Ahhh… 1974.  It was the year Nixon refuses to hand over tapes subpoenaed by Watergate Committee and the “Six Million Dollar Man” premiered on ABC.  It was also the year for some notable movie posters.

Earthquake (1974)

Another cinematic entry into the Disaster genre that captivated movie audiences in the 70′s, Earthquake was by far my favorite in that it used such a creative approach to the title type treatment and has such a strong diagonal lead visually that just draws the eye in and downward.  Lovely illustrative approach to the type too….

Chinatown (1974)

A landmark movie for Polanski, Nickolson and Dunaway, and the poster design is simply delicious.  The hand illustrated tribute to the Art Nouveau period in design during that time period is fabulous.  Even the hand-rendered type treatment for the film and acting credits is great.  Bright colors, this poster’s unique style really stands out from most of the posters of its time.

Buster and Billie (1974)

While not as impressive or memorable a movie as the former, I am somehow drawn to this poster’s drab color choices (which I might note is very contemporary in design now) and the simple halftone overlay of the images.  The hand-drawn title treatment is a nice touch.  There is a subtle nostalgic impression this poster gives which is why I felt I needed to give it a shout out.

Journey Through The Past (1974)

Now before you go and get your panties all up in a bunch, while I do NOT support the image of this poster (haven’t seen the movie), I do need to acknowledge the design of it.  The stark, bold swashes of patriotic colors and sharp, recognizable silhouettes really help convey the strong concept that this poster is trying to communicate.  The Klan and American patriotism. The delusion that  the former held (and still does) that these two things go hand in hand is controversially portrayed in this poster.

The Odessa File (1974)

I know what you are thinking… first the KKK and now nazis?  But this movie of thrilling intrigue needs to get my hands down pick for being the best movie poster of 1974. The fantastic use of negative space that draws the eye down and to the simple title treatment and bold graphic of spies and guns (and a very familiar symbol) is great.  The movie poster almost just consists of a logo brand for the movie and a blank canvas.  Huge thumbs up!

The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)

I love the visual simplicity of the french-version for this movie’s poster. The shocking image of Leatherface repeated across the page in high-contrasting black-and-white and the pumpkin orange type treatment at a subtle angle make this poster just ROCK!

Andy Warhol’s Frankenstein (1974)

Sometimes an image is worth a thousand words.  Here, using just the right image in combination with the title really helps to draw attention to this movie.  The choice of typeface beautifully compliments the tone of the movie.

The Parrallax View (1974)

I just really dig this concept behind this poster’s design and the high-saturated color palette. The use of an irregular grid for the image really helps build visual tension and maintains the viewer attention.  A great way to complete this entry.

Let’s see what 1975 has in store….