Need some artwork for my office walls

September 5, 2013 10:58 AM

I work in a university setting in NYC and I'd like to decorate my office. I love film, so I'm thinking about going with a nice-looking, framed classic movie poster. Two questions:

1) Is this too college-dorm room? Wondering if a framed poster is lacking in professionalism.

2) All the posters I can think of are problematic for some reason. Looking for suggestions for posters that are a) for a good movie, b) designed nicely, and c) are appropriate in an office context and won't be insensitive to the variety of students I meet with.

So far I've tried thinking of New York related posters, but they all seem a little problematic in various ways (Manhattan, Rosemary's Baby, Taxi Driver) or they have ugly/generic posters (When Harry Met Sally, etc.)

Open to all suggestions--non-NYC movies are good too!

posted by soonertbone to Society & Culture (11 answers total)

Depending on the movie, I would say it's not at all "too college dorm." I would go with this one, if you can find it - there's a huge copy of it framed and hanging in our local art-house theater, and it looks fabulous as its own piece of art.
posted by jbickers at 11:18 AM on September 5, 2013

Unless you're in a film department, I think having a movie poster is a bit unprofessional in an office, yes.

There's an annual vintage poster show that comes through NYC--you might want to check it out. Many are quite affordable, and a lot more appropriate to an office setting, while still being very interesting to look at.
posted by Admiral Haddock at 11:21 AM on September 5, 2013

If you really like the idea of a movie poster as an office decoration, the proper framing can elevate a college dorm room piece to a level more suitable for an office.

There are some fan "tributes" to movies in poster format that look more artistic than the photo-collage style of most modern movie posters. For quick examples, here's an image search for Saul Bass style fan posters.
posted by filthy light thief at 11:26 AM on September 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

Or movie star art pictures, e.g. Louise Brooks
posted by nightwood at 11:35 AM on September 5, 2013

Wondering if a framed poster is lacking in professionalism. 

Absolutely not. Especially in a city like New York.

Your office and its contents are one part demonstration of who you are, your motivations, your interests. If film inspires or reflects you, then your office would very much be genuine without sacrificing professionalism if you were to decorate with themes that include film. Moderation is key.
posted by Kruger5 at 11:37 AM on September 5, 2013

I have a TV poster in my office. NYC. Everyone seems to like it.
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 11:55 AM on September 5, 2013

You can find lots of redesigned movie posters that are beautiful and sophisticated. A quick google search lead me to this, and scrolling through some of the links lead me to this and this. Tons more stuff like this out there.

I can see how having some of the original movie posters might feel college-y, but I think anything beautifully designed is just beautiful. Also seconding having a nice frame.

And to add a couple more NYC inspired office decor, maybe a vintage map of NY. Or something a little more designy.
posted by tealeaf522 at 11:57 AM on September 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

I'd ask your university's art department if they have any suitable prints or if a film or other art student would like to make one. The student could then say their work is on display at XXX Department of XXX University on their resume. And if you were going to buy and frame a poster anyway, you could offer a small commission amount which would certainly raise student interest.
posted by vegartanipla at 12:05 PM on September 5, 2013 [1 favorite]

If you're going to do it, I'd try to track down a vintage original film poster (not something purchased from the college bookstore). But, it also depends on your specific department and role.
posted by melissasaurus at 1:19 PM on September 5, 2013

I've been eying these posters up for my film-obsessed girlfriend for a very similar situation. They're really cool, graphically interesting maps where every single location on the map is a movie reference or title. I love them! (they have a few other interesting graphic film interpretations too). I like that they're kinda "stealth-geek".
posted by Sweetchrysanthemum at 2:49 PM on September 5, 2013

I think there are some graphically interesting movie posters in the subreddit MoviePosterPorn (non-NSFW, despite its name).
posted by rawrberry at 8:32 AM on September 7, 2013