PR at the movies

 As a result of some holiday movie watching, I’ve concluded that PR characters in films seem to follow a fairly standard template. Though always slightly oily, they are generally depicted as idealistic people trying to find a moral purpose in a cynical world.

Three examples:

Hancock

Unsuccessful PR man Ray tries to persuade corporations to donate a percentage of their profits to his climate charity finds an even less promising project – the transformation of alcoholic bum with super powers – Hancock, into proper comic book super hero. His inspired strategy is to persuade Hancock to show contrition and go to jail. He emerges, phoenix like in tight fitting leather suit to save the world.

Jerry McGuire

Sports agent Jerry (PR near enough) is fired for suggesting his sports management company were too profit focussed. Jerry knows something isn’t quite right about his world but isn’t sure what exactly. His character arcs from superficiality to profundity finding meaning and success in his business and personal life.

People  I Know

Ageing burn out publicist Eli Wurman musters all his powers and famous friends to attend a benefit for a worthy cause but taking a moral stand against the corrupt political and celebrity forces he represents  has fatal consequences.