Narcissus the Ad Man

Miller's late, unlamented 1997 campaign

by "Creative Superstar," Dick

Why do ad people think that ads about people making ads are so clever and irresistible?  

Why are there so many TV commercials about the making of TV commercials?  Why do announcers in radio spots frequently play announcers recording a radio spot?  At what point did our lives become more fascinating than those of the consumers to whom we're speaking?

For perspective, here's the U.S. box office takes of several movies from the last 20 years or so that take place in the wild world of advertising:

Picture Perfect, 1997

Jennifer Aniston struggles with 

work issues and relationship issues.

$31,000,000

Nothing In Common, 1986

Tom Hanks struggles with 

work issues, relationship issues 

and parental issues.

$31,000,000

Crazy People 1990

Dudley Moore struggles with 

work issues, relationship issues 

and sanity issues.

$12,000,000

How To Get Ahead In Advertising, 1989

Richard E. Grant struggles with 

work issues, relationship issues, 

sanity issues and a large boil on his neck 

that grows into a second head.

$355,000