Sunday 23 February 2014

Graphic Thrills: American XXX Movie Posters, 1970 to 1985

Going back a few years, I was looking through my local Waterstones. I was having a browse in the Film and Television section. To my dismay all I could find were those uninspired "100 Films You Need To See Before You Die" books that seem to cover the same 100 (mainly dull) films over and over. On the flip side the more interesting books on world cinema, horror and exploitation were majorly overpriced. Just as I was giving hope, something caught my attentions. Something called Cinema Sewer? Upon closer inspection it was Cinema Sewer Volume 2. This was my introduction to the crazy and sleaze filled world of Robin Bougie... and of course one of the things that thankfully lead up to my corruption of innocence...

Fast forward to present day and Robin is a good friend of mine who's creative output I have immersed myself in for hours on end. I was recently given the honour getting a copy of his latest (and for some greatest) piece of work; Graphic Thrills: American XXX Movie Posters, 1970 to 1985. In a nutshell, what we have here is a collection of film posters from the golden age of adult cinema. Each poster shown in the book has been painstakingly collected and neatened up by Robin. Over 200 hours alone was purely spent neatening up the posters shown in the book. From the much loved classics of the time to underrated gems and of course some of the duds of the genre. No matter what the quality of the films themselves, one can't deny the fact that some of these posters are absolutely brilliant to behold. Robin has provided us with a fine selection of porn's classic posters... A lot of them I want to own myself and have on my walls!

Not only do we get a fine selection of art to behold but we are also treated to Robin's own thoughts, insights and research about the films, the people involved in the productions and of course information about the talents who spent hours putting paint on the canvases that would later be used to promote the skin flicks us sleaze hounds know and love. A lot those involved in the artwork are unknown or have completely distanced themselves from the beautiful work they have created. Robin has clearly put a lot of time, thought and what I can imagine to be strenuous hours of research in to the written part of the book and from what I have managed to read so far, that Bougie charm and passion we all know and adore shines right through in every sentence. The book isn't just a thing to behold but an equal pleasure to read.

With 144 pages, this is going to be one hell of an experience for those who read it. Not only will you find out about the art of classic poster design but you will also discover new films which is always a good. I know my want list is sky high just from the stuff I found so far in the book.  For those who are a fan of Robin Bougie's work, this is a must own. For those who are a fan of classic adult cinema, this is a must have. Even if classic porn isn't your thing but you love and the cherish the classic posters of the 1970's and 80's this is a must. Even you design hipsters out there.... You will enjoy this too. There is something for everyone and the bottom line is, fans of cult cinema in general, this is an essential document to own. Robin has put his heart and soul in to this and even that fact alone is amazing for me personally.


Overall, what you are getting is a beautifully presented and informative piece of art and reference. Again, the passion and knowledge of Robin is clearly evident. The book is fairly sizable and a great coffee table piece. Of course the paper stock is glossy and of high quality which really enhances the colour and detail of the posters included. There are two variations of this book you can pick up. The standard paperback version which is beautiful in itself but also (and still available as of writing this) a limited hardback version which is numbered and signed by Robin himself. No matter which version you pick up, you are definitely in for a treat.

You can purchase the paperback version here and the hardback version from here at the FAB Press store who printed and distributed it. You can also buy the hardcover version directly from Robin's own store here which means Robin gets more of the sale which always a good thing. You can of course find this in places like Amazon too.

No matter where you pick it up from, you are going to love it.

For more information about Robin, Cinema Sewer and his work in general check out his store, blog and of course his website. Also, check out the Cinema Sewer podcast on iTunes and Cinema Sewer on Facebook. Of course for more fantastic books on cult cinema, head over to the FAB Press website.

For a nicer look at the book, check out my video review here:

PDx

No comments:

Post a Comment