Putney Swope

Putney Swope, released in 1969, is a satirical comedy film directed by Robert Downey Sr. Featuring top-notch performances by Arnold Johnson, Stan Gottlieb, and Allen Garfield, the film boldly challenges the core of American values and confronts the corporate entities that dominate U.S culture.

The film is centered around Putney Swope, a character enigmatically portrayed by Arnold Johnson. Swope is the only black man on the executive board of an advertising firm, chosen to take over the company after the previous chairman's sudden death. The decision, fueled by board members voting for someone they thought would not win, triggers a fortuitous yet tumultuous adventure where Putney Swope significantly redefines the company.

Once he gains control of the agency, Swope, fired up with passion and determination, renames the company "Truth and Soul, Inc." This opens up an avenue for a galore of daring satire as Swope transforms the company into a rebellious operation that tugs at the unseen mechanisms of the advertising industry. With his newly formed team, mostly composed of black militants, Swope refuses to advertise harmful products like alcohol or war toys, shaking the establishment up and leaving them rattled.

The film balances its satirical style with timely humor, using the social and racial conflicts in the 1960s as a blueprint for exploring themes of race, class, and the American Dream. Arnold Johnson's performance as Putney Swope is, in itself, a feast for discerning viewers who appreciate subtlety and artfulness in characters' portrayal.

Stan Gottlieb and Allen Garfield put on similarly superb performances, adding depth and dynamism to the cast. They effectively further the film's discourse on money, power, and the lengths individuals can go to maintain them. Their exchanges with Arnold Johnson create moments that range from hilariously absurd to intensely thought-provoking.

Director Robert Downey Sr. creates a plot that is an amalgam of spoof, satire, and comedy. Downey not only confronts the corporate advertising industry but also digs deep into the societal issues of its time. Cultural norms, politics, racism, and hypocrisy within the power systems all face Downey's witty and trenchant examination.

Putney Swope is abundantly sprinkled with brilliantly absurd commercials that mimic and ridicule real ads, yet with a twist that lays bare their often concealed absurdities and unethical variables. These segments provide not just comic relief but also insightful commentary on the consumer culture and capitalism, two elements that Downey Sr. intended to critically evaluate.

The movie also stands out for its unique style. The film is primarily in black and white, setting a surreal world that metaphorically reflects the starkness of its themes. However, it sporadically breaks into color for the mind-boggling commercials, enhancing the absurdity and making them all the more memorable for the viewers.

Although it was a relatively low-budget film, Putney Swope has a substantial visual appeal, from the distinctive choice of black and white and color to the innovative production design that gives it an avant-garde feel. The film has a funky and edgy soundtrack that sets the tone for the movie, making it a product of its time.

Putney Swope, without a doubt, is a cinematic oddball. For some, it may seem nonsensical and chaotically absurd. However, for those who appreciate satire that slices open society's double standards and unabashedly exposes its hypocrisies, the film is a treasure trove. It is a film that rewards patience and thought, letting its subtleties layer up to form a rich tapestry of social commentary.

In conclusion, Putney Swope is a clever, unorthodox satire that merges humor with insightful societal commentary. Grounded by a dynamite performance from Arnold Johnson and brilliantly helmed by Robert Downey Sr., it stands as a rebellious exploration of American capitalism, corporate culture, and race relations — all wrapped in an unconventional yet artfully crafted cinema.