Robert Peak (American, 1927-1992) Apocalypse Now, original final movie poster key art, 1979 Watercolor on board 45-1/2 x 35-1/2 inches (115.6 x 90.2 cm) Signed lower right: R Peak Property From the Roberto Santo Peak Collection Released in 1979, Francis Ford Coppola's Apocalypse Now reimagined Joseph Conrad's novella Heart of Darkness against the backdrop of the Vietnam War, creating a visceral and psychological journey into the horrors of both war and human nature. Coppola's innovative approach blended surreal, hallucinatory visuals with a disorienting narrative that explored the morality, madness, and existential crises brought on by conflict. Coppola's use of sound, lighting, and unorthodox cinematography created a haunting, immersive experience, contributing to its status as a landmark in film – one that required an equally powerful visual representation in the movie poster. Without question, Robert Peak delivered with an immediately iconic, surreal composition that captured the psychological intensity of the film. Tiny helicopters float like storm clouds on a distant horizon in a seemingly placid landscape lit ablaze with the orange of the sun. No juxtaposition could better encapsulate the grandeur, scope and terror of Coppola's investigation of suffering that exists beyond reason and words. Rather than focusing solely on plot or character, the work evokes the emotional and existential underpinnings of Apocalypse Now, giving audiences a visceral glimpse into the film's dark and surreal journey. Robert Peak's poster art for Apocalypse Now is widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential film posters ever created. The film is universally lauded as one of the most important of all time and this artwork stands as both its definitive image and one of the most immediately recognizable and resonant touchstones for an entire era. While preliminary comps for such important movie posters occasionally appear on the market, such a key published painting is a truly special event. HID12401132022 © 2024 Heritage Auctions | All Rights Reserved
