posted January 07, 2010 02:00 PM         

Since we've been discussing hypocrisy,
I thought it would be interestring to draw
attention to the Avatar phenomenon.

Saw the movie, loved it, and, on the way out, my friend pointed out an empty french fries container with the Avatar face on it, and expressed his disapproval of how this film, ostensibly a vehicle for higher ideas, and, in particular, the cause of anti-globalization, is being used to create huge revenues for companies like Coca-Cola and McDonald's, whose interest is in globalization. Can the message of the movie outweigh the use of it as a marketing tool for companies whose true interests flatly contradict the film? Personally, it frustrates me to see these companies exploiting some of the noblest feelings and aspirations of the public to promote ends which run directly counter to those feelings and aspirations. I really hope these deals were made behind James Cameron's back, and not according to his will. Its frightening to think that the same man who wrote this film could be responsible for giving Coca-Cola and McDonald's a boost.

Coca-Cola

McDonald's

posted January 07, 2010 02:13 PM         

But I love movies -- even bad, formulaic ones. Except for most of those romantic comedies with people like Kate Hudson and Matthew McConneghey; I can't stand that trash. I can appreciate the grand scale, the special effects, and I can overlook the formulas and just enjoy the flick. It's not raw vegan fare, but its not quite junk food either. When I've enjoyed an Avatar or two, I can go appreciate independent and foriegn films even more. I thought Avatar had a good message. It would be a shame to think it was all just part of the formula, and making $

posted January 07, 2010 03:03 PM         

quote:

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"go where the student is"

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posted January 07, 2010 04:38 PM         

It seems tasteless to see a Maccas package in a movie. I don't like seeing these multi-corp products in movies.

However, think about making a movie set in the future. There will be items from the past in that movie. What products from the past/present would you put into a futuristic movie?

posted January 07, 2010 05:04 PM         

I think my "favorite" is how so many people hating capitalism, the USA, etc, tend to buy their CDs of like Rage Against the Machine (and its swag) from big corporations that sponsor them. Oh, and the band itself has even gotten honors from American politicians.

Though that's a small thing to the love of Che Guevara swag & fashion--some of it made in 3rd world sweatshops. I'd think the more lucid Left, seeing Che swag would be like a devout Christian seeing a crucifix in urine, but so many others wear their corporate gear promoting Che, and many of them profess to love the guy and/or his message. Yet somehow Che has become a commodity that's pimped by the very forces Che opposed, and the most eager customers are those who sympathize with Che. It used to amaze me that this was so until I finally accepted just how stupid most of the human race is.

Not that I'm into Che myself, mind you. I just thought of it recently because my BFF got me a Che beret (and I've even been wearing it just to confuse people ). I loved the note she put with it, too (“Wear it, it will make you look like an intellectual, and might even make you look smarter.”) So Viva La Revolución! Especially if the revolution will be accessorized.

posted January 07, 2010 05:17 PM         

quote:

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I wouldn't put Cola or Maccas in out of principle

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And they could say, "Our products are biodegradable, showing our dedication to treading lightly on this earth. Even someone who doesn't like us admit to that!"

I would, just because it's such an iconic figure of our civilization. But I wouldn't be adverse to showing it in a bad light, which I think would be easy to do since it's post-apocalyptic (especially if you had time travelers from the past visiting the future).

Alternately, you could put "alternate world" brands, like Fizzy Goo and Krusty Burger, but I think most people would connect them anyway (and might even make the brand more popular when it becomes cool to call coke "fizzy goo").

A really haunting scene to me was from the first Terminator movie where people were sitting in front of a TV, but as the cam showed a better view you could see the TV had been made into a small fireplace.

posted January 07, 2010 05:38 PM         

quote:

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Our products are biodegradable, showing our dedication to treading lightly on this earth. Even someone who doesn't like us admit to that!"

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That's purely a political move.

All businesses now must comply by sustainable laws. Maccas makes a big deal over what is required by everyone.

posted January 07, 2010 08:19 PM         

Based on principle, I refuse to see this movie. Bastaards are not getting my money.

posted January 07, 2010 08:38 PM         

That will teach the sons of biitches.

I'm hoping zach will come along to keep me warm and entertain me with old stories about the Shining Path.

posted January 08, 2010 07:48 PM         

I guess I'm a sucker for a white guy in dreadlocks.

posted January 08, 2010 08:46 PM         

That's because I recall what Shrek LIKED to eat in the movie (like raw fish that had died from his farts) and to see him holding a Whopper and a smile made me go, "Ewww!" Seriously.
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posted January 09, 2010 04:17 AM         

Soundgarden were overrated and I thought they were horrible live. Boring.