To say Robert Downey is an unusual film maker would still be a gross understatement. Weird, controversial, experimental, and hilarious explains him mildly at best. But this is really such a deep classic, and I don't think fully realized how much of his subconscious had gone into it. Originating the idea while working on actual experimental advertising in the late 60's, Downey was working alongside with a black partner who was getting paid less than Downey. Bob addressed this to his boss, and was told to the effect 'if I give him a raise, I'll have to give everyone a raise. And then he'll still be making less than you...' And this set Downey's gears in motion. In his humbleness, Downey doesn't think too much of Putney Swope. Other than it seemed to make for good satire, and got away with some risque adult humour. But I think in reality, Downey's subconscious had conceived and carried out the movie in true humanistic fashion. Starting with a low echelon black employee at a high end Madison Ave. Ad agency, who inadvertently becomes 'chairman' after all the white members thought they were wasting their vote by putting his name in with hopes they would be more favoured. Immediately Putney takes radical control of the agency, bringing in a black contingency that almost looks like a Black Panther operation. Putney makes wild promises and campaigns as if he's going to 'stick it to the man' so to speak. But also realizes he can make millions for himself quickly and easily by 'giving into the man' so to speak. The movie is surreal in B&W, cutting to colour for some of the ad previews, which are just as surreal. But I think it's the dialog, characters, and pacing that really makes this movie stick. Yes, it's 'blacksploitation' - for better or for worse. But it also brings in the simple human paradox of creativity, truth, and success - no matter what colour, religion, age or sex one maybe. Not to make Bob turn over in his grave, but I'd say Putney Swope is a modern anthropological study of the human virtue and complications thereof. As crazy as it all may seem, try looking at it as if one were watching Putney's dream while sleeping at the board meeting. And the other board members who were asleep got their dreams tangled up in Putney's. Right or wrong, genius or stupid, everyone's working. Just working at what, and what for IS the question. Have worked in advertising myself for a few years (and hating it!), this movie to me was WAAAAAY ahead of its time, and is just as relevant today as ever. A very trippy, humorous, and poignant look at what to sell and buy in the material and political world to be 'one up' on everyone else.
Review of Putney Swope
