Whether in the whirlwind of brand strategies, behind the scenes of crisis communication or the incredible power of a well-crafted campaign, cinema is full of treasures for communicators. What if we took advantage of a movie night to combine pleasure and work? Here is our top 7 films that will immerse you in the heart of our professions, by offering you a sharp look at different aspects of corporate communication 🎬
1. “99 Francs” (2007) – The acid satire of the world of advertising
Adapted from the eponymous novel by Frédéric Beigbeder, this film immerses us in theThe cynical and crazy world of advertising through the eyes of Octave Parango, played by Jean Dujardin. A biting satire of the advertising industry, “99 Francs" depicts with humor and acidity the excesses of a consumerist society where everything is sold, even the souls of creative people. For communicators, this film is a striking reminder of the ethical issues that underlie every advertising campaign.
Between manipulation, excess and the quest for meaning, “99 Francs” encourages us to reflect on the moral responsibility of advertisers and their power to influence the publicc 👁️
2. “Thank You for Smoking” (2005) – When lobbying becomes an art of persuasion
“Thank You for Smoking” is an American satirical comedy film that follows tobacco industry spokesman Nick Naylor as he tries to justify the unjustifiable. This film humorously explores the communication and persuasion tactics used to defend a controversial industryAs communicators, “Thank You for Smoking” pushes us to question the ethical limits of our profession.
How far can one go to sell a product or defend a cause? How can one wield rhetoric without betraying one's own integrity? This film is a master class on the power of words and the art of turning arguments to one's advantage.
3. “Steve Jobs” (2015) – The master of branding and storytelling
“Steve Jobs,” directed by Danny Boyle and written by Aaron Sorkin, is a fascinating portrait of Apple’s co-founder, played by Michael Fassbender. Structured in three acts around iconic product launches, the film takes us behind the scenes of Steve Jobs’ marketing genius. For communicators, “Steve Jobs” is a textbook case study of the power of storytelling and branding. Jobs didn’t just sell products, he created myths, stories that still resonate today.
This film is an inspiration to anyone looking to go beyond product communication to build iconic brands.
4. “The Social Network” (2010) – The birth of a digital giant
“The Social Network,” directed by David Fincher, is much more than just a biopic; it is a a captivating dive into the origins of Facebook, now one of the most powerful brands in the world. The film traces the tumultuous beginnings of this revolutionary company, from an idea born in a college dorm room to its meteoric rise as a global social networking giant. For communicators, “The Social Network” offers a fascinating lesson in the power of innovation, strategic vision, and theThe crucial importance of brand positioning from its earliest moments.
Through tensions, betrayals and legal battles, the film shows how the birth of Facebook was marked by a relentless quest for growth and domination, transforming a simple startup into an omnipresent entity in our daily lives.
5. “The Joneses” (2009) – Influencer marketing ahead of its time
“The Jones Family” offers a subtle critique of the influence marketing, a concept that is now omnipresent in our digital strategies. The film features a perfect family – which is in reality just a team of “marketers” hired to sell dreams to their neighbors, using their own lifestyle as advertising. This film is a brilliant Demonstrating the power of word of mouth and quiet marketing, but also ethical risks linked to the mmanipulation of image and emotions to sell.
For communicators, “The Joneses” is a reminder that authenticity is crucial, especially in a world where audiences are increasingly savvy and suspicious.
6. “The Interns” (2013) – When a brand becomes a symbol
“The Interns” is much more than just a comedy; it is also a a real masterstroke in terms of product placement. The film, which follows the adventures of two fifty-something salespeople in retraining, played by Vince Vaughn and Owen Wilson, takes place almost entirely at Google headquarters. Through a series of wacky events and collaborative challenges, the digital giant is presented as the ultimate model of the modern, innovative and inclusive company.
For communicators, “The Interns” demonstrates how a company can use cinema to improve its brand image, by integrating its values and corporate culture into an entertaining plot. Google appears not only as an ideal place to work, but also as a pioneering entity in digital transformation. In short, this film is a subliminal advertising of formidable effectiveness, showing how storytelling can be used to shape and reinforce a brand's image on a large scale.
7. “The Law of the Market” (2015) – The weight of communication in business
“La Loi du marché” is a French film that tackles the brutal realities of the world of work head-on. Vincent Lindon plays a long-term unemployed man who finds a job as a security guard in a supermarket, a role that confronts him with profound ethical dilemmas. This film, while sober, shows us how communication, or lack thereof, can have devastating consequences for employees and the business.
For communicators, “The Law of the Market” is a poignant reminder of the importance of internal communication, transparency and respect for human values in any crisis management strategy.
These seven films offer varied perspectives on the profession of communicator, each exploring a particular facet of our field, from branding to crisis communication, including ethics and image management. By watching them, you will not only find inspiration, but also valuable lessons to refine your strategies and your professional practice. So, get your… popcorn! 🍿
