You would think that the world of advertising would have more representation in the film industry, given it’s role as a machine that makes products look good — yet it has remained a rather niche subject in cinema. That doesn’t mean that no great productions touch on the ins and outs (mostly outs) of the industry. Filmmakers have looked to explore further how the industry known as marketing and advertising can corrupt and/or inspire culture.
Probably the most well-known adaptation of the world of advertising is the showMad Men, which took place during what’s known asthe “golden age” of advertisingin the 1960s, when marketers utilized the presenec of TVs in every household, and still believed in the concept of a “magic bullet.” But there are many films that approach this subject too, from different and unique perspectives. These 10 movies either explore or take place in the advertising world, ranking up to what we’re selling as the best.
10Agency (1980)
After a mysterious millionaire purchases an advertising agency and starts replacing its workers, Ted Quinn (Robert Mitchum) realizes ulterior motives exist. Notably, the ‘agency’ is now using subliminal advertising to sway the results of an upcoming senatorial election.
Related:35 Best Thrillers of All Time
Thislow-budget Canadian thrillerdoes an adequate job of weaving a story of corruption in an ad agency, with some consistent drama to boot. The acting is passable, and the movie impresses despite its moderate budget. However, as far as thrillers go, this one has been dulled with time, and despite its positive elements, it is a bit of a slog. That said, how often do you have a film star around a heroic copywriter from the depths of Canada? Only once, which is reason enough to give this one a shot.
Rent Agency on Prime Video
9Branded (2012)
Brandedoccurs in a dystopian society where branding rules people’s daily lives. A Russian advertising executive develops the ability to see people’s brand loyalty, which manifests as contorted creatures. This leads him to a grander conspiracy, which he must fight against to save humanity.
Not Quite On Brand
The visual direction is sleek, and the concept is interesting. Notably, how brands manifest as monsters leads nicely into the commentary about the effects of advertising on the social sub-conscience. However, this movie is style over substance, and one should approach it cautiously. The film fails to make the intended impact and will leave many underwhelmed;it is one of those movies you would love to see remade. Just go in and don’t take the movie as seriously as intended. There is undeniable entertainment value in the surreal wayBrandedapproaches the advertising industry and its effects on culture.
Brandedis not currently available for stream or rent.
8Survive Style 5+ (2005)
Survive Style 5+weaves five stories together,presenting a unique anthology approach: a man pays to have his wife killed, only to have her return; a family finds their father hypnotized into being a chicken; a group of bandits goes house robbing; a British hitman is in Japan doing some business deals; and an advertising wiz is trying to find her happiness in a bad relationship.
Gen Sekiguchi’s Survive Style 5+is a wonderfully absurd and chaotic comedy that does an exceptional job of weaving five stories together. An underrated gem with a dark comedic edge, the movie falls lower on our list only because of one of the stories associated with the world of advertising. However, it is a crucial part of the story, and actress Kyôko Koizumi does a beautiful job as the imaginative and charming Yoko.
Her visions of her planned ads, punctuated by her awkward laugh, are always enjoyable and resonate with Japan’s odd advertising approach. A bonus here is having two of the coolest actors appearing in the same movie, with both Vinnie Jones and Tadanobu Asano playing integral roles.
Survive Style 5+is currently not available for stream or rent.
7A Shock to The System (1990)
Graham Marshall, a long-time executive in a large advertising company, is unexpectedly passed over for a promotion he was previously guaranteed. On the way home from hearing the news, he inadvertently kills another man at the station. This event awakens a dark desire from within, and he plots revenge on those he feels have betrayed or undermined him.
Everyone Who Works in Advertising Is a Psychopath
Before Patrick Bateman, there was Graham Marshall. Well… not really, butA Shock To The Systemdoes tap into that similar dark comedic edge while following a charming businessman on a killing spree. The approach here is more subtle thanAmerican Psycho, which is probably why it remains a lesser-known gem.
Still,Michael Caine is wonderfully charismaticand convincing as an advertising exec-turned-killer. This falls lower on our list because, while he works in advertising, it is not discussed much. This film is a must-watch if you are looking for a dark thriller with a subtle comedic edge.
Stream A Shock to the System on Peacock
6Putney Swope (1969)
Putney Swope, the music director of an advertising firm, is accidentally put in charge of the company after the president’s death when everyone votes for him, thinking no one will vote for him. He replaces the staff immediately, and looks to radicalize the advertising industry with his unique approach.
Related:14 Best Dark Comedies Ever Made
Advertising Is Inherently Self-Serving
Bearing in mind that the Robert Downey Sr. comedy has aged like milk for modern audiences, it is still an excellent piece of absurdist humor for those who don’t mind the archaic and offensive jokes throughout. As far as advertising goes,Putney Swopeis a hilarious breakdown of the self-serving nature of the industry. In addition, the bizarre commercials Swope’s advertising agency comes up with are very entertaining, including the best line in the movie, “You Can’t Eat an Air Conditioner,” and an awkward song about teenage acne.
Stream Putney Swope on Peacock
5Crazy People (1990)
Honest Advertising Will Always Be Fiction
Rent Crazy People on Apple TV
4Black Test Car (1962)
A bitter corporate war between two rival car manufacturers, the Tiger Motorcar Company and the Yamato Company, comes to a head with the launch of a new vehicle. The employees at Tiger find themselves fighting to keep their info secret and beat the market’s competition in both price points and design.
Espionage and Advertising Go Well Together
WhileBlack Test Caris an espionage thriller first, it does extend to the advertising of vehicles, focusing on each company trying to fix a price point before going to market to ensure it is more affordable. In addition, dirty tactics are used to smear others, such as faking an accident with an early model to claim the vehicle is faulty. So, consider this one adjacent to advertising. More importantly,it is a brilliantly written thrillerthat has an intense back and forth between two companies as they race to the market, their future dependent on the success of their new automobiles.
Stream Black Test Car on Mubi
3Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? (1957)
Poking Fun at Advertising and Celebrities
Frank Tashlin’s classic comedy does a wonderful job of portraying the perils of fame while romanticizing the image of the untouchable Hollywood starlet at the same time. Moreover, the movie takes clever jabs at advertising and idol worship, backed by solid performances from Tony Randall and Jayne Mansfield. The ’50s humor may not always land with a modern audience, but for those who love classic films and want a good one focused on advertising, you won’t find anything as well-rounded and entertaining asWill Success Spoil Rock Hunter?
Rent Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter? on Apple TV
How to Get Aheadin Advertisingrevolves around a cynical advertising executive, Denis Dimbleby Bagley, who, at the top of his game, ends up suffering a nervous breakdown from being overworked, and becomes jaded by the industry. While struggling with his morality over his career, he develops a sentient boil, which acts as his outspoken and unapologetic alter ego in the world of advertising.
Related:Best British TV Shows of All Time
A Sarcastic Dive Into the World of Advertising
Comedies about advertising almost always take a satirical approach, mocking the industry instead of celebrating it. Many of these don’t quite land, missing certain elements, but leave it to the British to deliver a wonderfully constructed sardonic comedywith competent drama to back it up. As far as poking fun at the world of advertising, this is the best movie you will find. This is also one of Richard E. Grant’s best performances, up there withWithnail and I, making it essential viewing for those interested in (or fans of) the standout British theater actor.
Stream How to Get Ahead in Advertising on The Criterion Channel
1Giants and Toys (1958)
Giants and Toysrevolves around a fierce commercial competition between three caramel companies. The story delves into the heartless pressures of corporate life while offering commentary on the post-war influence of America on the Japanese corporate world. In addition, the movie deals with the blossoming birth of the talent culture at the time, emphasizing Japanese idol culture.
A More Sincere Deconstruction and Reflection
This is the second film by the master of the Japanese New Wave, Yasuzo Masumura, to make this list. But given what an expertly crafted drama this andBlack Test Carare, it is hard not to include both. What makes this one stand out from all the others is how meticulously conceptualized and executed it is, exploring a particular time and place, but being able to touch on timeless themes within the advertising world. Yes, it satirizes the industry and its shortcomings, but its approach is a sincere and expertly constructed reflection of its effect on culture.
Stream Giants and Toys on Mubi
