''Champion'', 1949, with Kirk Douglas

A vintage movie poster of ''Champion'', a 1949 American film noir directed by Mark Robson. This film is a gritty and intense drama that explores the world of professional boxing and the personal struggles of its central character.

The film's story follows the character of Midge Kelly, portrayed by Kirk Douglas, a young and ambitious boxer who is determined to rise to the top of the boxing world. Midge's journey takes him from a struggling fighter to a champion in the ring. However, his success comes at a high personal cost as he becomes entangled in a world of corruption, betrayal, and moral compromise.

One of the central themes of "Champion" is the exploration of ambition, moral decay, and the corrupting influence of success. The film delves into the choices and sacrifices Midge makes in his pursuit of fame and fortune, including the impact on his relationships with those who care about him.

Kirk Douglas delivers a standout performance as Midge Kelly, portraying the character's transformation from a determined and hungry fighter to a morally compromised and ruthless champion. His portrayal adds depth and complexity to the character, making Midge both compelling and morally ambiguous.

The film is known for its hard-hitting and realistic portrayal of the boxing world, including its brutal fight scenes and the physical toll it takes on the fighters. It captures the raw and unforgiving nature of professional boxing in the post-war era.

While "Champion" may not be as widely remembered today as some other classic films, it remains a significant work in the film noir genre, known for its dark and uncompromising exploration of ambition and moral decay. Kirk Douglas's performance and the film's intense storytelling contribute to its enduring impact.

In summary, "Champion" is a 1949 film noir that delves into the world of professional boxing and the moral struggles of its central character. Kirk Douglas's performance and the film's gritty realism make it a powerful and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

About the artist:

Rinaldo Geleng (June 19, 1920 - May 15, 2003) was an Italian painter and film poster artist.

At the end of the 1930s, Rinaldo Geleng collaborated with the newspaper Marc'Aurelio, where he met director and screenwriter Federico Fellini. He later painted portraits of Fellini and his wife Giulietta Masina, Alberto Sordi, Gianni Agnelli, Donna Marella, Pope John Paul II, Sofia Loren, and the family of future Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi.

He moved to Paris in the 1950s, where he became the artistic director of a publishing house. He collaborated with the Mondadori publishing house in Milan to create covers for its "I libri del pavone" series and for Arianna magazine. His two sons, Giuliano Geleng and Antonello Geleng, also created film posters, costumes, and set designs in Italy.

Geleng's posters have a subtle, somber, and dreamlike quality as if they were unsettling dreams. The colors give that impression: dark, cold tones; he prefers black backgrounds and dull, livid greens. And the way Geleng depicts faces and expressions is often mysterious.

He specialized in portraiture that appears to be painted in tempera. However, the realistic features are accompanied by the influence of expressionist painting. The colors in some posters become exaggerated and unnatural, intensely expressive, implying a hidden emotional world.

Within the film industry, Geleng created paintings for at least five of Fellini's films, including "Roma" (1972), "Casanova" (1976), "City of Women" (1980), "And the Ship Sails On" (1983), and "Ginger and Fred" (1986). He also worked for other directors, creating posters for films including "Boy on a Dolphin" (1957), "Before Him All Trembled Rome" (1946), "The Crystal Ball" (1943), and "Champion" (1949).