Monday, November 03, 2008
America Coming Together - Bush Promo
America Coming together - Bush Promo
Directed by Adam Mckay, United States, 2004, 4:03
Source: America Coming Together
Most political shorts(almost always advertisements) serve as propaganda, and are more concerned with framing the "other" as the wrong choice than explaining why they are the right choice. This short was produced by America Coming Together (ACT), a liberal leaning political group that was dedicated to the "get out and vote" movement. Although not officially affiliated with a party, it is clear they supported democratic candidates. This short still functions as a bit of propaganda (anti-bush) but functions largely as a call to vote. Instead of being malicious they use accessible and popular humor to get a wider message across. VOTE!
This video is mock viewing of all the footage taken of the president at his ranch while attempting to make a political ad. The jumping around in time and showing the take numbers on the slate give the director complete freedom to have a ton of unrelated jokes and one liners. Adam Mckay is the director of Anchorman and was an original member of the upright citizens brigade, an improv comedy group. The unrelated one liners and how unqualified he makes Bush look is simply hilarious. Asking "Hollywood" what looks better "the giant shovel and little tiny thing (a hoe)". The irrational fear of horses that runs through the short keeps coming back to make us laugh.
The piece plays on the perceived stupidity and lack of qualification of the President. They frame him as a common idiot that has led the country in the wrong direction while in office. The incompetence conveyed is supposed to serve as the reason that everyone should vote, we shouldn't let this happen again. They start off funny, simply doing SNL type jokes about the president, which is why people will watch it, remember it, and watch it again. They do a great job of making the piece entertaining and slipping in an important message.
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9 comments:
Great Insight! Thoughtful Analysis!
I agree that propaganda is often used as a sort of easy way out, by putting down the other rather than showing your positive qualities. But I like how you also point out that many of us also realize that this is more effective, and provides for more laughs.
amazing analysis, and great twist on reality. very entertaining yet educational as well.
great analysis and entertaining piece.
I agree with Steve, I think humor is the best vehicle for delivering a message. It serves as a trojan horse of sorts. People let their guards down, because its funny, and then it becomes much easier to sway their opinions.
Recently, I flipped by a rerun of SNL from a few years ago and saw another actor impersonating Bush. It really didn't feel right, and it speaks to how much Ferrell embodied this role as Bush, which I think helps the political message behind this. It doesn't seem so far-fetched that this is our president, or at least much less so than who actually is our president.
Very interesting. This short has a different style from the Will Ferrell Bush skits that I remember from SNL...kind of a precursor to the Digital Shorts, since it is able to do things that wouldn't work in the live TV format.
Will Ferrel's acting as Bush is great. Spot on posting it mate.
very funny and effective
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