How To Get Ahead In Advertising Criterion Blu-ray Review
“How To Get Ahead In Advertising” is too wordy for its own good.
Written and directed by Bruce Robinson (who is perhaps best known for “Withnail And I”), 1989’s “How To Get Ahead In Advertising” is a British cult comedy/satire. The story revolves around Denis- a rude, blunt advertising executive who is very stressed out about working on a pimple cream campaign. He becomes so troubled that he has a mental breakdown, resigns, rethinks his career, and develops a large boil on his neck. This is no ordinary boil, however, as Denis believes it has a head that speaks to him. Of course, nobody else (including his wife Julia) believes him. As the boil grows, Denis begins to lose it even more. As he is about to get the boil lanced in a hospital, a full size second head forms from the boil. This new head is the polar opposite of where Denis now stands. What happens next? That would be telling.
It’s not hard to see why “How To Get Ahead In Advertising” has become a cult favorite over the years. It’s a strange, oddball, surreal film about consumerism, duality, the Margaret Thatcher era, and capitalism. Even though the high concept take on Jekyll and Hyde is ripe with potential, the comedy film feels strangely underwhelming. It’s an overwritten dialogue heavy piece that isn’t remotely subtle in getting its messages out. As a result, the film overstays its welcome and feels like it’s missing something. It ends so abruptly and you’re left wanting more. It also feels more like a stage play than a film more often than not.
The saving grace is Richard E. Grant in the role of Denis. The veteran actor goes all out here with an energetic, deranged, and highly physical performance. I felt exhausted just watching his performance it was that intense and dedicated. He does everything he can to try and elevate the film as a whole. It’s just a shame he had more than pages upon pages of rapid-fire dialogue to work with.
Video/Audio:
Presentation: 1.85:1 1080p. How does it look? The 2K digital restoration maintains the grain while also providing sharper image quality. Fans will undoubtedly be pleased by the results.
Audio Track: 2.0 DTS-HD MA. How does it sound? Expect a clean 2.0 track.
Extras:
* Trailer
* “Bruce Robinson And Richard E. Grant”- A new 28 ½ minute interview with writer/director and actor (separately). Discussions include George Harrison, Robinson’s writing style, production stories, Margaret Thatcher, and more.
* A booklet/poster with an essay by film critic/filmmaker David Caims
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