It is difficult for us to pretend to be detached about Drew Struzan. This is the sort of movie-poster artwork that made a lot of people fall in love with posters before they even knew poster collecting existed.
Back to the Future is the obvious example. You can recognise the film from the pose alone. Add the light, the DeLorean and Struzan’s painting and the poster somehow gives you the feeling of the movie without explaining the plot.
His work became closely associated with the blockbuster era, with major campaigns connected to Star Wars, Indiana Jones and many other films. What looks effortless is actually a difficult balance: recognisable likenesses, multiple characters, atmosphere and narrative, all while leaving room for a title and billing.
We handle quite a lot of 1970s and 1980s cinema material, and this is an area we never really get bored of. The good illustrated One-Sheets have become nostalgic objects, but they were also first-rate commercial illustration.
That popularity brings the usual collecting complication. Struzan imagery has been reused on later releases, anniversary material and licensed reproductions. We care about the physical poster in front of us: what was it printed for, when was it printed and which issue is it?
What to Look For When Collecting Struzan
His imagery has been reused on later releases, anniversary editions and licensed reproductions. Ask what the specific poster was printed for and when — not just whether the artwork is his.
Original Posters by Drew Struzan
A live look at Drew Struzan posters currently in the Printed Originals collection.
