I treated myself to a movie out tonight. When I got to the theatre, I decided to see whatever film was starting next and that left me with a choice – it was between Wanted and Hancock. Hmm, what a tough call – Angelina Jolie or Will Smith? I knew I’d enjoy either film but I ended up going with Hancock. I had read some bad reviews, but I also knew that a PR guy played a fairly major role and I wanted to see how Hollywood would portray my kind this time around.
Imagine my surprise when A) I thoroughly enjoyed the movie and B) the PR guy, though a bit of a caricature, is portrayed as honest, decent, strategic, thoughtful, caring, ethical and genuine. I loved Jason Bateman in the role. Sure he wasn’t the sharpest crayon in the box, but he had big ideas and gave good counsel and had integrity. I’ll take that portrait of a PR pro any day over others I’ve seen.
So, what’s your favorite movie of the summer so far? And what are some other good – or bad – portrayals of PR folk on the big screen? Ben Affleck in Jersey Girl is the only other one that’s coming to mind, but I know there are lots of others. (Edit: I just couldn’t help searching – there are tons!)
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9 responses so far ↓
1 Sameer Vasta // Jul 8, 2008 at 3:59 pm
A good portrayal of a PR person on the big screen? Well that’s a shock. I skipped Hancock because I was out of town (and because of the mainly horrible reviews) but I’ve always been a fan of Bateman. It’s great to know his character wasn’t the shallow stereotype of the smarmy PR person like so many movies tend to use.
While Wall·E is by far my favorite movie of the year so far, I’d recommend you check out Thank You For Smoking, a film that came out some years ago.
In TYFS, Aaron Eckhart plays a spokesperson for the cigarette industry. Yes, he’s smarmy and conniving, but you end up empathizing with the guy.
Let me know what you think of it.
2 larak // Jul 8, 2008 at 4:48 pm
Thanks, Sameer – I will definitely check out those movies. I love getting movie recommendations! I’ve added them to my Blockbuster queue. By the way, am I the only one who feels truly victorious every time I spell the word “queue” correctly?
3 Sameer Vasta // Jul 8, 2008 at 7:09 pm
Haha…people always laugh at me because I say ‘queue’ instead of ‘line-up’. But I’m just weird like that. =)
4 larak // Jul 9, 2008 at 7:50 am
That’s very British – my parents say it as well.
5 MsCatalysta // Jul 9, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Can’t wait for our movie date to see wanted. I have a total girl crush on Angelina. And that guy isn’t too bad either…
6 Monique // Jul 11, 2008 at 8:55 am
Favorite movie thus far of Summer 2008: Get Smart. Hilarious! As far as good representation of PR people in movies, I’m at a loss. We should make our own; any volunteers?
7 larak // Jul 12, 2008 at 3:01 pm
@MsCatalysta I found a good movie time for us! Now we just need to pick a date.
@Monique, want to come see Wanted with Megan and I? I’m adding Get Smart to my queue on Blockbuster, thanks!
8 Holly // Jul 12, 2008 at 10:57 pm
I think “Wag the Dog” with Dustin Hoffman is a good PR movie. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120885/
Check it out–Willie Nelson is in this movie too!
9 larak // Jul 13, 2008 at 11:32 am
Thanks Holly, I’ve added it to my Blockbuster queue. Thanks for finding your way to my blog, too – I have just discovered yours and love it!
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