When does advertising become art, and art become advertising? Is advertising the fine art of selling products or is it, as a new video documentary is titled, “The Fine Art of Separating People From Their Money”?
These are just a few of the provocative questions posed by host Dennis Hopper and addressed by personages ranging from “Top Gun” director Tony Scott, artist Julian Schnabel and actor Harvey Keitel to a transsexual prostitute named Heather.
Directed by Clio Award-winner Hermann Vaske, “The Fine Art . . .” is composed of three parts. “Crossing Over” charts what Hopper terms the breakdown of “barriers between the different creative disciplines” that sees commercial artists such as Alan Parker and Scott directing Hollywood features, and filmmakers such as Spike Lee and David Lynch making commercials.
“Humor” and “Shock” explore the effectiveness and psychology of these time-honored tactics, and presents a generous sampling of both. Bennen-ton’s European ads come in for some harsh criticism. “Somebody should stand them in front of the high tribunal of advertising and have them shot,” says one executive.
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“The Fine Art of Separating People From Their Money” (available Aug. 26; Lorber Home Video; 115 minutes; $59.98) can be rented or purchased from Facets Multimedia (800-331-6197).
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