The World of Movie Posters Loses a Legend: Drew Struzan's Enduring Legacy
The movie world mourns the loss of Drew Struzan, the legendary artist behind some of cinema's most iconic posters, who passed away at 78 after a battle with Alzheimer's disease. Struzan's death was announced on Instagram by his brother, who shared the news with a heavy heart, expressing the artist's joy in knowing his work was appreciated.
Struzan's portfolio is a treasure trove of memorable posters, including classics like Blade Runner, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Back to the Future, Risky Business, The Goonies, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, and a special edition of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. When asked about his favorite, Struzan famously replied, 'If I had a favorite, I'd lose my spark of creativity. My favorite is always the very next one.'
Struzan's influence extended beyond his art. He was a favorite of Steven Spielberg, who praised him as 'my favorite movie artist.' Spielberg's admiration was mutual, as he struggled to live up to Struzan's artistic standards. The impact of Struzan's work is evident in the tributes from fellow artists, such as J. Scott Campbell, who described his passing as 'very heartbreaking' and expressed hope for peace for Struzan and his loved ones.
Struzan's legacy is further solidified by the 2013 documentary Drew: The Man Behind the Poster, which explores his life and work. His contributions to the art of movie posters have left an indelible mark on cinema, capturing the humanity, power, and emotion of his subjects in ways that have not been replicated since.
