I’m tired of writing boring pieces, let’s have some fun!
Do you like movies? It would be really weird if you said you don’t, so I’m going to just keep going.
Movies have been a phenomenal entertainment tool for years and why wouldn’t they! Personally though, I’m a fan of movies that make me think and relate back to my field of expertise; marketing.
Grab Your Popcorn!
7 “Marketing” Movies with Lessons
Glengarry Glen Ross (1992)
Effective Communication
In the intense and gripping drama “Glengarry Glen Ross” (1992), directed by James Foley, a group of desperate real estate salesmen face the pressures of an aggressive sales competition. Set in a Chicago office, the story unfolds as the salesmen struggle to secure valuable leads and close deals to avoid being fired. With high stakes and dwindling prospects, the salesmen resort to cutthroat tactics, manipulation, and moral compromises, revealing the ruthless nature of the industry and the dark underbelly of the American Dream. As the pressure mounts and personal motivations clash, the film delves into themes of masculinity, identity, and the pursuit of success in a relentless capitalist society. Featuring stellar performances from an ensemble cast, including Al Pacino, Jack Lemmon, Alec Baldwin, and Kevin Spacey, “Glengarry Glen Ross” paints a stark and haunting portrait of the human condition under the weight of desperation and greed.
So why is this sales movie kicking off this list of Marketing lessons? Simple. Effective Communication. Take a moment and refresh yourself of Al Pacino’s Character from the film.
Now I’m not saying strong arm your customers in a bar with flash, but understanding who you’re talking to is a huge part of marketing, as well as sales, we just do it on a broader scale instead of individually. As you engage with customers, look for buying signs, ask questions, help them visualize life with your brand.
Moneyball (2011)
Think Outside the Box
“Moneyball” (2011), directed by Bennett Miller, tells the compelling true story of Billy Beane (portrayed by Brad Pitt), the general manager of the Oakland Athletics baseball team, as he revolutionizes the way the game is played. Faced with limited resources compared to wealthier teams, Beane teams up with an innovative young statistician named Peter Brand (played by Jonah Hill) to challenge traditional scouting methods and employ data-driven analysis to assemble a competitive team. By focusing on undervalued players and exploiting market inefficiencies, they defy conventional wisdom and transform the game of baseball. “Moneyball” is not just a sports film, but a captivating exploration of the clash between tradition and innovation, the power of statistical analysis, and the relentless pursuit of success against all odds.
It’s amazing if you haven’t seen it and probably on of Jonah Hill’s best performance’s in my opinion. What’s important is what they attempt and how they had to do it.
Check out this iconic scene:
Sometimes you just have to boldly push through with a new idea and ignore the resistance. Trust your instincts in this business and if things aren’t working, trying something new might be exactly what you need.
What Women Want (2000)
Understand Your Audience
“What Women Want” (2000), directed by Nancy Meyers, is a delightful romantic comedy that takes a whimsical twist on gender dynamics. Nick Marshall (played by Mel Gibson) is a confident and chauvinistic advertising executive who, after a freak accident, gains the ability to hear women’s thoughts. Initially using this newfound power to manipulate and advance his own career, Nick soon realizes the importance of empathy and understanding as he begins to truly listen to the women around him, including his co-worker Darcy (Helen Hunt). With charm and humor, “What Women Want” explores themes of self-discovery, the complexities of relationships, and the significance of communication in fostering genuine connections. It reminds us that true understanding comes not from hearing thoughts, but from truly listening to the hearts of others.
Love him or hate him, Mel Gibson delivered in this one. What’s great is since he’s in the world of advertising and develops this ability to hear women’s thoughts, this is a great movie to talk about understanding your target audience. My favorite scene is when Nick and Darcy are putting together the ad for Nike:
While this is a rather cute look at it, you do have to have this almost uncanny ability to understand your audience in the marketing space. Since we can’t read their minds, just talk to them from time to time and they’ll let you know what they want. Stop trying to force your messaging and listen.
Flamin’ Hot (2023)
Targeted Advertising, Geographical/Demographic Product Design, and Guerilla Marketing
So I watched this one last this past month and loved it!
“Flamin’ Hot” (2023), directed by Eva Longoria, is a biographical drama that chronicles the inspiring story of Richard Montañez. Set in the 1980s, the film follows Richard, a Mexican-American janitor working at the Frito-Lay plant, who seizes an opportunity to create a revolutionary snack. When he develops the bold and spicy Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, Richard faces skepticism and obstacles within the corporate world, but his passion and determination propel him forward. As he navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship and cultural identity, Richard’s unwavering belief in his product not only transforms his own life but also challenges the status quo and inspires others. “Flamin’ Hot” celebrates the power of innovation, resilience, and the pursuit of the American Dream while exploring themes of identity, representation, and the importance of embracing diversity in mainstream culture.
So yes, I know there’s some controversy around Richard Montañez and whether he did in fact invent Flamin’ Hot Cheetos or if it was actually Flamin’ Hot Popcorn a few years later, but we’re talking about movies here, so true or not, there’s a couple lessons to be learned here. I don’t want to give spoilers since this literally just came out so here’s an earlier scene:
Ok, first of all. Flamin’ Hot Cool Ranch Doritos are amazing. Secondly, understanding your targeting is important. Frito-Lay was missing the mark and wasting tons of product in the 1980s because they didn’t understand the rise of Hispanic (and other) culture in the mainstream.
I live in SoCal and the food here is amazing, but completely different to what we were eating in the swamps of Florida. Or the swamp of DC. Hey! We made it out of the swamps!
There’s a great scene towards the end about Guerilla Marketing too and it’s phenomenal. I won’t give it away, but don’t be afraid to do what they had to do in the movie to move products. I mean don’t hire drug dealers, but.. ok. Just watch the movie.
Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory (1971)
Create Immersive Experiences
If you want to view paradise
Pure Imagination, Gene Wilder – Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory
Simply look around and view it
Anything you want to, do it
Want to change the world?
There’s nothing to it
In “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory” (1971), based on Roald Dahl’s beloved children’s book, a young boy named Charlie Bucket (played by Peter Ostrum) embarks on a magical adventure. Charlie, along with four other lucky children, wins a golden ticket to tour the mysterious and enchanting chocolate factory of the eccentric Willy Wonka (Gene Wilder). As they explore the fantastical world filled with chocolate rivers, edible landscapes, and peculiar inventions, the children face whimsical challenges that test their character and expose their flaws.
Let’s get nostalgic! Like did you even need a synopsis or is this one ingrained into your brain? Also, I have nothing against the Tim Burton version, it’s pretty good. However there was something so magical about this one and so, I don’t know, what’s the word, CGI about the new one.
So as a kid, you watch this and you think something like, “wow a room that’s entirely made of edible candy. That’s my dream.” Now in my 30s, in the marketing business I see this and think, “Wow. I want to create this type of experience for my daughter.”
As a marketer, how often do you think about the literal experience your brand brings to the consumer? Start thinking about it and watch your engagements soar!
Office Space (1999)
Company Culture is Vital
“Office Space” (1999), directed by Mike Judge, is a hilarious and satirical comedy that takes a witty and relatable look at the everyday monotony and frustrations of corporate life. The film follows Peter Gibbons (played by Ron Livingston), a disenchanted office worker who rebels against the soul-crushing routine of his job at a software company. With the help of his slacker friends and a hypnotic therapist, Peter embraces a carefree and rebellious attitude, leading him to challenge authority, seek personal fulfillment, and pursue a more meaningful existence. “Office Space” skillfully captures the absurdities of office politics, the mind-numbing nature of cubicle culture, and the desire for individuality in a corporate world.
So why is this on the list? There really isn’t any marketing or even sales lessons in here.
Well, I see who reads this and know you run your own agencies. Learn a quick lesson on why your culture matters.
You need to focus on your team and your people. Motivate them. Build them up. Provide for them. You do that and you’ll grow.
Envy (2004)
Do Your Research
The greatest Jack Black film! Oh wait.. there’s School of Rock… The second greatest Jack Black film!
“Envy” (2004), directed by Barry Levinson, is a dark comedy that delves into the destructive nature of envy and the consequences of unchecked ambition. The film centers around two best friends, Tim Dingman (played by Ben Stiller) and Nick Vanderpark (Jack Black), whose lives take divergent paths when Nick invents a miraculous spray called Vapoorize that makes poop disappear. As Nick’s wealth and success soar, Tim becomes consumed by jealousy, leading to a series of disastrous choices and escalating conflicts. “Envy” explores themes of friendship, greed, and the pursuit of the American Dream, with a blend of outrageous humor and cautionary satire, reminding us of the perils of envy and the importance of appreciating the true value of friendship and contentment.
It’s amazing if you haven’t seen it and it also stars Ben Stiller, Amy Poehler, Rachel Weisz, and even Christopher Walken.
This one came out 19 years ago, but I still don’t want to spoil it if you haven’t seen it. If you have, you know what I’m talking about when I say do your research and testing before you scale too big! If you haven’t seen it, do your research and testing before you scale too big and watch Envy. It’s hilarious.
What are some of your favorite movies and what marketing lessons can we learn from them?
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