Happy Australia Day. Now there’s a bit of controversy as it also celebrates the day where the Aboriginals also lost their land to a bunch of strangers and by celebrating it, we’re reinforcing over 200 years of oppression. However, as a second generation Australian, I see it as a day where we as a nation celebrate our diverse character in this big brown land.
As we all take this public holiday to relax, get together with mates and revv up the BBQ, I wanted to reflect on the connection between advertising and our cultural identity over the last forty years. Lately I’ve been taking a trip down memory lane and discovered some local adverts that have left an impact on the Australian psyche (you may call it brainwashing, if you wish).
DO THE RIGHT THING
This campaign was rolled out nationally back in 1979, utilising such media channels as print, TV and outdoor. To this day it is considered the most successful environmental initiative in Australia, attributing to a 70% reduction in littering (Source NSW EPA). If you’re lucky, you may still find one of those slogan’s stickers slapped on something in the suburbs.
I STILL CALL AUSTRALIA HOME
Before Qantas resembled the evil Empire in the Star Wars universe, it was OUR national carrier. Since the mid 80s, Qantas used the iconic song “I Still Call Australia Home” by Peter Allen and his estate has been profiting ever since. Tactics such as the song and using nostalgic imagery, playing up on our deluded sense of patriotism, is what Qantas depended on for their revenue….well back then anyway.
SLIP SLOP SLAP
This campaign was also launched back in the early 1980s and was initially meant to educate kids about the dangers of sunburn and reduce the rate of skin cancer. Growing up as a kid, I remember many summer days of being covered head to toe in sunscreen and wearing those incredibly dorky hats with the flaps at the end of my hat. Sure the initiate wasn’t as successful as the Do The Right Thing campaign but it did attribute to bringing awareness on the topic by about 70% from launch to up to 1996 (Source: SunSmart Victoria).
VB
As a beer drinker, VB would be by far the shittiest beer that anyone can drink. In fact, if I had a choice between drinking a case of this shit vs waterboarding, trust me when I say that I would take the latter. But you have to admit, the unforgettable jingle along with its manly “okka” imagery is what made this the most memorable beer campaign in Australia. Its still a shit beer though.
STILL THE ONE
Remember TV? You know, that big ugly box that sat in the corner of your living room before the internet? Yeah, I know its a bit of a distant memory (like the fax machine or monogamy) but before Foxtel and Youtube, we had to contend with just four channels (I’m not counting SBS as back then it wasn’t really considered a “channel”). I’m not sure if they’re still doing this down but back in the 70s up through the mid 2000s, Channel Promos was the SHIT, thats why Channel 9 were able to say “Still the One” for such a long time because they had the best TV shows, the best news coverage and the best….well everything that TV had to offer (and it showed in their ratings). It was an excuse to fill dead air where the networks couldn’t get a regular TVC in and it was also a great way to plug their local talent. It was just so remarkably cheesy, I couldn’t stand watching them then and I can’t watch them now.
This one is my favourite. I like how they used “Sounds of Then” by Gangajang and again check out all those vivid shots of the Australian outback. I also like it because for a few seconds, I get to see Tim Ferguson (of DAAS/Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush fame)
So as I wrap this post up, I just want to say that its a shame that adverts these days don’t have that level of impact on a local level. These days we’re more influenced by adverts that occur overseas such as Old Spice. But as long as I continue to work in this industry, I will still hope. Oh and BRING BACK JINGLES, just sayin….
It has been 32 years since Ridley Scott gave the Western world a movie that would redefine science fiction and tap into our nightmares. Ask any fan of the Alien franchise and they will say that Scott’s rendition was, by far and always will be, the best (followed by James Cameron’s later offering of marines and a whole lot of explosions).
Not sure why Scott came back to revisit old ground. Maybe he’s bored or perhaps he’s run out of projects to get Russell Crowe involved (don’t believe me? Check out the last four entries in his resume here) . So here’s the trailer for Prometheus which I stayed quite late (up till the wee hours of the morning) trying to find this in a Youtube format. You’re welcome.
Did you see that, Alien fans? What does that remind of you?
Good casting from the looks of the credits of this so called “prequel” but keep in mind that the fans of the franchise have grown weary after Alien Resurrection and those darn Alien Vs Predator disasters so it better be real good to win us over. Academy Award or no Academy Award, Mr Scott!
Before I go, I will leave you with a quote from Prometheus Bound by Aeschylus (ps, to give you a bit of back history, Prometheus was the Titan who stole fire from Zeus and gave it to the mortals. They may give you a clue what to expect in this movie):
For man’s life — bronze and silver, iron and gold
Who thought of them before me? Who had told
Their names? I wot, none other. Ye have heard
A tale that can be summed in one brief word:
All that of art man has, Prometheus gave.
Prometheus hits our screens June 2012
Its always a risk to do a movie based on such a polarising public figure and what better person to base a movie on than Margaret “Iron Maiden” Thatcher. For those who aren’t familiar with her, she was the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and dominated world politics throughout the 80s. Here’s a Wikipedia entry about her if you’re keen to know more.
Synopsis for you:
The Iron Lady tells the compelling story of Margaret Thatcher, a woman who smashed through the barriers of gender and class to be heard in a male-dominated world. The story concerns power and the price that is paid for power, and is a surprising and intimate portrait of an extraordinary and complex woman.
Whether you like her or not, she had the hardest job in the world and hell someone had to be a pioneer. She made tough decisions and was serving her duty for the sake of her country. I don’t find it surprising that Meryl Streep is casted in this leading role. Her acting career reads like a dream hit list for all aspiring actresses and is, after 30 years, the the most versatile and credible in her craft. If anything, each acting role that she takes on just makes her better in each performance.
The Iron Lady invades our screens on the 26th December
As mentioned in one of my posts, there appears to be a a lot more films on the market set in a post apocalyptic world. I can’t help but feel that with all these films, mankind is destined to fuck up in the not so distant future (either that or filmmakers are just pessimists). Regardless, it makes for a good story and here’s a really well done short film titled ROSA.
ROSA from Jesús Orellana on Vimeo.
Here’s the write up on this:
ROSA is an epic sci-fi short film that takes place in a post-apocalyptic world where all natural life has disappeared. From the destruction awakes Rosa, a cyborg deployed from the Kernel project, mankind’s last attempt to restore the earth’s ecosystem. Rosa will soon learn that she is not the only entity that has awakened and must fight for her survival.
The short-film was created entirely by young comic-artist Jesús Orellana with no budget during a single year. Since it’s world premiere at the Seattle International Film Festival, ROSA has been an official selection at film festivals around the world such as Screamfest, Toronto After Dark, Anima Mundi or Los Angeles Shorts Film Festival. In October ROSA was screened at the opening night of the Sitges International Film Festival, considered the world’s best festival specialized in genre films. Following the succesful festival run, the short film has attracted the attention of the major talent-agencies and Hollywood producers. Currently ROSA is in development to be a live-action motion picture.
Beautifully made. Not bad for an up and comer done on a nil budget. I hope the live-action movie lives up to this.
I’ve been playing a lot of ‘Arkham City’ lately. Some of the canned responses from the thugs is something along the lines of “Run home to cry to your mommy” and “I’ll mess you up so bad your mother won’t recognize ya!”
As a result, I imagine Batman yelling this while he smacks said thug in the head.
Its not a new idea for actors to go against gender types in movies. We had Julie Andrews in Victor/Victoria and we had Hilary Swank in Boys Don’t Cry. All good movies with great performances however I feel this movie will blow them away.
Plot synopsis:
Albert Nobbs struggles to survive in late 19th century Ireland, where women aren’t encouraged to be independent. Posing as a man so she can work as a butler in Dublin’s most posh hotel, “Albert” (Close) meets a handsome painter and looks to escape the lie she has been living.
Wow, just wow. Glenn Close, with her extensive acting repertoire, really shines in this role. This is also her first attempt into screen-writing as well so I’m really looking forward at how she adapts this short story into a full length film.
Albert Nobbs comes out in Australia on 26th December
Two movie trailers in one day? I must be insane!
As 2012 approaches near and all the paranoid people come out of their caves and put on their “The end is nigh” signs, I can’t help but feel that Hollywood keeps churning out these end of the world kinda movies like it was cookie dough. For a moment, I thought it was a run-of-the-mill post-apocalyptic movie where everyone descends into a state of madness as they all fight to survive. Strangly enough, I wasn’t far off the actual synopsis but what really struck me is the fact that Michael Biehn is in it.
Come on, I can’t be the ONLY person who knows who this guy is. Aliens? The Abyss? The Terminator?! This guy was the 80s answer to Sam Worthington (James Cameron’s flavour of the month(s)). I guess what excites me more is that he’s actually acting to the standards of his 80s former glory (so in short: really good)
Synopsis:
Nine strangers — all tenants of a New York high rise apartment –escape a nuclear attack by hiding out in the building’s bunker-like basement. Trapped for days underground with no hope for rescue, and only unspeakable horrors awaiting them on the other side of the bunker door, the group begins to descend into madness, each turning on one another with physical and psycho-sexual torment. As supplies dwindle, and tensions flare, and they grow increasingly unhinged by their close quarters and hopelessness, each act against one another becomes more depraved than the next. While everyone in the bunker allows themselves to be overcome by desperation and lose their humanity, one survivor holds onto a thin chance for escape even with no promise of salvation on the outside.
Can’t help but get a Skyline/Lord of the Flies kinda vibe but again its a trailer so Im trying to learn to not expect too much. But still, oh my god Michael Biehn is back. I hope he gets meatier roles though, like his other 80s counterpart Mickey Rourke.
No date has been announced for a release date in Australia so just keep your eyes out for this one.
I have never seen so many good looking people in a movie since Suckerpunch (and I hated that movie). Seriously, eveyone is so mighty fine, this is my answer to a soft porn film. Only instead of actual sex, its more explosions and witty banter.
Synopsis:
Marvel Studios presents in association with Paramount Pictures “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Mark Ruffalo, Chris Hemsworth, Scarlett Johansson, Jeremy Renner and Samuel L. Jackson, and directed by Joss Whedon, “Marvel’s The Avengers” is based on the ever-popular Marvel comic book series “The Avengers,” first published in 1963 and a comics institution ever since. Prepare yourself for an exciting event movie, packed with action and spectacular special effects, when “Marvel’s The Avengers” assemble in summer 2012. In “Marvel’s The Avengers,” superheroes team up to pull the world back from the brink of disaster when an unexpected enemy threatens global security.
Thankyou Hollywood for actually listening to the geeks out there and actually making something that we would enjoy. Although I still haven’t forgiven you for The Green Lantern.
The Avengers will hit our screens in June 2012
When you think of The Raven, two things comes to mind.
1. Its a short story written by Edgar Allen Poe (19th century’s answer to Bret Easton Ellis)
2. And this…
If you’re anything like me (a late 20’s child), you would have thought of The Simpsons first. Anyway, James McTeigue (V for Vendetta) has given directing another go with John Cusack in the leading role based loosely on Poe’s most famous work
Synopsis:
In this gritty thriller, Edgar Allan Poe (John Cusack) joins forces with a young Baltimore detective (Luke Evans) to hunt down a mad serial killer who’s using Poe’s own works as the basis in a string of brutal murders. When a mother and daughter are found brutally murdered in 19th century Baltimore, Detective Emmett Fields (Luke Evans) makes a startling discovery: the crime resembles a fictional murder described in gory detail in the local newspaper—part of a collection of stories penned by struggling writer and social pariah Edgar Allan Poe. But even as Poe is questioned by police, another grisly murder occurs, also inspired by a popular Poe story. Realizing a serial killer is on the loose using Poe’s writings as the backdrop for his bloody rampage, Fields enlists the author’s help in stopping the attacks. But when it appears someone close to Poe may become the murderer’s next victim, the stakes become even higher and the inventor of the detective story calls on his own powers of deduction to try to solve the case before it’s too late.
I think this movie will do just the trick to wash away the horrendous disaster flick 2012 that Cusack actually agreed to be in. But am I the only one who did a double take and thought they were actually watching the Sleepy Hollow trailer instead?
The Raven hits our screens in March 2012
Liam Neeson. Actor in such greats as Schindler’s List, Rob Roy and Michael Collins. I also liked him in other movies such as K-19: The Widowmaker and Batman Begins.
Then about two years ago his wife of 15 years, Natasha Richardson, passed away which had left him understandably grief-stricken (according to various reports).
So now he’s basically doing every role under the sun in an effort to cash in as much as possible so he can have an early retirement and focus on his family (seems fair, I wouldn’t want to work much if the love of my life were to die suddenly). He’s an accomplished actor so it pains me to see him in such rubbish like The A-Team and Battleship until i stumbled upon this trailer for his upcoming film The Grey
Here’s a brief plot synopsis:
Liam Neeson leads an unruly group of oil-rig roughnecks when their plane crashes into the remote Alaskan wilderness. Battling mortal injuries and merciless weather, the survivors have only a few days to escape the icy elements – and a vicious pack of rogue wolves on the hunt – before their time runs out.
Can’t help he tapped into some method acting in this trailer. What do you think?
It would be good to see him in something that has some element of depth rather than him just phoning it in.
The Grey comes out in Australia around February 2012
