This was a series of 8 short (7-10 minute) films by well-known directors, each hired by BMW to highlight new cars. I won’t make great claims for them, though if you like Clive Owen (who plays the hired driver in all 8 movies) and car chases, and you want to see directors forced to operate within the constraints of an extended commercial, they are worth seeing. The films by John Woo, Ang Lee, Wong Kar-Wai and Joe Carnahan are all good, while Guy Ritchie’s, featuring Madonna, is predictably horrible.
They can be downloaded in DVD quality at www.bmwfilms.com though it is a long download. I have an extra copy of the actual DVD if anyone wants it (region 1). If you do, let Reynolds know and he can send contact information.
I saw a few of these about four years ago. They didn’t do a lot for me, but they were slickly made. I remember Ang Lee’s ended with a little boy and an Incredible Hulk trading card, which was a bit self-serving and less than propitious.
Speaking of commercials. Has anyone seen the insane Volkswagon commericals with Peter Stormare. It’s one of the funniest things on TV. “Do you know what we’re going to do now . . . unpimp your auto.” Click here to watch three versions. “Oh, snap. German engineering in da house.”
AND. The BK “Big Buckin’ Chicken” spots? Hilarious. Click here for more capitalist love.
My favorite commercial at the moment:
In fact, it’s crumbelieveable.
Are you serious about the chicken, Jeff? I have lost the little respect I had for you. I’m sure you are crushed.
Ouch . . . that’s a backhanded slap. How did I manage to build up the little respect that was lost? Come on . . . soothing vocals, treacly melody, rodeo, and a man riding a large actor in a chicken suit??? I’m thinking Jerry Lewis would appreciate it. And that very strange Burger King . . . nowhere to be seen. It is certainly no more absurd than Kraft selling transforming chunks of cheese into the dairy grail.