“Elephant” (エレファント), Original Japanese First-Release Movie Poster 2004, B2 Size (c. 51.5 × 72.8 cm) A12
An original Japanese B2 theatrical poster for Gus Van Sant’s cult drama Elephant. First released in 2003, the film opened in Japan on 27 March 2004, distributed by Tokyo Theatres and Elephant Picture. The poster prominently displays its 2003 Cannes Palme d’Or and Best Director awards.
In Excellent+ condition, close to Near Mint, with rich yellow colouring and beautifully preserved photographic detail.
Film background
Inspired by the 1999 Columbine tragedy, Elephant follows several teenagers through an apparently ordinary school day before their lives converge in a school shooting. Its overlapping perspectives return to the same encounters, gradually revealing how the students’ separate experiences intersect.
Written, directed and edited by Gus Van Sant, with cinematography by Harris Savides, the film combines an observational style with a largely non-professional young cast. Everyday conversations and small gestures give its unsettling portrait of adolescence an intimacy that remains central to its impact.
Poster design
A broad mustard-yellow panel occupies the upper third, placing the Japanese title and Van Sant’s credits beneath an expansive field of colour. The Cannes award emblems sit at the upper right.
Below, a softly textured photograph captures a girl kissing a blond student on the cheek. His yellow T-shirt echoes the panel above, linking the two halves of the composition. The English title appears at the lower left in distressed, typewriter-style lettering.
A quiet Japanese tagline sits beside the photograph.
「いつもと同じ1日だと思ってた。」
“I thought it would be a day like any other.”
Condition
Excellent+ overall, close to Near Mint. The colours remain strong and the image presents exceptionally well. Light handling impressions and a few small creases are visible, particularly near the upper edge and on the reverse. Please review the full front, reverse and detail photographs for the condition of this copy.
An original vintage Japanese theatrical poster from the film’s 2004 first release.
Over 22 years old.
Certificate of Authenticity included.
