Popaganda: The Art and Crimes of Ron English (2005)

Documentary about street artist Ron English, who vandalizes billboards with elaborate, anti-corporate propaganda.

Director:

Pedro Carvajal

Stars:

Pedro Carvajal, Ron English, Shepard Fairey

Cast

Credited cast:
Pedro Carvajal	...	Himself
Ron English	...	Himself
Shepard Fairey	...	Himself

Storyline

Bombarded by relentless advertising in a growing culture of junk, one man-activist/artist Ron English-dares to hijack corporate advertising, challenging us to change the sham of reality they've created and reminding us that free speech still lives. Bringing his messages to the masses through billboards and other forms of outdoor marketing, Ron takes traditional advertising hostage, subverting familiar images and words into confrontational art. Whether attacking a popular fast food chain with a manipulated image of its popular icon emblazoned with the words "Phat Food," or taking on a tobacco giant and simply covering their logo with the word "breathe," Ron implores us to re-evaluate what we see and succumb to it no more. Infused with Ron's infectious passion, THE ART & CRIMES OF RON ENGLISH is an engaging thrill ride into the life and art of the "billboard bandit" that will inspire and activate.

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Genres:

Documentary

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Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

20 April 2005 (USA)

Company Credits

Technical Specs

Color:

Color

Did You Know?

Connections

Featured in Exit Through the Gift Shop (2010)

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Soundtracks

Rock and Roll McDonald's
( Wesley Willis )
Performed by The Sutcliffes with Mars and Zephyr English

User Reviews

Pablo Picasso

POPAGANDA: THE ART & CRIMES OF RON English casts a critical eye on one of America's celebrated freedoms. Although Americans do enjoy the Right Of Free Speech, in order to be observed and understood on a mass scale, one needs vast personal riches, or the assistance of a corporate sponsor. And, a corporate entity will only disseminate points of view and information which are in line with policies indigenous to the business sector. So, if what you want to say is 'Pro-Status Quo', and you are super rich, or corporately connected, you are free to say what you will. However, for most of us, this will never be the case. The film also calls into question the concept that a corporation is automatically entitled to the rights and privileges accorded to an individual American citizen, yet these corporate rights come with hardly any responsibilities whatsoever. Huge corporations can threaten the health and well-being of large segments of the population, and continue to generate profits seemingly without restraint. What makes POPAGANDA: THE ART & CRIMES OF RON English such an enjoyable film, is that you are treated to a look at the verve and style of Ron English's beautiful artwork. Even if he were not so concerned about such important issues, his artistry would almost certainly be assured of a wide audience. Yet, the man insists on forcing viewers of his public art to consider issues of great political and social significance regardless of the questionable legal status of his intent. At the end of the film, you are left with the feeling that you have met a man who creates brave and beautiful works of Pop Art which also convey political and socially relevant insight and opinion of momentous importance.