What is the point of a cinema poster? Well, certainly it’s there to advertise the impending arrival of a new flick but of course there’s more to it than that. Through attractive design that incorporates the feel and atmosphere of the movie to a style that makes the film irreparably linked to this sheet of artwork, the cinema poster is a vital cog of the whole experience. It goes on to herald a whole plethora of linked merchandise from T-Shirts to soundtracks to the now obligatory computer game and then on to an even more permanent state as Blu-ray and DVD covers.
A whole section of specialised film memorabilia collections have sprung up solely based on this little artistic gem. Films are, more often than not, released globally but as every culture has its own personality and expectations it’s important that the film gets its own specific poster dedicated to this new, foreign market away from the Homefront. So, without further ado and before someone nudges me with their elbow and says ‘Build a Rocket Boys’ I present my list of top ten Polish cinema posters and their US or UK equivalents.
My favourite UK/US film posters – Moje ulubione plakaty i ich polskich wersji.
10. THE FLY
A certain moodiness is exchanged for a vomiting fly.
US
Polish
9. GODZILLA VS MECHAGODZILLA
Basic artwork in the vein of a comic strip takes over for this poster. Nice 70’s flares by the way.
US
Polish
8. THE GREAT ESCAPE
The classic war film gets a post modern poster – the motorcyclist is my fave.
US
Polish
7. JAWS
Two shark attack films for you here. Spielberg’s career launcher and its sequel demonstrate two very different cultures when it comes to advertising.
US
Polish
And the sequel
JAWS 2
US
Polish
6. RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK
If the Polish poster was used in this country I don’t think my parents would have let me see the movie!
US
Polish
5.5 GREMLINS
Just had to squeeze this one in! It’s so artistic in an odd way – a style all of its own.
US
Polish
5. TERMS OF ENDEARMENT
I must admit I’ve never seen this movie. The US poster doesn’t grab my attention but the Polish one does. Erm, I still don’t think I fancy it though.
US
Polish
4. THE GOLDEN CHILD
As with Raiders of the Lost Ark here is another satanic horror film, sorry, I’ve been looking at the Polish poster again! Is it Eddie Murphy? Are those skyscrapers supposed to be horns?
US
Polish
3. CABARET
This was bound to be contentious – Nazi occupation combined with a musical. Unlike the other posters I’m intrigued by how much the two are alike. The swastika made of bestockinged legs is an unusual take.
US
Polish
2. DUEL
Atmospheric, terrifying and haunting are the themes I read into this film based on Richard Matheson’s short story. I’m not too sure what themes I pick up from the Polish version though.
US
Polish
1. ALIEN
The US version, I think, is one of the most recognisable cinema posters in film history. If I look at the Polish poster with my artistic hat on (a Fez, not a beret) I see themes of the enemy within and the visceral horror lurking just within the ribcage. Certainly a creepy poster.
US
Polish
Source
As they say, ‘In Space no one can usłyszeć twój krzyk.’
