1. The Damaging - Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (1988)
Budwieser, Camel Cigarettes and Wild Turkey Whisky can often be found in the background of 'Who Framed Roger Rabbit?' - IMDB Trivia
This one kind of takes the biscuit when it comes to Zemeckis and Product Placement. There is no reason that real brands had to be used for this film, even if smoking and drinking is relevant to the antagonists of this cross over family flick, the branding only serves to be impressionable on the audience. Considering a large chunk of said audience is children, it really wasn't a wise move. A vintage Bud sign can often be seen in many shots in the bar and Wild Turkey whisky is often seen. Considering the main character is an alcoholic and that this film is clearly a pastiche of film noir, this really shouldn't be a problem. Yet children are of course able to make the connection between what they see in a film and also what they see in real life, meaning the use of actual alcoholic brands is a bad choice here. I could go on throughout all of Zemeckis' work and point out more - Back to the Future Part II being another prime example, going so far as to have Mattel advertised for a technology that doesn't even exist (Hover board) - But I feel that the evidence is stacked enough. You may argue that Zemeckis is only the director of these films and product placement is handled elsewhere. Yet with the director himself speaking out about it, coupled with the evidence detailed above you soon get the idea that whatever is in each frame is ultimately the responsibility of the Director. For that reason ladies and gentleman, I have to give to you the King of Product Placement; Robert Zemeckis. At least his largely awful CGI films don't have it, unless you count the walking advertisement for Steven Tyler at the end of The Polar Express, which makes NO sense at all and judging by this screenshot alone, is terrifying:
What examples of Product Placement grind your gears? Let us know with your comments below...Me? I am off to read some more IMDB trivia with a nice, cold refreshing can of Pepsi. If you are interesting in reading about more incredible examples of movie product placement, read our previous articles below;
http://whatculture.com/film/the-worst-movie-product-placements-of-all-time.phphttp://whatculture.com/film/10-most-ridiculous-uses-of-product-placement-in-movies.phphttp://whatculture.com/film/17-most-shameless-product-placements-in-movies.php