Celebrating Sam Peckinpah and Sergio Leone: A Journey Through Film Poster Art

In a remarkable tribute to two of cinema's most revolutionary filmmakers, Sam Peckinpah and Sergio Leone, a special visual book titled The World of Original Film Posters by Sam Peckinpah & Sergio Leone will be released on January 27, 2026. This year marks the 65th anniversary of both directors' debuts, as well as the 60th anniversary of Quentin Tarantino's favorite film, For a Few Dollars More. This book provides a visual retrospective of their classic films through the lens of original movie posters, celebrating the iconic portrayal of masculinity that both directors are renowned for.

Masterpieces of Art Reflecting a Brutal Existence

Peckinpah and Leone are celebrated for crafting profound narratives that explore the rugged lives of outlaws. Films like The Wild Bunch, Straw Dogs, and The Getaway by Peckinpah, alongside Leone's A Fistful of Dollars and Once Upon a Time in America, have left an indelible mark on film history. This collection reflects on their cinematic achievements through stunning illustrations that embody a distinctive male-centric universe created by these visionary filmmakers.

Icons Resurrected on Paper

Readers will delve into a rich array of artworks showcasing extraordinary heroes portrayed by legends like Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood. The book includes magnificent poster designs featuring stars from Charles Bronson to Robert De Niro, collecting masterpieces from around the globe. Additionally, noteworthy insights from film historian Sergio Ishikuma will be featured at the end of the book, enriching the reader's understanding of these timeless works.

Invaluable Collector's Edition

With over 500 illustrations, this book is an essential addition for all film enthusiasts and collectors alike. It not only covers every directorial work by Peckinpah and Leone but also showcases screenplays and adaptations. The book includes extraordinary finds like the Japanese oversized poster for The Getaway and promotional materials used in theaters, such as lobby cards and stills that have rarely been seen before. The breadth of content promises to resonate with Western film fans as well as all who cherish the art of cinema, solidifying it as a must-have collector's item.

Industry Praise

This extraordinary work has already garnered enthusiastic reviews from prominent figures in the film industry. Acclaimed editor Naoto Tanobe, who served as the deputy editor of Eiga Hihou, remarked on the nostalgia of vintage posters, illustrating the power of the genre in an era dominated by computer-generated imagery. The essence conveyed through images from films like The Wild Bunch and For a Few Dollars More captures the raw vitality of the characters, transforming mere paper into a celebration of masculine strength.

Yusuke Baba, representative of the Kamakura City Kawakita Film Museum, praised the artistic contribution of designer Bill Gold, especially for the iconic silhouette portrayals that encapsulate the movie's essence, stating, “A masterpiece that perfectly embodies an era of collapse and awakening.”

Lastly, Ikki Miyata from Crepuscule Film emphasized the continuum of heat and aesthetics from Peckinpah and Leone that this book encapsulates, affirming that it stands as a powerful tribute to the original film posters that once adorned movie theater lobbies and street corners worldwide.

Featured Films

- The Wild Bunch
- The Getaway
- Once Upon a Time in the West
- A Fistful of Dollars
- For a Few Dollars More
- The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Book Information

Title: The World of Original Film Posters by Sam Peckinpah & Sergio Leone
Editor: Yoshikazu Inoue
Retail Price: 4,400 JPY (4,000 JPY + tax)
Specifications: A4, 208 pages, full color
ISBN: 978-4-86791-076-4
Release Date: January 27, 2026
Published By: Two Virgins
Amazon Link: Buy here

About the Author

Yoshikazu Inoue, born in 1973, ventured into the film industry during university and has since worked in film distribution and advertising. He is an avid movie poster collector, forming networks with international dealers to celebrate and share the beauty of film promotion art. His notable works include collections focused on various legendary filmmakers.