The advertising industry is a goldmine for comedy, with its eccentric characters, high-stakes pitches, and the sheer absurdity of trying to sell the unsellable. This collection of films not only tickles your funny bone but also gives you a peek behind the curtain of the mad world of advertising. From classic satires to modern-day parodies, these movies showcase the lighter side of the cut-throat business of selling dreams.
The Secret of My Success (1987)
Description: Michael J. Fox plays a young man who climbs the corporate ladder in a company, including its advertising department, using his wit and charm.
Fact: The film was originally titled "The Secret of My Succe$s," with the dollar sign in the title.
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How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989)
Description: This British comedy takes a satirical look at the advertising world through the eyes of a man who literally grows a second head to argue with his own conscience about the ethics of advertising.
Fact: The film was directed by Bruce Robinson, who also wrote the screenplay for "Withnail and I."
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Crazy People (1990)
Description: An advertising executive, after a mental breakdown, starts writing brutally honest ad copy, which turns out to be wildly successful, satirizing the industry's manipulation.
Fact: The film was originally titled "The Good Times Are Killing Me."
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The Devil's Advocate (1997)
Description: While not a comedy, this film has darkly humorous moments as it explores the seductive and corrupting nature of ambition in the legal and advertising worlds.
Fact: Al Pacino's character was originally written as a real estate mogul, but was changed to a lawyer to fit the film's narrative.
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What Women Want (2000)
Description: Mel Gibson stars as an advertising executive who gains the ability to hear women's thoughts, leading to both comedic and insightful moments in the world of advertising.
Fact: The film was remade in China in 2011 with Andy Lau in the lead role.
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Thank You for Smoking (2005)
Description: This dark comedy follows a tobacco lobbyist who uses advertising and PR tactics to promote smoking, offering a satirical look at the industry.
Fact: The film is based on a novel by Christopher Buckley, who also wrote the screenplay.
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The Joneses (2009)
Description: While not strictly a comedy, this film blends dark humor with a critique of consumer culture as a family moves into a neighborhood to covertly market products through their lifestyle.
Fact: The film was inspired by the term "keeping up with the Joneses," a phrase used to describe the comparison to one's neighbor as a benchmark for social class or the accumulation of material goods.
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The Campaign (2012)
Description: While primarily a political comedy, it features a subplot involving a character's attempt to use advertising to win an election, showcasing the absurdity of political campaigns.
Fact: Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis improvised many of their scenes, leading to some of the film's most memorable moments.
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The Internship (2013)
Description: Two middle-aged salesmen navigate the tech world of Google, including its marketing and advertising strategies, in a bid to secure internships.
Fact: The film was shot at the actual Googleplex in Mountain View, California.
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The Intern (2015)
Description: Robert De Niro plays a senior intern at an e-commerce fashion company, where he navigates the modern world of advertising and digital marketing with humor and wisdom.
Fact: The film was inspired by a real-life program at companies like Google and LinkedIn, where seniors are hired as interns.
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