Visioneers

                                                



I picked the "Visioneers" because it's not your typical Zack Galifianakis movie, there are some funny parts, but it is mostly a serious commentary on what the future might be. It also explores what the world would be like if we operated on well nothing but happiness and not letting a person's feelings get to them.Quick look at Visioneers on IMDB.

"Visioneers" is a insight to the world if it was run by a corporation that is obsessed with keeping it's 'workers' stress and feeling free and productive.This corporation is called Jeffers Corporation and is endorsed by the president himself. While telling about the Jeffers Corporation and it's woes , it also focus's s mainly on the character played by Zack Galifianakis and his name is George Washington Winsterhammerman and is a direct descendant of George Washington himself. Now George is in charge of level three in the company of Jeffers Corporation and oversees three employees. George's only bright spot in the day is when he receives calls and little smiley post it notes on reports from the mysterious Charisma, who works on level four.. Around the world, people are exploding as the stress of denying feelings takes its toll.The Jeffers Corporation response to all these people exploding is a mind controlling device, that keeps people happy and calm, so they will not explode. Now back to George , him and his wife are miserable and having issues in the bedroom. His wife's solution, read and watch a program on how to be happy to fix the marriage. Now enter George's brother who was in prison and now released; he get's the idea that he should start a freedom-of-expression, but it will take place in George's backyard.This only adds to George's mounting stress and unhappiness and he starts to question what is this all for? Plus dreams of him actually being George Washington during battle are not helping the confusion Zack Galifianakis character is experiencing.Later, as the dreams become more frequent and his co-workers continue to detonate, George is prompted to reevaluate his mundane existence.

Now this movie is interesting because it is a break away role for Zack Galifianakis, than his normal roles such as in " The Hangover", "Due Date" and "Dinner for Schmucks". Zack usually does ridiculous situational comedies, where the impossible is possible and what is called 'stoner humor'. The movie "Visioneers" dives into his more serious side, which I think he does rather well and shows that Zack is a versatile actor.

"Visioneers" is a movie that reflects a possible future where corporation and productivity rule and the needs and creativity of one are not important.  Which shows that public at large are thinking of the a world where a 'big brother' mentality could rule and no one is pushed to be expressive.I think the target audience is 20-40 year olds, who are the most concerned with the future of society and where it is going.

This movie is about three and half star to me, because there are some pitfalls where the viewer can get lost. The beginning of the movie starts off with a scene of Zack's character entering work and flipping off a portrait of man, which I later learned was his boss. This baffled me, because at this point I knew nothing of this world. But it does  have a good story to tell and message of to hold on what is dear to on and express yourself.
 Here are some reviews of the movie.


In all this is a great movie that explores the dangerous path of corporate world taking hold of the world at large.

Topic #1 -- Advertising

The one advertisement campaign that came to mind was the commercials for Allstate Insurance company. Now they are funny little commercials and have a cute catch phrase of "Protect you from mayhem". Plus they have entertaining commercials starring you guessed it , Mayhem! These commercials are you normal thirty second commercials, but boy do they pack a lot into them. These commercials usually appear during prime time television hours , following popular TV programs such as Big Bang, and are broadcasted on a wide range of channels, to what i think is to get the best exposure.

Heck there is even a Facebook page for these commercials! Mayhem FaceBook Page

 There is also a site that is dedicated to the actor that portrays this bringer of mayhem., and who has a astonishing career. Brief look at the face behind mayhem

I find it interesting that Allstate is using everyday incidents like teenage driver, GPS and wild life to play on people's fear of the unknown and "Oh my god that could happen to me!" I think in doing this they are getting a consumer to be like" I need that insurance!" because the insurance is saying I understand what happens day to day and we are the best out there to help you. Which shows that Allstate is playing the hidden - fear appeal of their consumers, to try to persuade that only Allstate can keep you and your loved one's from these day to day happenings. Allstate also uses Myth Analysis in these ad's, by presenting a common known problem and saying "Hey we can fix your problem waaaay better than the other companies out there!" By doing so, Allstate engages the viewer and helps them relate to the story that is happening in the commercials. Allstate also is showing that they have easy solutions and will be there more so than the other insurance companies, which may not include all the features that Allstate has to offer the consumer.

This national campaign defiantly appeals to young and old alike because of the entertainment factor, but I really think their target group is people in their 20's - 50's. I say this because with the entertainment, they shove info about their coverage that any consumer might ask in that age bracket and how they can solve any problem you might run into while driving. Also Allstate uses the technology as examples of how day to day living can go wrong. Such examples as cellphones distracting people(aka the teenage driver), GPS giving you last minute turns  and how even adjusting a satellite dish can cause Mayhem.

 By including all these day to day examples in a funny way, Allstate makes sure that you keep coming back to find out what else can happen and that to make sure you, the consumer will remember who and what they are and have to offer.

I also found a great site that instructs people on how to create a little of their own mayhem, and this site talks about how to do it in great detail on half the budget. How to make your own Mayhem

In the end I think this is effective because of the entertainment, story line and the fact that Allstate show they understand accidents happen and they will be there for you. Even after getting hit by a teenage girl!

High Priestess

action

Jordon fong serves up a tasty beverage for a customer as the friday night at peacock get started

photo story idea

i spy with my little eye

Drink mixers all lined up , cleaned and ready to go for another busy Friday night at the local Corvallis Peacock Bar and Grill

Stunning pottery pieces on display at the Interzone coffee shop located on Monroe in Corvallis,OR. Pieces shown are made by  a local artist

my neighborhood from my point of view

top photos shows the reflection of the Corvallis courthouse on the local greyhound station's window---- second photo is of           crushing some garlic  the day before a local vegetarian and vegan  breakfast that happens every Saturday and Sunday between 8am-2pm at the Interzone in Corvallis , or---- third photo shows local students Bret Gold and Ryan Schas from OSU enjoying a lunchtime meal from new restaurant lemongrass that opened November 1st of 2010 ---- last photo shows a typical  Wednesday night for Harrisons Bar and Grill  , where there can be karaoke and laughs to be found.