Demolition Derby Pit Stop
Honda advert for Canada. The drab and repressive lighting is in nice counterpoint to the two actors, Jonathan Ellul and Chris Lightford. Both bring tremendous energy and poise to this commercial to hawk a plain-Jane car in Ontario. Ellul is simply over the top; almost John Belushi -esque. Unpredictable, volatile and clearly psycho.There are transfers within transfers.Interesting use of hands and fingers well choreographed with lateral and vertical head movements from both men. The human spirit AWOL in this absurdist ”theatre” with black comedy overtones.
In the original ad from 2006, Ellul, the driver ,goes for an Odyssey Van, which fortunately is in blue.A man who is willing to compromise and settle quickly. Ellul is well known in the Toronto theatre scene as well as the Shaw Festival. He has excellent comedic timing and is a master with accents. He had the lead role of Liebman in the David Birnbaum film ‘‘In With The Old World’‘.
The salesman portrayal is by Christ Lightfoot. He is a stand-up comedian from Toronto who writes routines for others as well. Apparently, he also appeared in another Honda commercial where he confronts a potential buyer who spits on a car window. It appears this ad had a shorter built in obsolescence. In ”Rev Your Engine” both actors are so strong they overshadow the carmaker. They create their own ”brand” within the Honda brand and its unlikely they will be paired again.
”God is a comedian playing to an audience too afraid to laugh”. ( Voltaire )
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