

It’s no wonder the matador jacket and cape have continually influenced fashion designers.

{Point of reference}