In High School and College, there are three main things that people might think about as a student: grades, relationships, and parties. Some people may have their priorities straight when they enter school, but a lot of people may not be on track. When not on track, it could lead to dangerous things such as alcohol and/or drugs. One of the leading causes of teenage drinking is peer pressure, and this happens more often than someone might think. An Above the Influence commercial shows a person what the effects of peer pressure are. An Above the Influence commercial named “Sick” was one that definitely caught my eye. I think this commercial is very effective, especially since there is no talking among people in the commercial. When I think of an effective commercial, I think of a commercial I can relate to and one that draws my full attention. Even though there is no talking, I think this commercial may be even more effective and it may get the point across easier and with sounds and images instead of conversation. With the use of visual and audio effects, this commercial is very effective towards individuals and really draws them in to what is happening.
The visual effects in this commercial are what make it so effective. There is a girl that walks into the bathroom and leans over the toilet. The girl looks very sad and exhausted, and it has to be from drinking or whatever else. After she throws up once it shows pictures of her and her friends in the toilet; then she throws up again and it has trophies and prize possessions of hers. Also everything in the room is black and white except the girl’s shirt and her memories in the toilet, most likely to show the importance of these items. It is very unique that a commercial doesn’t have any conversation, but that’s exactly what this commercial is. No one is talking, but talking is not needed to show the importance of what is going on in the scene. The only words that show up on the screen are, “You’re not the only thing getting wasted.” The importance of these seven words are emphasized solely by what happened in the commercial. These words just reiterate the whole meaning of the commercial itself. The last piece of visual effect is the Above the Influence symbol; it is simply a circle with an arrow pointing upwards. This symbol is very plain, but it is so recognizable. The effect of this commercial shows people, specifically teenagers, what peer pressure and drinking itself can lead to. Not only does it show what it can do to you in one night, it can also potentially ruin your future and change you as a person.
An effective commercial is one that draws my attention and is something I stand for. This “Sick,” Above the Influence commercial does just that. With its visual effects and powerful words, I am able to understand the meaning of what is happening and the stance they are trying to take.
The visual effects in this commercial are what make it so effective. There is a girl that walks into the bathroom and leans over the toilet. The girl looks very sad and exhausted, and it has to be from drinking or whatever else. After she throws up once it shows pictures of her and her friends in the toilet; then she throws up again and it has trophies and prize possessions of hers. Also everything in the room is black and white except the girl’s shirt and her memories in the toilet, most likely to show the importance of these items. It is very unique that a commercial doesn’t have any conversation, but that’s exactly what this commercial is. No one is talking, but talking is not needed to show the importance of what is going on in the scene. The only words that show up on the screen are, “You’re not the only thing getting wasted.” The importance of these seven words are emphasized solely by what happened in the commercial. These words just reiterate the whole meaning of the commercial itself. The last piece of visual effect is the Above the Influence symbol; it is simply a circle with an arrow pointing upwards. This symbol is very plain, but it is so recognizable. The effect of this commercial shows people, specifically teenagers, what peer pressure and drinking itself can lead to. Not only does it show what it can do to you in one night, it can also potentially ruin your future and change you as a person.
An effective commercial is one that draws my attention and is something I stand for. This “Sick,” Above the Influence commercial does just that. With its visual effects and powerful words, I am able to understand the meaning of what is happening and the stance they are trying to take.
I think you did a good job at explaining why the commercial stuck out to you. I also thought there was a good introduction that everyone who has been in high school can relate to. I thought you could have explained the commercial earlier because I didn't really understand some of the things you were talking about until I knew which commercial you were evaluating.
ReplyDeleteReiterating how important the lack of words are in this commercial is probably the strongest point you have here. It is what gets this idea of self loathing in everyone's head after seeing someone potentially throwing their life away.
ReplyDeleteI strongly agree with your idea of a silent commercial still making it's point. Sometimes just showing the images of people in these types of situations can be extremely motivating for those who may be experiencing the same thing. A lot of people do not understand how serious peer pressure is for teens and I feel your blog has really pointed out the key topics to avoid in such situations.
ReplyDeleteI think you picked a great commercial because it is something almost all of us can relate to. You did a great job evaluating how the visual effects and lack of words create a more dramatic and effective commercial.
ReplyDeletei as well enjoy commercials like this because as you said they are relatable.. when entering college with all the fun stuff there is to do sometimes you loose track of why you came to college in the first place to do.. And i also liked how you described what an effective commercial meant to you..
ReplyDeleteI found your description of the commercial to be as powerful as the commercial itself. You focused on the lack of words in the commercial, which leads to the connection that this girl has no true bonds with those people. It is very easy to relate to and has a clear target audience. The quote "You're not the only thing getting wasted" shows that excessive partying can be a waste on many different levels. It can waste your money, your education because of time spent elsewhere, your drive to do other things. Personally I know quite a few people that view Sunday through Thursday as just the days until they can get acceptably wasted again. I hope this commercial speaks to those people.
ReplyDeleteVery good choice of commercial. Like you stated, the most effective commercials are those in which the audience can relate to. This commercial effectively reaches out to their targeted audience. The message is very powerful and the lack of words adds emphasis to the overall message. The one phrase flashed on the screen encompasses the meaning of the commercial with clarity and emphasis. Great job analyzing.
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