http://tv.yahoo.com/blog/directv-resurrects-the-dead-in-questionable-ads--729

By Matt Ufford | Monday, October 26, 2009, 11:35 AM

Some viewers are upset with DirecTV's newest commercial, a recreation of a scene in "Tommy Boy" that combines new footage of David Spade interacting with Chris Farley, who died of a drug overdose in 1997. In the classic scene from the 1995 comedy, a present-day Spade dismisses Farley's antics with the sarcastic remark, "Never gets old." Viewers on YouTube called the spot "distasteful" and a "stupid idea."

It's consistent with DirecTV's long-running ad campaign that features actors in their famous movie roles -- such as Sigourney Weaver in "Alien" and Charlie Sheen in "Major League" -- stepping out of the scene and addressing the TV audience about the benefits of satellite television service. However, this is the second consecutive DirecTV spot that has featured a dead performer: Craig T. Nelson reprised his role from "Poltergeist" in a commercial that featured Heather O'Rourke, who died tragically in 1988 at the age of 12 after her haunting delivery of the line "They're heeeeeere" became part of the popular vernacular.

Corporations using deceased actors is not a new concept. It dates back to at least 1991, when Elton John performed for Humphrey Bogart, James Cagney, and Louis Armstrong in a Diet Coke ad. Fred Astaire famously appeared in a 1997 Dirt Devil ad that debuted during the Super Bowl, and Coors Light has used John Wayne to sell beer.

In all instances, the executor of the deceased's will has to approve the usage of the footage, but moral concerns remain. For example, Astaire's daughter objected to her stepmother approving the Dirt Devil commercial, writing that the "paltry, unconscionable commercials are the antithesis of everything my lovely, gentle father represented." Similarly, the notion of using a dead child or deceased beloved comedian to sell satellite dishes isn't going to sit well with a portion of the audience. But as long as it works, companies will continue to do it.

By Matt Ufford | Monday, October 26, 2009, 11:35 AM

Some viewers are upset with DirecTV's newest commercial, a recreation of a scene in "Tommy Boy" that combines new footage of David Spade interacting with Chris Farley, who died of a drug overdose in 1997. In the classic scene from the 1995 comedy, a present-day Spade dismisses Farley's antics with the sarcastic remark, "Never gets old." Viewers on YouTube called the spot "distasteful" and a "stupid idea."


http://tv.yahoo.com/blog/directv-resurrects-the-dead-in-questionable-ads--729

What upsets me is how people are really shrugging this off and dissmissing it with odd comments like "Oh he would have approved" and things like that.
I pretty much try to ignore every advertisement or product that uses the likeness of a dead celebrity disrespectfully.

I really don't pay much attention to ads to begin with, but it doesn't bother me if they use the likeness of dead celebrities. Unless, of course, they met their end because of Homer Simpson :D

What's next, people getting upset about seeing reruns of TV shows where cast members have passed away?

I saw the commercial yesterday...can't say that it's in the best of taste...

I saw the commercial yesterday...can't say that it's in the best of taste...
:yeahthat

I like to look at it as a compliment to the dead celebrities. What the ad companies are saying is we think you can do a better job selling this product than anyone who is alive.

I hate this stuff.

And there is a difference between commercials that alter the scenario to fit some product and the rebroadcast of classic TV and film. The first is an alteration of the celebrity's image to fit a particular need, without their approval and implies their endorsement of the product (which, being dead, they obviously can't give). The second is a just a representation of a work of art; something the celebrity knew would live on after their death and saw in its entirety before dying.

Yeah not too great,LOVE the movie though

I really don't pay much attention to ads to begin with, but it doesn't bother me if they use the likeness of dead celebrities. Unless, of course, they met their end because of Homer Simpson :D

What's next, people getting upset about seeing reruns of TV shows where cast members have passed away?
It's not about seeing shows or commercials with someone in the likeness of a dead person, and no, I personally have no problem watching reruns of TV shows in which some of the celebrities of the show have passed away. :lol: It's a question of whether or not it was done distastefully and was disrespectful to the memory of the celebrity who passed, and no person's memory should be publically disrespected, celebrity or not.

I'm surprised that there wasn't much of a stink when DirecTV did a Poltergeist themed ad using Heather O'Rourke (who died in 1988), interceeding with Craig T. Nelson breaking the fourth wall to tell us about the benefits of using DirecTV.

I think they should just steer away from stuff like this.

What's next, people getting upset about seeing reruns of TV shows where cast members have passed away?

Believe it or not I read something about that in TV Guide awhile back, someone sent in a letter that Billy Mays commericals should no longer be shown since he was dead :rolleyes:

I was like WTF? What about shows where cast members have long since passed?

I saw the commercial yesterday...can't say that it's in the best of taste...



When was the last time there was a commericial made in the best of taste???

What are they going to do next...?

Have a "Blues Brothers" clip with John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd does the talking? Or...

Have a "Planes, Trains, and Automobiles" clip with John Candy and Steve Martin does the talking? Or...

Have a "Jingle all the Way" clip with Phil Hartman and Arnold Schwarzenegger does the talking? Where the hell will it end?!

When was the last time there was a commericial made in the best of taste???
Very good point Mickey!

Chris Farley Direct TV Ad: Too Soon? David Spade Responds

Using deceased celebrities like Chris Farley in TV commercials is nothing new, but having them interact with a close, personal friend is something we haven't seen before. That's exactly what happens, though, in a new ad for Direct TV featuring Chris Farley and David Spade.

The spot features the late Farley doing his "Fat Guy in a Little Coat" bit for David Spade, who re-dubs his dialogue to incorporate Direct TV ad copy. It's the latest in a series of Direct TV spots to re-create iconic movie moments.



Farley died in 1997 of heart failure due to an overdose, and initial reactions to the ad complain that it is tasteless, insensitive or just plain weird and accuse Spade of selling out his dead friend's memory.

We reached out to David Spade through his publicist, who provided Asylum with a statement from Spade.

"When DIRECT TV came to me and the Farley family with this idea about 'Tommy Boy,' we talked and thought it would be a cool way to remind people just how funny Chris was. It is a clever homage to my friend and a movie that we loved doing, " he says.



UPDATE: A spokesperson for Direct TV told us, "We should look to Chris' family and friends for the ultimate opinion on this subject. They were involved from the beginning of this project and felt that the spot was a great to tribute to Chris."

If Farley's family gave their blessing, is that good enough for you?

http://www.asylum.com/2009/10/26/chris-farley-direct-tv-ad-too-soon-david-spade-responds/

I hate those ads, and the Chris Farley one is particulary disturbing to me because it depicts Farley as very much alive. It's not like showing Marilyn Monroe's picture with a voiceover saying that their product, i.e. perfume is as elegant as she was, or their jeans as sexy as Elvis, etc. I think there is a difference. It also doesn't matter to me if the family approves, as there's a monetary incentive. The ad gives me the creeps.

I hate those ads, and the Chris Farley one is particulary disturbing to me because it depicts Farley as very much alive. It's not like showing Marilyn Monroe's picture with a voiceover saying that their product, i.e. perfume is as elegant as she was, or their jeans as sexy as Elvis, etc. I think there is a difference. It also doesn't matter to me if the family approves, as there's a monetary incentive. The ad gives me the creeps.
I agree. I respect the fact that Chris Farley's family gave their blessing, but still, it's all a question of taste. And like somebody else said earlier on this thread, there is NEVER a commercial made in good taste anymore! LOL

And like somebody else said earlier on this thread, there is NEVER a commercial made in good taste anymore! LOL

That's why I don't bother watching :D

That's why I don't bother watching :D
:lol: Me either. I only watched this ad on YouTube because I saw this thread and I wanted to find out what all the discussion was about. I hardly ever turn my TV on anymore.