So what did the year of 1971 have to give the design world in the form of movie posters? Well, check out my pick for the best of that year below…

The Clockwork Orange (1971)

Okay, it is not only a VERY disturbing movie, but it’s poster was equally as jarring.  The strong visual balance of the layout, with the knife blade and concentric triangles, makes this a graphic powerhouse.

Clockwork Orange – Alternate Version (1971)

Warner Brothers released this alternate version of this movie poster in select areas and in my opinion, this rarity trumps the one above.  The telltale eyelashes belonging to Malcom McDowell with his trademark bowler really help convey the spotlight of the main character.  The brilliant red background really makes this poster an eye-catcher.  A bit of the ole’ Ultraviolence….

Been Down So Long It looks Up To Me (1971)

I am not sure what is more eye-grabbing about this poster, the field of yellow with the red figure, or the upside-down figure at the top.  It’s unconventional design approach is why I posted this one.  Not because of it’s mile-long title…

Andromeda Strain (1971)

A very-young Michael Crichton penned this story and it isn’t surprising that a completely unconventional approach would be used for its movie poster.  This layout and imagery really is unlike anything from the early 1970′s.  Instead, it looks like something that would have been done much more recently.  Now that is avante-garde…

Chandler (1971)

I just love this pop-art style… the bold red bullseye, the photo montage, the hip title type-treatment.  Yeah….

Dirty Harry (1971)

The legend started with this flick and what a great poster it had.  The stark, high contrast image with bold swashes of color, and the strong visual direction of the gun to the bullet-holed glass.  Awesome!

Sudden Terror (1971)

Vivid color, distorted face, and a visually-stabbing image.  This poster really stands out from a crowd.

Johnny Got His Gun (1971)

I love the crude, cut-out look of the peace sign that really helps tell the story of the movie.  Simple and clean, a great example that you don’t necessarily need a lot of color or images to make it a great poster.

Catlow (1971)

It seems that yellow was a dominating color choice for poster backgrounds, but who cares.  This design is so bizarre and different, it screams “notice me!”.  I have no idea what this movie is about, but you know what?  I don’t care. This poster is AWESOME!