Marketing is a powerful force that drives much of our social and commercial interactions. It’s no surprise that the world of cinema has often drawn inspiration from this universe, telling stories that highlight the power of communication, innovation, and, at times, the ethical implications of these dynamics. From the rise of major tech entrepreneurs to the impact of social media, films related to marketing explore themes such as personal branding, information manipulation, and persuasion. Here’s a list of films that tackle these topics in unique and thought-provoking ways.
Air: the revolution of sports marketing
“Air” (2023) tells the story behind the birth of the partnership between Nike and Michael Jordan, a deal that revolutionized the world of sports marketing and sponsorships. Through the narrative of how Nike managed to connect with one of the most famous sports icons of all time, the film demonstrates the importance of choosing the right spokesperson and how a product’s personality can merge with the person to create a lasting market impact. It’s a story of personal and corporate branding that redefined marketing strategies in the world of sports.
The ethics of marketing behind social media
The Social Dilemma (2020) highlights how social platforms are designed to manipulate users’ attention, using algorithms that capitalise on deep psychological needs. This documentary offers a critical analysis of the role social media plays in our society. Here, marketing becomes a science that exploits data and behaviour to steer users toward specific choices. The film addresses ethical issues related to privacy, psychological manipulation, and the impact targeted advertising has on our mental well-being. An important message on how technology has changed not only marketing but also the social fabric.
The dark side of data in communication campaigns
Another documentary, The Great Hack (2019), explores the Cambridge Analytica scandal and the role personal data played in political elections and targeted marketing campaigns. The film shows how the information we share on social media can be exploited to manipulate our opinions and decisions, highlighting the dark side of data-driven marketing. This film serves as a warning about the ethical implications of collecting and using personal data, questioning the boundaries of advertising and information manipulation.
The extreme branding of “The Founder”
This biopic follows the story of Ray Kroc, the man who transformed McDonald’s into a global fast-food empire. The Founder (2016) is a clear example of how marketing can make the difference between a simple idea and a global giant. The narrative shows how distribution, standardisation, and branding can turn a small local business into a worldwide machine capable of influencing the eating habits of millions. Attention to detail regarding franchising and brand promotion offers fundamental lessons for anyone wanting to understand the importance of marketing in business strategy.
Her: the importance of emotional relationships in marketing
Although Her (2013) is not explicitly a film about marketing, it addresses the theme of the relationship between technology and human connections, which is central to modern marketing strategies. In the film, a man develops a relationship with an AI-powered operating system, showing how technology can create deep emotional bonds. This concept ties into personalised marketing and artificial intelligence, which aim to create increasingly intimate and individualised consumer experiences. Her highlights a future where technology not only sells products but also emotional experiences.
Marketing behind the scenes
These films offer a fascinating journey into the world of marketing, revealing how stories, characters, and strategies have the power to transform brands, products, and even entire industries. From technological innovations to ethical reflections, each of these titles invites us to reflect on the role marketing plays in our lives, often behind the scenes but with extraordinary impact.
