''White Heat'', 1949, movie poster painting by Luigi Martinati

Base painting of the vintage movie poster for ''White Heat'', a classic 1949 American film noir directed by Raoul Walsh, starring James Cagney in one... more

by Movie World Posters

Title

''White Heat'', 1949, movie poster painting by Luigi Martinati

Artist

Movie World Posters

Medium

Painting - Movie Posters

Description

Base painting of the vintage movie poster for ''White Heat'', a classic 1949 American film noir directed by Raoul Walsh, starring James Cagney in one of his most iconic roles. It's a gripping crime drama that explores the dark underworld of organized crime and the complex psychology of its central character.

James Cagney stars as Cody Jarrett, a ruthless and volatile gangster with a pathological attachment to his mother, Ma Jarrett (played by Margaret Wycherly). Cody is the leader of a gang of criminals who carry out daring heists and robberies, all while staying one step ahead of the law.

The film begins with a daring train robbery orchestrated by Cody and his gang, establishing him as a cunning and dangerous criminal. However, Cody's grip on his criminal empire begins to unravel when he becomes the target of an undercover police investigation led by Detective Hank Fallon (played by Edmond O'Brien).

As the pressure mounts and Cody's mental state deteriorates, he becomes increasingly paranoid and unstable, leading to a series of violent confrontations and betrayals. The film builds to a tense and explosive climax as Cody's world comes crashing down around him in a spectacular finale.

"White Heat" is celebrated for its electrifying performances, especially that of James Cagney, who delivers a tour-de-force performance as the volatile and charismatic Cody Jarrett. Cagney's portrayal of Cody is both chilling and compelling, capturing the character's intensity and complexity with raw energy and conviction.

Directed with style and flair by Raoul Walsh, "White Heat" is a masterclass in film noir storytelling, featuring sharp dialogue, atmospheric cinematography, and a suspenseful plot that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats. The film's exploration of themes such as loyalty, betrayal, and the destructive nature of ambition has ensured its enduring popularity and status as a classic of the genre.

Base art is the poster artwork after the text has been digitally removed.

About the artist:

Luigi Martinati (1893-1983), born in Florence, Italy, on Dec. 31, 1893, was a significant Italian illustrator and painter. He spent most of his career creating artwork for film posters.

While growing up in Florence, he attended the Academy of Fine Arts, then moved to Rome in 1911 when he was 18. There, he worked as an apprentice for film poster artist Federico Ballester (1868-1926), the father of Anselmo Ballester, who also became a poster artist.

Between 1923 and 1941, he devoted himself to advertising illustration. He designed posters of various subjects and themes, from commercial advertising billboards to tourist signs to political posters to significant celebratory events.

He later became the director of IGAP (Impresa Generale Affissioni Pubblicità), a leading advertising agency in Rome. In that role, he began collaborating with various film companies, primarily Warner Brothers studios. Soon after World War II, the advertising sector became dedicated exclusively to movie illustrations.

In the mid-1940s, he teamed up with two other painters of Italian film posters, Anselmo Ballester and Alfredo Capitani. Together, they founded BCM studio (using letters from their surnames) and dedicated their efforts exclusively to producing film posters.

Martinati's images typically invoked robust realism. His style was characterized by a foreground depicting a large portrait with a minor scene in the background. He also stands out for his technique, which focused on the strength of the subjects without lingering on details and particulars. The heroes of Martinati posters are realistic and believable, with few exaggerated expressions or poses.

In 1959, he cut back on his partnership with Warner Brothers and other film production and distribution companies. By 1967, he discontinued his successful career as a film poster artist to work primarily as an easel painter.

He died in Rome in 1983 at the age of 90.

Uploaded

October 29th, 2022