Sunday, February 23, 2014

Women in Advertisement (Captured/Controlled)

Kellan Lutz of Twilight fame is the star of a new campaign by Abbot + Main and some clear themes of domination, submission, sodomy, and subjugation are apparent.






Dominance is clearly the message here, and maybe in a less subtle way than is first noticeable.  While the submissive female seems content in her role, she is still in a sexually suggestive position, and one in which the man clearly maintains virtual absolute control.  This message along with his apathetic yet mildly-content appearance suggest post sexual activity, and it is implied that "if you are like him", you also will find yourself satisfied as well - just wear Abbot + Main.

Minor details like the exposed, and somewhat famously known "barrel chest" of Mr. Lutz, imply extreme strength (Twilight role), and the addition of military dog tags provides an unknown mystery and potential danger.  Lastly, the tactically placed feint "AIN" in the area between Mr. Lutz's genitalia and our young ladies mouth is a clever trick as one is drawn to discover "just how far did they go?"

 

 

Sunday, February 9, 2014

Super Bowl Commercials: Signifiers and Signifieds

Have you ever wondered why in Hollywood movies, all the villains are played by Brits?  Jaguar knows and they have a car for you if you agree its #GoodToBeBad.



Sign 1: 

Signifier:  High technology "situation room" in classical high ceiling mansion room.

Signified:  Wealth, Power, Technology, Wisdom

 Sign 2:

Signifier:  Personal Lear Jet

Signified:  Wealth, Power, Prestige, Freedom, Opulence

Sign 3:

Signifier:  Attractive Personal Secretary

Signified:  Opulence, Excess, Pampered, Empowered.

Sign 4: 

Signifier:  Jaguar F Type

Signified:  Beauty, Wealth, Prestige, Uniqeness

Sign 5:

Signifier:  Private Helicopter "with Tea"

Signified:  Cultured, Pampered, Wise, Powerful

Sign 6:

Signifier:  Sipping Tea in moving private Helicopter

Signified:  Precision, Engineering, Responsive, Impossible

Sign 7:

Signifier:  Helicopter chases Jaguar

Signified:  Adventure, Speed, Precision, Freedom

Sign 8:

Signifier:  Hand Tailored Suits

Signified:  Comfort, Proper fit, Long Lasting, Opulent

Sign 9: 

Signifier:  Conducting car/helicopter chase in comfort

Signified:  Control, Precision, Self-determination, Calcuating

Sign 10:  

Signifier:  Tuxedo Tie

Signified:  High Society, Opulence, Exclusivity, Elite

Sign 11:  

Signifier:  London double-decker bus

Signified:  Standard, Ordinary, typical, common

Sign 12:

Signifier:  Jaguar evades Helicopter via ordinary bus

Signified:  Evasive, nimble, shrewd. decisive

Sign 13: 

Signifier:  Inner London "Picadilly"

Signified:  High Society, Special, Selected, Exclusive

Sign 14: 

Signifier:   Classic British County Estate

Signified:  "Old Money", Wise, Wealthy, Respected

Sign 15:  

Signifier:  Persons reminiscent of James Bond "baddies"

Signified:  Excess, Dangerous, Genius, Manic

Sign 16:  

Signifier:  Ben Kingsley

Signified:  Classical, Respected, Feared, Admired

Sign 17:

Signifier:  Union of three baddies

Signified:  "Great minds think alike", Intelligent, Networked, Dangerous

Sign 18: 

Signifier:  Final showcase of all the transport methods and the opulent mansion

Signified:  Monstrous wealth, organization, planning, strategy

Sign 19:

Signifier:  Statement by Kingsley "Its good to be bad"

Signified:  Pleasure in excess, greed, swagger, lionize

Sign 20: 

Signifier:  Jaguar's famous front grill

Signified:  Ancient, trustworthy, steadfast, permanent, strong