Hello,
I thought it would be interesting to review an ad I found
about Red Bull’s energy drinks. As well as doing an analysis on it and why it
is relevant to today. Right from the go, there is a businessman walking. Probably
going to work or going back home, when suddenly, a bird appears above him and
does its nature business on the man’s shoulder. The man is represented as a
businessman so that every viewer knows how serious and hard-working the man is.
All of this is shown to viewers right away because we live in a society that would
either feel akin to the man or feel sympathy for his bird troubles.
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| Photo by: Dave Salter |
However, this provides an opportunity for the man, as he brought out a Red Bull to drink. Once he drank it, he immediately gained wings and his expression before, which was serious and neutral, turned to happiness and a lighthearted expression. This is to show how Red Bull advertises their product as freedom in a can, essentially. They used wings in the animation and in their slogan because it is considered to nearly everyone that wings and birds represent freedom and happiness.
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| Photo by: Matthew Henry |
It is also a change within the dynamics of a businessman, who is all serious, turns to be gleeful. Which is a signal to the audience that if they tried the drink, then they can have happiness too. Then the ad turns into a funny change of pace as the man flies above the poor bird to, assumingly, do his own business on the bird’s shoulder. Which while it’s not the nicest thing to do to an animal, is shown to the audience as the unsaid phrase of “oh, how the tables have turned.” Which is probably something nearly everyone who has seen the ad has wanted to do to someone or to some problem in one way or another. This develops a connection to the audience with the product as something to relate to even more. All of this gives more opportunities for the ad to gain attention and consumers. All in all, besides what happened to the poor bird, it is a subtle yet smart way to gain more customers.
Until next time,
-Mia R.
Its probably bad for me but I am a big red bull fan, I drink a red bull every day before work. I just feel like it's the only energy drink that makes me feel awake. I never stopped to think to where their slogan comes from though.
ReplyDeleteThis ad is a great example of using humor and symbolism to connect with the audience. I like how you broke down the message behind the wings, it really does make Red Bull seem like a quick escape from the daily grind. Nice analysis!
ReplyDeleteIt was inserting to reading this!! I liked how you pointed out the symbolism behind the wings and freedom. Great job analyzing both the humor and deeper meaning. -Pamela C
ReplyDeleteI love redbull so much! The phrase “Redbull gives you wings” is absolutely correct. Too much of a Redbull does cause health issues.
ReplyDelete-miko
DeleteYour description of Red Bull as "freedom in a can" struck me as a clever perspective as well. The wings related to their well-known tagline, "Red Bull gives you wings".
ReplyDelete