Now playing: 5 films that cast communications as the villain

Do you trust Darth Vader? Look up to Lord Voldemort? Admire Doctor Doom?

Hopefully, you don’t. But what about another type of villainous cinematic icons – those who champion lies and spin? Of course, I am referring to the media professions, which have historically been depicted in film as wrongful and conniving. Interestingly, this trend may have an impact on how the public perceives these careers beyond the fictitious world. Recently, advertising executives and journalists joined the notorious ranks of the least trusted people in the world, and nearly 70% of the population distrusts the practice of public relations. Clearly, communications could use some PR.

Here are five movies that portray advertising, journalism and public relations in a not-so-flattering light:

Via: Oscar Champs

1. Jerry Maguire (1996)

After a guilt-inflicted nervous breakdown, accomplished agent Jerry Maguire (Tom Cruise) realizes he has become “just another shark in a suit” at Sports Management International. His newfound conscience inspires him to draft a company-wide mission statement that advocates for more personal attention. Jerry’s plan to reform the company is dashed when his former protégé, Bob Sugar (Jay Mohr), callously fires him. With the help of accountant Dorothy Boyd (Renee Zellweger) and a single client, Rod Tidwell (Cuba Gooding Jr.), Jerry sets out to start his own firm.

Despite his problematic history with Sports Management International, Jerry is inspiring. As communicators, we should resonate with his goal to reimagine the industry as one driven by connection, not exploitation. Moreover, we are inclined to disapprove of the corrupted Bob Sugar, who preaches, “It’s not show friends; it’s show business.” Good grief.

Via: IMDb

2. How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Composure Magazine’s “How-to” columnist, Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson), longs to write about more pressing topics than gossip and couture. To satisfy her editor, Andie conducts a wild social experiment for her next article: “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.” Meanwhile, advertising executive Ben Berry (Matthew McConaughey) makes a high-stakes bet that he can win the heart of any woman. When their paths cross, Ben is bound to do everything right, but Andie is determined to do everything wrong.

“How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days” is the quintessential romantic comedy for communications. Not to be a wet blanket, but the plot obviously violates a multitude of ethical standards. The success of both the article and the bet is dependent on the characters’ dishonesty, conflict of interest and lack of informed consent – seriously, where is HR?

Via: Into Film

3. Thank You for Smoking (2005)

“Sultan of Spin” Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is a staunch advocate for big tobacco. However, his work as the vice president of the Academy of Tobacco Studies complicates his ability to be a good role model for his son, Joey (Cameron Bright). When Vermont Sen. Ortolan Finisterre (William H. Macy) further threatens the image of big tobacco with a graphic anti-smoking campaign, Nick’s aptitude for persuasion is put to the ultimate test.

This satirical comedy captures the questionable narratives promoted by a man who boasts his “moral flexibility.” Nick Naylor may be a talented speaker, but he is not an exemplar of principled public relations. His desire for financial success overshadows his duty to improve the profession and society at large.

Via: Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

4. The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Andrea “Andy” Sachs (Anne Hathaway), a recent graduate of Northwestern University, dreams of becoming a journalist. To strengthen her resume, she accepts a job at Runway magazine as editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep) junior personal assistant. There is just one problem: Miranda Priestly eats dreams for breakfast. 

Based on Lauren Weisberger’s distinguished novel, “The Devil Wears Prada” is both a retelling and a dramatization of her time as assistant to Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue. It reveals the ruthless side of the industry and how cutthroat culture can negatively impact personnel. While working for Miranda, Andy loses her relationships, work-life balance and sense of self. In one of the last scenes, Andy asks Miranda, “I mean, what if I don’t want to live the way you live?” 

Miranda, evil and fashionable as ever, responds, “Oh, don’t be ridiculous, Andrea. Everybody wants this. Everybody wants to be us.” Cue the diabolical laughter. 

Via: Collider

5. Fly Me to the Moon (2024)

NASA launch director Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) is antagonized and captivated by marketing specialist Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson). His mission is to land on the moon; hers is to sell the moon. Kelly doesn’t hesitate to fabricate stories to appease account executives or fill a press conference with actors instead of NASA’s uncharismatic team. But when an unscrupulous government agent headhunts her for Project Artemis, a top-secret production of a fake moon landing, Kelly’s ambition conflicts with her integrity.

Although the government agent, Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson), is arguably the most nefarious figure in “Fly Me to the Moon,” Kelly Jones is no moralist. She is the master of spin and media manipulation – an embodiment of the negative stereotypes that plague advertising professionals. Fortunately, her character development is out of this world, and she is redeemed by the end of this stellar retro dramedy. 

The silver screen does not capture all the beauty communications brings to our world. We thrive on building genuine relationships, telling the truth and embracing creativity. Frankly, there are more storytellers than snakes in the field. But at the end of the day, we can enjoy these movies for what they are – entertainment. Just remember the reel is not always real.