As you many of you know, Direct TV has made a series of commercials in which characters from popular movies and TV series break the fourth wall to promote the service's picture quality and HD availability. The latest spot features David Spade as Richard Hayden (his character in Tommy Boy) in new scenes shot specifically for the commercial and the late Chris Farley in footage from the movie.
When I first saw the spot, I was taken aback at seeing Spade tout the virtues of Direct TV in the midst of Farley's "fat guy in a little coat" scene from Tommy Boy. Although the use of dead celebrities in ads doesn't always bother me, I feel this spot delves into poor taste territory. I just find it a bit creepy to see the present-day Spade interacting with his deceased co-star.
Although I'm not outraged, I wonder what the rationale was (besides the obvious) for Direct TV doing the spot and for Spade agreeing to appear in it.
I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on this topic.
6 comments:
It is a little creepy..I don't know if it's poor taste..just creepy..
I feel like it is in bad taste because it is still too soon. I don't mind seeing deceased celebs when they have been dead for a long time, like Elvis or someone. But when it has been less than like 15 years, it's weird and kind of creeps me out.
Wow. Nobody remembers all the other dead celebrities who have hawked products. Start with Billy Mays, Fred Astaire, John Wayne, and Elvis. The list is quite a bit longer.
Casted my vote!
The Farley family gave them their blessing. If they're okay with it, then so am I.
Penny: I'm used to the ad now, but the first time was really weird.
Sarah: Seeing archived footage of long dead celebs in commercials doesn't bother me either.
Anonymous: In regards to Billy Mays, the spots were shot before he died and therefore, done with his consent. What makes the Chris Farley spot different from the other celebs you listed is that it features his co-star interacting in the commercial with him.
Chubskulit: Thanks for stopping by.
Dane: When I first saw the commercial, I kinda figured Farley's family gave their permission. Shortly after posting the poll, this was confirmed. Even though they gave consent, it still doesn't necessarily make it a good idea. As I said before, I'm not outraged by the commercial. :-)
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