Beer

Beer, sometimes also known as "The Selling of America", is a sharp and satire-filled comedy released in the year 1985. Directed by the seasoned Patrick Kelly, the star-studded cast includes Loretta Swit, famous for her role in the hit series M*A*S*H, the legendary Rip Torn, remembered for his distinctive roles in drama and comedy, and Kenneth Mars, a versatile actor known for both his comedic and dramatic roles.

The plot of Beer dives deep into the world of advertising and its effects on human psychology, serving up a story that is as relevant today as it was in the 1985 setting of the film. It brilliantly encapsulates the exaggerated world of marketing and consumer manipulation, focusing particularly on the beer industry, hence the aptly fitting title.

Loretta Swit, who plays the role of star advertiser B.D Tucker in the movie, is the brains and charm behind a struggling beer company's last-ditch attempt to save itself from closure. Her role in the movie is symbolic of the dilution of ethics and morals in business practices, as she employs over-the-top and sometimes dubious advertising gimmicks to increase beer sales. Swit's compelling performance throws abundant light on the lengths to which corporations are willing to go to push their products, often at the expense of truth and reality.

Rip Torn is the hard-driving and perpetually inebriated beer company executive, D.D. “Dewey” Brooke. He appoints B.D. Tucker to save his sinking company and he is willing to support any means necessary to do so. Torn's portrayal of brooke convincingly mirrors the desperation of a beleaguered business leader, whose singular aim is to save his troubled enterprise from collapsing, surprising the audience with his exceptional performance.

Kenneth Mars plays Dr. Ernst Holzburger, a washed-up German Scientist who is a key part of B.D. Tucker's advertising strategy. His character adds an additional layer of humor and eccentricity to the movie, and some of the movie's cleverest and most farcical moments are centered around him. Mars' incredible knack for comedic timing is fully leveraged in his portrayal of the hapless Dr. Holzburger.

One of the significant characteristics of Beer that sets it apart from other comedies of the time is its effort to reside in realism despite the overtly comedic narrative. The film references actual ad campaigns of the '80s, employing them in the movie in an exaggerated and rib-tickling manner. By doing so, the movie hits the viewer with a sharp satire of how advertising can sensationalize any product, even something as mundane and everyday as beer.

The film is not just about commercials, schemes, and strategies. It is generously endowed with humor and wit, delighting audiences with its comedic punches one after another. The comedy of Beer is provocative and biting, allowing the audience to enjoy a laugh while also provoking thought. The dialogues are smart, often doubling as clever commentaries on society's susceptibilities to marketing manipulations.

The film offers excellent cinematography that captures the excessive mirth of the 80s beer industry in high resolution. The direction from Patrick Kelly is tight, allowing no scene to drag unnecessarily. The movie smartly stimulates the audience's own critical thinking about consumerism, making them wonder about the deceptive nature of packaging and branding.

In hindsight, Beer can be seen as a prophetic narrative displaying the future potential of strategic marketing and manipulative corporate tendencies. As much as it is a fun watch, it can also be an eye-opener for those who always look at the rustle and bustle of the advertising industry with a pinch of salt.

Overall, Beer is an entertaining and edgy comedy about the fascinating and sometimes disturbing world of advertising, with superb performances by a star-studded cast. It is a smart and snappy satirical comedy that tickles your funny bone while also opening up revealing insights into the world of advertising. Whether you love a good laugh or just a bit of scathing social commentary, Beer deserves a spot on your watch list.