Wes Anderson, Brad Pitt make Japanese ad

The Japanese don't always make the best ads, but they do always get the top celebrities for them. Here we have an ad for Softbank, a big Japanese mobile-phone carrier, that's directed by Wes Anderson and stars Brad Pitt. Not a bad pairing, but the ad is a bit confusing, and nowhere near as entertaining as Anderson's old American Express commercial. Via Kottke and others.

—Posted by Tim Nudd

Published on December 15, 2008 | Permalink | Comments (1)
Filed under Asia, Celebrity endorsements, Nudd, Wes Anderson

Wes Anderson films goofy AmEx spot

I never saw The Life Aquatic, so I guess I’m a lapsed fan, but Wes Anderson’s new commercial for American Express is really enjoyable. Anderson prowls around a movie set, talking directly to the camera about how to make a good film while humorously directing his hapless cast and crew. (“Cut! Cut! Not enough smoke, and the snow is too loud.”) It’s nice to see that Anderson can poke fun at his own quirks and reputation for obsessiveness. Anderson’s current film project, by the way, is apparently a stop-motion animated version of Fantastic Mr. Fox, the children’s book by Roald Dahl. But that project was announced in 2004, and there have been few updates since then. If and when that movie is released, will it feature a Mr. Fox brand of clothing? Via AdJab.

—Posted by Tim Nudd

Published on April 26, 2006 | Permalink | Comments (1)
Filed under AmEx, Nudd, Wes Anderson

It’s gotta be the shoes

Watching Wes Anderson’s The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou as an AdFreak family activity on Christmas Day, we were struck by the Zissou brand of clothes that were everywhere. Characters wear Zissou pajamas, beanies, Speedos, even a supposed limited-edition Team Zissou Adidas sneaker. The sneaker, with silver and teal stripes and the word “Zissou” on it, is just maddeningly out of reach enough to strike lust in the heart of any of-the-moment hipster. A quick Google search reveals many bloggers pining for it, to no avail. Only Zissou beanies and Speedos, which were sent out to promote the movie, are listed on eBay, and the “Zissou store” on the movie’s official Web site claims that the sneakers are “sold out” (though it also claims they were made in 1987, so it’s doubtful they were ever really for sale). What’s a sneakerhead to do? Blogger Josh Puleo has one solution: He offers step-by-step instructions for making your very own Zissou Adidas shoes, using paint or a Sharpie.

—Posted by Mae Anderson

Published on December 30, 2004 | Permalink | Comments (0)
Filed under Anderson, Product placement, Wes Anderson