Sunday 3 March 2013

Dumb ways to die

My childhood memories are filled with public service announcements. Whether it was Darth Vader serving penance as the Green Cross Man, or warnings not to mix cross-ply and radial tyres, each film sent a carefully-constructed message.

Looking back, many of the old PSA's were dated and laughable, especially for a modern audience. Times have changed, and so have PSA's: here in the UK we have a very effective anti-drink drive advert that has run for a few years.

It is rare for such po-faced adverts to become an Internet hit. But one has: here is the brilliant PSA  'Dumb Ways to Die'. With mind worm lyrics, a catchy tune and simple Mr Men-style graphics, it is both cute and weirdly disturbing.




I won't say what it's message is, but needless to say it is very effective.

1 comment:

Lonewalker said...

"Charlie says" and "Joe and Petunia" watching the fella drowning at sea were my favourite PSA films from my childhood. Still available on YouTube :)

Can't help but think that the video attached was way too long for a memorable PSA film. Enjoyed it though.