Watch Drew: The Man Behind The Poster

Drew: The Man Behind The Poster is a 2013 documentary film that tells the story of the most influential movie poster artist of all time, Drew Struzan. From his early life growing up in the Los Angeles area to his first job as an apprentice at the animated cartoon studio of Walt Disney Productions, the film gives an intimate look into the man behind iconic artwork that introduced us to some of the most memorable characters from popular film franchises such as Indiana Jones, Star Wars, and Harry Potter

The documentary opens with Struzan himself, recounting his early years and how his passion for art developed. Even as a child, Struzan was immersed in the world of art, constantly drawing and dreaming of a future as an artist. He learned his craft through a combination of formal art education, and working as an apprentice at various studios. His first big break came when he was hired by George Lucas to create the posters for ‘Star Wars’ in 1977. It was the beginning of a collaboration that would produce some of the most iconic movie posters ever made, including the original trilogy, and more. The film charts Struzan’s career through a series of interviews with the artist himself, his peers in the industry, and fans alike.

One of the intriguing things about the documentary is the way it highlights the creative process behind the iconic movie posters for which Struzan is known. We see Struzan sketching, painting, and refining his work through a variety of techniques. His methods are often unconventional; for some projects, he used mixed media, including stamps, inks, and pencils to capture the essence of the characters he was depicting. He often ignored the studio’s guidelines, favoring his own intuition and creative instincts to develop art that was truly unique and original.

The documentary also explores Struzan’s collaborations with filmmakers and studios, and how his work evolved with each new project. For example, we see how his posters for Indiana Jones evolved over the course of the trilogy, each poster capturing a different aspect of the story and the character. The film also delves into some of the more challenging aspects of Struzan’s career, such as his struggle to gain recognition as a distinguished artist in his own right, and his struggle with depression.

Throughout the film, we hear from a range of voices who offer insights into Struzan’s work and how it has influenced their own. Filmmakers like Guillermo del Toro, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Frank Darabont reflect on the significance of Struzan’s work and what it means to them. Actors like Harrison Ford and Michael J. Fox speak about the impact of seeing their own likenesses captured so precisely by Struzan’s art. However, the documentary is not all praise, and it also takes time to address criticisms of Struzan’s work, with some critics arguing that his art perpetuates sexist tropes and negative stereotypes.

The documentary is rich in archival footage and photographs that provide context and insight into Struzan’s life as an artist. We see shots of Struzan working in his studio and interacting with family and friends, offering a glimpse into his private life. We also get a sense of how the art of movie posters has changed over time, with some critics and filmmakers bemoaning the shift towards digital art and away from traditional hand-drawn art. As the discussion about the importance of Struzan’s art deepens, it becomes clear that the documentary is not only about the achievements of one extraordinary artist, but also about the enduring power of art to connect us to the stories and characters we love.

In conclusion, Drew: The Man Behind The Poster is a fascinating documentary that offers fans of movie posters and illustration alike an intimate look into the life and work of Drew Struzan. The film reveals the creative process behind the iconic movie posters that have come to define popular culture and examines the man responsible for creating them. Through a range of interviews, footage, and images, the film provides a thoughtful and in-depth analysis of what makes Struzan’s art so revered and influential even today.

Drew: The Man Behind The Poster is a 2013 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.4 and a MetaScore of 59.