Castrol's bullying Scot poised for greatness
Castrol Edge's "Think with your dipstick" commercial from Ogilvy & Mather might be the greatest TV ad ever. Yes, I'm given to hyperbole at times. Still, there's plenty to like here. We've got a crazed Scotsman channeling John Cleese, Dave Thomas, Groundskeeper Willie and Nessie who runs around whipping people with a dipstick when they don't buy Castrol Edge. In fact, he also whips people who do buy the stuff, and he calls everybody "Jimmy." He doesn't wear a kilt, but otherwise he's a typical Scot: violent, loud, obsessed about stuff that doesn't really matter. (He does look like he's ready for a few rounds of golf.) The spot played second fiddle to Castrol Edge's grease-monkeys spot on Super Bowl Sunday (it aired pre-game, while the monkeys ad aired during the game), but this plaid phenomenon may be primed to explode. (There's already a parody out there.) Thwack! "Think with yer dipstick, Jimmy!" What few brain cells I have left are happily dying on the misty moors. |
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March 4, 2009 in Automotive, Castrol, Gianatasio, Ogilvy | Permalink |
Comments
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Haha, wonderful. This is one of the funnier 30" spots I've seen in a while. It reminds me of the old Burger King "The King" commercials by CP+B which made the brand more ridiculous(-ly appealing) with the use of a single character.
Posted by: rabram | Mar 4, 2009 8:59:02 AM
I know it's only march but we may have the best new ad character of the year...hell he's the best ive seen since the Miller Beer Truck Driver (Wendell Middlebrooks) who is easily the best ad icon of the 2000s (remember the Gecko started in 1998, im not a fan of the Geico Caveman)
Posted by: glenn | Mar 4, 2009 1:42:17 PM
Gay...
Posted by: Ed Franco | Mar 8, 2009 9:23:48 AM
"He doesn't wear a kilt, but otherwise he's a typical Scot: violent, loud, obsessed about stuff that doesn't really matter."
In response, let me invite the lazy, untrustworthy, cowardly, sister-groping wop who wrote this piece to screw himself.
Posted by: Paul | Apr 7, 2009 1:40:15 AM
The character is distasteful as are all stereotypes. The Scots are a people who have contributed much to civilization. The Scots may be violent and loud but, we are also intelligent, loyal and a proud people. And if this is the best they can come up with its a shame.
Posted by: The Pict | Apr 13, 2009 8:57:38 PM
crap
Posted by: | Jun 4, 2009 11:42:49 PM
oh gimme a break the commercial is hysterical....stop the bleedin heart liberal crybaby whinin about stereotypes its been goin on since the dawn of time...shut up and laugh
Posted by: charlie | Jun 23, 2009 10:21:03 PM
Yeah.. it's too bad the people at Ogilvy & Mather are complete and utter douche bags.
Posted by: Frank B | Jul 18, 2009 6:14:21 PM
