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DESPERATE LIVING 1977 Movie Poster - Refrigerator Magnet

DESPERATE LIVING 1977 Movie Poster - Refrigerator Magnet

Regular price $10.49 USD
Regular price Sale price $10.49 USD
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DESPERATE LIVING 1977 Movie Poster - Refrigerator Magnet: Design Overview

The Infamous Rat on a Plate

This refrigerator magnet showcases the iconic and utterly provocative design of the original theatrical poster for John Waters' 1977 cult classic, Desperate Living. At its core, the artwork presents a singular, unsettling image: a cooked rat, meticulously arranged on a dinner plate, surrounded by gleaming cutlery.

Symbolism of the Unsettling

The stark simplicity of the design is profoundly impactful. The rat, a creature often associated with vermin and the unsavory underbelly of society, becomes the focal point. Its presence on a plate, presented as if a meal, immediately challenges the viewer's sensibilities. This visual metaphor speaks to the film's themes of social decay, transgression, and the glorification of the "low" culture that Waters' often embraced. It's a blatant rejection of conventional beauty and decency, reflecting the film's own embrace of the unconventional and the outrageous.

Minimalist Impact, Maximal Shock

The minimalist approach of the poster – its dark background and sparse use of elements – intensifies the image's power. This design relies on its inherent shock value to captivate and repel, a hallmark of Waters’ transgressive cinema. The cursive title above the image further solidifies the film’s identity, presenting the film’s title in contrast to the harsh nature of the image below it.

Size

Bulk Discounts Available

These discounts apply to all Refrigerator Magnets.

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Buy 3+
15% OFF
Buy 5+
20% OFF
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30% OFF

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Die-cut refrigerator magnets made from flexible vinyl with a matte surface and a solid black magnetic backing. Available in five sizes, they stick strongly to metal while staying easy to move and reposition.

These magnets feel substantial but bend slightly when needed — a balance that helps them conform to smooth metal without cracking. The matte finish softens reflections under kitchen lighting so colors read clearly without glare. Because each piece is cut to the artwork’s outline, the result looks neat and thoughtfully finished.

The black backing delivers consistent contrast on shiny surfaces, and printing uses modern, low-impact inks that keep tones lively through everyday handling. They are built to be handled, moved, and displayed repeatedly without losing form or adhesion.

  • Material: flexible vinyl with a black magnetic backing for reliable holding power.
  • Finish: matte coating that reduces glare and preserves color depth.
  • Printing: full-color, eco-conscious inks for crisp details and vibrant hues.
  • Durability: designed for frequent use on smooth metal surfaces; resists peeling and warping.
  • Precision: die-cut edges follow the artwork; extremely fine islands or slivers may blend during cutting.

Perfect for refrigerator doors, magnetic whiteboards, steel lockers, or metal filing cabinets. They’re also handy for displays at events or temporary signage where you want a neat, movable solution.

  1. Prep: remove dust and grease with a dry or slightly damp microfiber cloth, then allow the surface to dry completely.
  2. Place: set the magnet flat, press from the center outward to make full contact and remove any trapped air.
  3. Reposition: lift gently and move if needed — avoid folding or pinching along the same tight crease repeatedly.

Heads-up: very intricate artwork can look slightly different after die-cutting; tiny, closely spaced pieces may join together in production.

To keep magnets looking their best, dust them off with a soft microfiber cloth. For smudges, use a barely damp cloth and blot dry immediately — don’t soak the magnet or use abrasive scrubs.

Avoid harsh chemicals and scouring pads, which can dull the matte surface or damage the backing. With simple, gentle care your magnets will stay crisp and retain their hold for a long time.

Sizes are listed by the magnet’s longest side. For example, a 3″ magnet is three inches across its largest edge. This gives a consistent reference when choosing the right fit for your space.

The die-cut follows your artwork for a close-fitting border; slight variation is normal with very detailed silhouettes, but each piece is finished to look tidy and professional.