Set in New York City’s booming 1960s advertising scene, AMC’s Mad Men (2007-present) and creator Matt Weiner have received critical acclaim for years. The show is lauded for its historical authenticity, visual style, costumes, acting, writing, and directing. In this clip, the show’s protagonist, Don Draper, pitches his agency’s campaign for Belle Jolie lipstick.

discussion

How would you describe the strategy behind this campaign? Do you think it would be successful?

How do these men talk about gender? How does gender play into the strategy that they are using to sell this lipstick?

Thinking of contemporary advertising, what do you think has changed since the 1960s – as exemplified by this ad pitch – and what has stayed constant?