Television network DirecTV has rolled out a new ad showing British actor and comedian, John Cleese, having a conversation with himself in a string of hilarious, fast-paced Q&A style scenes.
The 'Questions' spot, created by Grey New York, is yet another humorous spot from DirecTV, which was praised at Cannes for its irreverent advertising.
Like the brand's other spots, the ad employs a smooth-talking English narrator, Cleese in this instanse, to explain the scenes in an engaging way. Combine this with the spot's lavish, complex and multi-layered scenes, and you have an ad that forces the consumer to watch it again purely to digest it all.
And chances are they'll actually want to, as Cleese brings a likeable screen presence that makes watching such ridiculous, nonsensical scenes that much more enjoyable. Like having your arm hair shaved by a butler while soaking in a bubble bath, accompanied by an orchestra and opera singer, or feasting upon a giant shark-sized lobster. Cleese also plays ping-pong with an eskimo and has his portrait painted with afghan hounds and a black stallion.
The commercial is for DirecTV's latest package, donned the 'Best Offer Of The Year' in the spot, and follows the network's Cannes-awarded brand spots, like Roadside Ditch, Stray Animals and Dog Collar. More recently, the broadcaster rolled out its 'Get Rid Of Cable' campaign which features a string of similar-style narrated ads, with one fronted by infamous actor Charlie Sheen.
The spot launched last week, and has already clocked over 8,100 views on YouTube.
DirecTV has also only recently resolved its public dispute with programmer Viacom, which saw its consumers denied access to many of Viacom's channels like MTV, Nickelodeon, VH1 and Comedy Central. The blackout of channels was the result of the two networks' stoush over fees, and has since been resolved with the television giants reaching a long-term agreement.
What do you think of the ad? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Follow @AdNews on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.
Have something to say? Send us your comments using the form below or contact the writer at amykellow@yaffa.com.au
Have something to say on this? Share your views in the comments section below. Or if you have a news story or tip-off, drop us a line at adnews@yaffa.com.au
Sign up to the AdNews newsletter, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for breaking stories and campaigns throughout the day.