The Hand-Painted Magic of Richard Amsel’s Poster Work

There was a time in cinema history when every poster was a work of art. This was the era when iconic imagery was crafted by talented artists, and each brushstroke told a story long before the first scene even played. 

When we think of those unforgettable, hand-drawn masterpieces, names like Saul Bass, Drew Struzan, and, of course, Richard Amsel, immediately come to mind. 

Richard Amsel, in particular, is probably most famous for his hand-painted movie posters—each one perfectly capturing the heart of the films they represented with incredible detail and style. Today, his posters remain a tribute to that golden age of cinema.

In this blog, we delve into some of the best-known Richard Amsel movie posters, as well as understand why his work remains a valuable collector's item the world over. 

Amsel's Mastery of Cinematic Storytelling 

Amsel's hand-painted work was renowned for its vibrant colors, dramatic compositions, and emotional depth—the tell-tale signs of a master visual storyteller. 

Let’s take a look at some of his most famous movie posters. 

"Hello, Dolly!" (1969)

Amsel’s career took off with his design for "Hello, Dolly!"

He was only 22 years old when he won a national competition to create the poster for the musical. But what made this debut poster stand out wasn’t just the vibrant colors or the playful elegance—it was the way Amsel captured the essence of the film itself in one unforgettable image.

The poster features Streisand in full glamour, surrounded by a dazzling, starry motif that embodies the film’s larger-than-life tone. The use of bright, bold colors—particularly golds and reds—enhances the extravagant atmosphere of the movie, while perfectly matching the film's joyful energy.

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981)

Amsel’s "Raiders of the Lost Ark" poster is nothing short of legendary. The image of Indiana Jones, bravely poised in the foreground with ominous scenes unfolding beneath him, beautifully captures the film’s thrilling sense of adventure. The poster's dramatic color palette, which includes rich golds, fiery reds, and deep blacks, invokes the high stakes and pulse-pounding action of the film. 

But Amsel’s connection with the movie didn’t end with the original release. In 1983, when the film was re-released in theaters, Amsel’s original poster was brought back in a new form, reinforcing its iconic status. The re-release version, while maintaining the original design's intensity, was subtly updated. The central image is of Indiana Jones, confidently poised with his whip, and surrounded by a montage of key characters. 

"The Sting" (1973)

Amsel’s portrayal of Robert Redford and Paul Newman’s characters in "The Sting" is a masterclass in capturing a film’s essence through illustration. With its stylized portraits, this poster evokes a sense of wit and playful deception, perfectly suited for a movie about cons and capers. 

"Chinatown" 1974

The "Chinatown" poster features Jack Nicholson’s character, Jake Gittes, standing in the foreground with a strong, purposeful pose. Meanwhile, his trench coat and fedora give him that classic detective look. For this poster, Amsel masterfully used contrasting colors—soft whites, deep blacks, and subtle tones of blue and gray—to evoke the smoky, enigmatic atmosphere of the film's layered narrative. 

Additionally, the contrast between the sharp lines of Nicholson's figure and the soft, almost ethereal presence of Faye Dunaway reflects the film's themes of betrayal, secrets, and the blurry line between right and wrong. This poster's artwork, replicated in most international versions, pulls viewers into a world of secrets and deception right away. 

"Flash Gordon (1980)"

The "Flash Gordon" poster perfectly captures the film’s wild, colorful energy. Directed by Mike Hodges, this film, with its over-the-top action, larger-than-life characters, and comic-book-inspired narrative, demanded a poster that could convey its dramatic flair, and Amsel delivered just that. The design is a dynamic explosion of vibrant colors—bright yellows, deep reds, and electric blues—that mirror the fast-paced action and fun tone of the film.

Amsel’s use of intense contrasts and sharp, exaggerated lines brings the film's larger-than-life characters, including the heroic Flash Gordon and the villainous Emperor Ming, to life in a way that is both playful and dramatic.

"The Dark Crystal" (1982)

"The Dark Crystal" poster is another stunning example of Amsel's immersive artistry. The film itself is a dark journey into a fantastical world, and Amsel’s poster perfectly reflects that eerie atmosphere. His illustration features the towering, menacing Skeksis, their sharp features and exaggerated forms contributing to the foreboding, otherworldly tone of the film. The intricate detailing in the characters and the fantastical landscape draws viewers into a world that feels both magical and unsettling.

The Enduring Legacy of Richard Amsel

Richard Amsel’s life was tragically cut short when he passed away from AIDS-related complications in 1985, but his work continues to live on, celebrated by fans, collectors, and filmmakers alike. In 2011, Total Film magazine named his "Raiders of the Lost Ark" poster the “Greatest Hand-Drawn Movie Poster of All Time.” 

Today, Richard Amsel’s movie posters remain some of the most sought-after works in the world of movie memorabilia. They are cherished by collectors for their nostalgia, their emotional depth, and their undeniable cinematic quality. 

For those who admire Amsel’s iconic style, Film Art Gallery offers a curated collection of original Amsel posters. Check out their collection today. 

FAQs

Who is movie poster artist Richard Amsel?

Richard Amsel was a renowned American illustrator best known for his hand-painted movie posters in the 1970s and 1980s. His iconic designs for films like "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Chinatown" have made him one of the most celebrated poster artists of the golden age of cinema.

What awards has Richard Amsel won?

Richard Amsel received numerous accolades for his work, including posthumous honors like induction into the Society of Illustrators Hall of Fame in 2023. Additionally, his work was featured in prestigious art collections, with some of his posters being displayed in the Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery.