How to Get Ahead in Advertising (1989)

User Rating:

7.0/10   

Director:

Bruce Robinson

Writer:

Bruce Robinson (written by)

Release Date:

29 March 1990 (West Germany)

Genre:

Comedy | Fantasy

Tagline:

The Career Where Two Heads Are Better Than One

Plot:

Dennis Dimbleby Bagley is a brilliant young advertising executive who can't come up with a slogan to sell a revolutionary new pimple cream...

Plot Keywords:

Two Headed Man | Satire | Advertising | Consumerism | Diatribe

Cast

Richard E. Grant	...	Denis Dimbleby Bagley
Rachel Ward	...	Julia Bagley
Richard Wilson	...	John Bristol, Bagley's Boss
Jacqueline Tong	...	Penny Wheelstock
John Shrapnel	...	Psychiatrist
Susan Wooldridge	...	Monica
Hugh Armstrong	...	Harry Wax
Mick Ford	...	Richard
Jacqueline Pearce	...	Maud
Christopher Simon	...	Waiter
Gino Melvazzi	...	Waiter
Victor Lucas	...	Tweedy Man
Dawn Keeler	...	Tweedy Woman
Kerryann White	...	Girl in Elevator (as Kerry Ann White)
Vivienne McKone	...	Sullivan Bristol Receptionist

Also Known As:

Como Fazer Carreira em Publicidade (Brazil) [pt]
Eladó az egész világ! (Hungary) [hu]
Erfolgreicher Mann, Ein (West Germany) (TV title) [de]
Huvud för mycket, Ett (Sweden) [sv]
Kopf an Kopf (West Germany) [de]
Pos na petyhete sti diafimisi (Greece) [el]

Runtime:

94 min

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Iceland:L | UK:15 | USA:R | West Germany:16

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

HandMade Films

Goofs:

Continuity: During the anniversary party, the strap on Julia's dress changes shoulders for one scene. When the dress is on the opposite shoulder, it looks a different colour as well.

Quotes:

Penny Wheelstock: Yes, I'm fat! And you're perfectly at liberty to hate me for it!
Denis Dimbleby Bagley: Oh, you're wrong. I don't dislike you because of that. I wouldn't care if you were so huge we'd have to put scaffolding up to feed you.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in "Melrose Place: My New Partner (#1.23)" (1993)

Soundtrack:

Oscillate Wildly

Do You Believe Everything You Hear, See or Read?

This is film is definitely a black comedy, which some may find rather bizarre. It is based on an allegory: Our conscience. Richard E. Grant was fab!! His work in this film, is not to be missed. The entire cast was fantastik, including the beautiful and talented Rachel Ward, Jacqueline Tong, Pauline Melville & I believe that was Susan Woolridge! They were all sublime!

Initially you may feel that the acting is a bit forced, or quirky, but it's supposed to be. If you don't understand it, don't give up, try to listen between the lines. The message relates to the advertising world & the media, which in turn, try to control the minds of the consumer. It's the advertisers who pay the ad agencies, media & newspapers to advertise. What's scary is that there are individuals who believe just about everything they see, read, or hear. Why? I don't know. Maybe you'll get it after seeing the film & start listening to yourselves. We loved it!