Task 1: Advertisement Commentary
Advertisment Analysis
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBFvwI0ewLM
Kyoto University
Form is animation, the style is nostalgia. It’s nostalgia comes from the main character, who reminds the watcher of their dreams and ambitions, and shows said character going for them. This is mainly targeted at students in Japan, or other asian countries, because the art style (anime) is more likely to drag them in. However, not all people like anime, and this style could throw them off entirely.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eX9veXLp57U
Lysol Toilet Cleaner
The form is documentary, the style is most probably humor. The advertisement uses comparisons to show that it’s product is as good, if not better. At the end there, the advertisement shows another product. This is because most advertisments have around 30 seconds to show their product off, and they want to use all those seconds. This shows that the person making the advertisment not only managed to get another product in, but it shows that they know how to use their time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c2qbarmmwIM
The Form is Talking Heads, and it’s informative It’s simple style gets its point across, and gives out the information to people who need it This is effective because the advertisement does its job, and doesn’t beat around the bush, but manages to keep the watcher entertained. The advertisment lures you in with a nice person with a calm voice; someone very trustworthy, and someone you can relate to. The problem with these types of advertisments are the same with all talking head advertisments. They’re repetitive, and get annoying after a while. Yes, Hotel Trivago.I know what you can do. I know that you can get a hotel for the best price when you use the site. What I don’t want is to hear that same advertisment 10 times before I get out of commercial break! This ad is aimed at people who are travellers/about to travel, are looking for a hotel, and prefer to book a hotel for the lowest price possible.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYP9AGtLvRg
Nike
Form is Series and realistic. It’s a very uplifting commercial, which advertises the company itself, without even mentioning it’s name. In this ad, a voiceover talks about how greatness isn’t defined by fame and fortune, while showing clips of a person doing an impressive sport. While this is effective, it’s a confusing commercial, and would leave a watcher confused if they didn’t know what Nike was. Nike is using itself as the selling point, subtly telling us that they can help you achieve that greatness it talks about, and making you want to look it up. At first glance, this seems like the ad is for active people, but considering the people in the ad and it’s message, they could be trying to go for a wide audience.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmHzsXO1EZg
My father is a Liar
Form is realistic, style is dramatic. It’s an insurance company, so the story of the advertisement is about a father who is trying desperately to get money so his daughter can get a good education. This ad is effective because it eases you in, before turning the tables. ad starts off sweet and nice, but then turns the tables and whiplashes you into, what they hope is a crying fit. The situation is bad, and nobody wants to be in it. We’re assuming that the father in this situation is super hardworking and generous, yet gets nothing in return, which uses a hidden message tells you that the company is a company that cares. The goal of the advertisement is to build the identity of the brand, and to tell you that the company really cares.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38Bw8MSumh8
Evian
Form is a mixture of surreal and animation, style is humor. Evian’s slogan is “Live young”, and the advertisement takes it literally, by getting babies to do things you only see, not babies, do. The advertisement is interesting enough to make you wonder, “What is this being advertised for?” It’s aimed at active people, who want to stay fit and healthy, and probably also people that want to stay young. While this advertisement is effective, there are other advertisements made by Evian, which get it’s message across better.