The Persuaders (9 Nov. 2004)

Directors:

Rachel Dretzin, Barak Goodman

Writers:

Barak Goodman, Douglas Rushkoff

Stars:

Douglas Atkins, Scott Donaton, Linda Eatherton

Cast

Episode credited cast:
Douglas Atkins	...	Himself
Scott Donaton	...	Himself - Editor of Advertising Age
Linda Eatherton	...	Herself - Ketchum Public Relations
Stuart Ewen	...	Himself - Hunter College
Richard Ford	...	Himself
Rich Frank	...	Himself - Former President of Walt Disney Studios
Bob Garfield	...	Himself - Columnist for Advertising Age
John Hayes	...	Himself - Chief Marketing Officer of American Express
Richard Howe	...	Himself - Chief Marketing Officer of Acxion
Mitch Kanner	...	Himself - Integrated Entertainment Partners
Naomi Klein	...	Herself - Author
Nicholas Lemann	...	Himself
Frank Luntz	...	Himself - Luntz Research Companies
Tim Mapes	...	Himself - Marketing Director of Song Airlines
Terry McAuliffe	...	Himself - Chairman of Democratic National Committee

Storyline

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Plot Keywords:

marketing | advertising | politics | psychology | advertising agency | 

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

PBS [us]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

9 November 2004 (USA)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Ark Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Features Friends (1994)

User Reviews

About people who talk a lot but say absolutely nothing...

As I watched this episode of "Frontline" with my wife, we both had VERY different emotional reactions. I was appalled how ubiquitous advertising is and see it as a vile product of our age. Heck, one day I expect to see Mt. Rushmore or the Eiffel Tower emblazoned with ads--the problem is getting that serious. My wife, on the other hand, thought I should just lighten up--it's all harmless. My assumption is that you, the reader, are in either my camp or my wife's.

The show in a behind the scenes look at advertising. I am actually very surprised that the agencies would let "Frontline" see them in action, as I just felt like in many cases they were saying absolutely nothing! In a few cases, they had products which they were advertising in ways that had NOTHING to do with the products! This irritated me to no end. I did, however, find the sessions with the French psychiatrist more interesting and scientific--as well as informative. Still, his job was to get us to buy things we don't need.

The bottom line is that while I didn't like what I was seeing, I appreciate "Frontline" for doing it. It's a very rare insight into a weird and seemingly shallow world--and is never dull. Worth seeing.