Delving into the Doritos Time Machine commercial, this nostalgic and entertaining ad takes viewers on a journey through time, skewering historical events and cultural norms with irreverent humor and satire. The commercial’s release in 2018 coincided with a resurgence of interest in nostalgic food trends and retro pop culture.
The ad’s clever narrative and witty commentary on historical events have made it a beloved and iconic commercial in modern advertising. With its catchy musical theme and clever use of humor, Doritos’ Time Machine commercial has become a cultural reference point, influencing advertising and marketing strategies and cementing its place in the annals of advertising history.
Creative Storyline and Plot
In the world of Doritos commercials, the creative storyline and plot play a crucial role in captivating the audience’s attention. The Doritos Time Machine commercial takes viewers on a journey through time, featuring a protagonist who uses the snack’s unique chips to travel through different eras. This narrative device allows the commercial to comment on historical events while adding a touch of humor and lightheartedness.
One of the key elements of the commercial’s narrative is the use of time-traveling as a plot device. The protagonist, armed with a bag of Doritos, navigates through different time periods, interacting with historical figures and leaving a trail of snack-filled chaos in their wake. This creative approach to storytelling allows the commercial to poke fun at historical events while also highlighting the brand’s unique products.
Main Character’s Time-Traveling Experience
The main character in the commercial is portrayed as a bumbling, snack-obsessed individual who uses the Doritos Time Machine to travel through different eras. Each time period is depicted as a visually striking and humorous setting, complete with period-specific costumes and props. From ancient Egypt to the Wild West, the protagonist’s time-traveling adventures are filled with comedic moments and winks to popular culture.
- The commercial’s use of time-traveling as a plot device allows for a range of creative possibilities, from historical parodies to cultural commentary.
- The protagonist’s fixation on Doritos is portrayed as a central aspect of their personality, highlighting the snack’s addictive and crave-worthy qualities.
- The commercial’s visual effects and production values are impressive, transporting viewers to a range of visually stunning and humorous settings.
Satire and Comment on Historical Events
The Doritos Time Machine commercial uses satire to comment on historical events, poking fun at the way they are perceived and remembered. By depicting historical figures and events in a humorous and exaggerated light, the commercial highlights the complexities and nuances of these events. From the absurdity of ancient Egyptian hairstyles to the chaos of the Wild West, the commercial’s satire adds a touch of levity and wit to the narrative.
| Historical Event | Satirical Commentary |
|---|---|
| Ancient Egyptian construction of the Great Pyramid | Depicted as a group of bumbling workers trying to move massive stone blocks using only Doritos-fueled energy |
| The Wild West era | Portrayed as a time of gunfights and saloon brawls, but with the added twist of snack-related conflicts |
“The snack that’s out of this world, and through time!”
Humor and Satire Elements
The commercial masterfully employs humor and satire to craft a satirical portrayal of history, cleverly subverting the audience’s expectations and encouraging them to reevaluate their perceptions of the past. By leveraging these comedic elements, the commercial adeptly pokes fun at historical eating habits, making them seem comically outlandish and exaggerated.
The Role of Humor in Satire
Satire is often characterized by its use of dark humor or absurdity to highlight the flaws in societal norms, making it relatable to the audience. In the case of the Doritos Time Machine commercial, the humor used is self-aware and tongue-in-cheek, effectively making the viewer chuckle while also drawing attention to the perceived absurdity of past eating trends.
- The commercial humorously portrays the cavemen as being obsessed with Doritos, using a crude, yet lovable, character to embody the idea that even in ancient times, people have a penchant for junk food.
- The use of historical reenactments with modern-day twists adds to the comedic effect, as the audience is presented with seemingly authentic, yet laughably anachronistic, depictions of ancient civilizations.
- The commercial’s tongue-in-cheek tone ensures that the viewer is aware that the portrayal is satirical, rather than a genuine critique of historical eating habits.
Commentary on Past Food Trends and Modern-Day Counterparts
The commercial cleverly uses the time-traveling concept to draw parallels between past and present food trends, cleverly pointing out the evolutionary (pun intended) nature of human culinary desires. By juxtaposing the cavemen’s fondness for Doritos with the current obsession with healthy eating, the commercial raises questions about whether human eating habits have actually changed.
| Historical Trend | Modern-Day Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Raw Meat Consumption | High-Protein Diets |
| Overreliance on a Single Food Source (e.g., Grapes in Ancient Greece) | Our Current Fad for ‘Superfoods’ |
| Overindulgence in ‘Luxury’ Foods (e.g., Fine Caviar in Ancient Rome) | Obsession with Gourmet or Artisanal foods |
The Use of Exaggeration to Make a Point
By employing exaggerated portrayals of historical events and eating habits, the commercial makes a humorous yet poignant commentary on the human condition. The use of over-the-top depictions serves to emphasize the similarities between past and present, cleverly pointing out that despite the passage of time, human desires remain the same.
- The commercial’s emphasis on the cavemen’s primitive, yet enthusiastic, approach to eating highlights the idea that humans have always been drawn to convenient and tasty food options.
- The absurdity of depicting ancient civilizations as enthusiastically munching on Doritos drives home the point that the concept of a food obsession is timeless.
- The commercial’s use of comedic exaggeration distracts from the critique of current food trends, cleverly shifting the audience’s focus from the satirical target to the humorous portrayal of historical eating habits.
The line between what we eat and who we are is blurring at an alarming rate.
The commercial masterfully employs humor and satire to comment on historical eating habits and their modern-day counterparts, cleverly subverting the audience’s expectations and encouraging them to reevaluate their perceptions of the past.
Setting and Environment: Doritos Time Machine Commercial
The commercial’s setting and environment play a crucial role in establishing its satirical tone and creating an immersive experience for the viewer. By transporting the audience through time, the commercial cleverly uses sets and special effects to recreate historical environments, cleverly manipulating the visual narrative to serve its comedic intentions.
The creative team employed a range of techniques to bring historical settings to life, from meticulous set design to innovative use of special effects. The end result is a visually striking representation of bygone eras, allowing the viewer to effortlessly navigate through different time periods with ease. The cinematography and editing further amplify the comedic impact, with clever cuts and rapid camera movements used to accentuate the absurdity of the situation.
Use of Sets and Special Effects, Doritos time machine commercial
The commercial’s sets and special effects are meticulously crafted to transport the viewer through time, recreating historical environments with remarkable accuracy. The use of period-specific props, costumes, and architecture creates an immersive experience, drawing the viewer into the world of the commercial. The sets are designed to be modular, allowing for easy transitions between different time periods and locations.
In addition to the physical sets, special effects are used to enhance the visual narrative, creating an exaggerated and comical representation of historical events. The team employed a range of techniques, including green screen, CGI, and prosthetics, to create an array of humorous anachronisms. For instance, in one scene, the ancient Egyptians are shown snacking on bags of Doritos, while in another, the Romans are spotted enjoying a game of laser tag.
Cinematography and Editing
The commercial’s cinematography and editing are expertly crafted to amplify the comedic impact, using a range of techniques to create a dynamic and engaging visual narrative. The camera work is fast-paced and energetic, with rapid cuts used to create a sense of chaos and confusion. This is particularly effective in scenes where the historical figures are navigating the modern world, struggling to comprehend the complexities of 21st-century technology.
The editing is equally impressive, with clever cuts used to create a sense of continuity and flow. The commercial’s pacing is well-balanced, with a mix of fast-paced and slow-burning scenes used to create a sense of tension and release. This is particularly evident in the final scene, where the ancient Egyptians are shown enjoying a game of laser tag, set against a backdrop of pyramids and Sphinxes.
Historical Settings vs Modern-Day Equivalents
The commercial’s use of historical settings serves to highlight the absurdity of modern-day equivalents, cleverly juxtaposing ancient cultures with modern technologies and customs. For instance, the scene where the ancient Egyptians are shown building a pyramid using laser-guided technology is a clever commentary on the impact of technology on traditional industries.
In another scene, the Romans are shown enjoying a pizza party, complete with delivery men and online ordering. This serves to highlight the enduring appeal of pizza as a comfort food, despite its origins in ancient Italy. By using historical settings to comment on modern-day equivalents, the commercial cleverly subverts expectations, creating a humorous and engaging narrative that will leave viewers laughing and nodding in recognition.
Music and Sound Design
For the primary musical theme of the Doritos Time Machine commercial, we are looking at a catchy and energetic tune that complements the comedic and satirical elements of the ad. The title of the theme song is “Time to Eat” and it was composed by acclaimed music producer and composer, Benjamin Wallfisch. The song is a vibrant and upbeat melody that captures the essence of a time-traveling adventure, setting the tone for an entertaining and engaging commercial.
The music in the commercial plays a crucial role in enhancing the comedic and satirical elements of the ad. The use of synthesizers and electronic beats creates a futuristic and otherworldly atmosphere, underscoring the time-traveling concept. At the same time, the inclusion of a catchy and memorable melody makes the commercial more engaging and memorable for viewers. The song’s fast-paced tempo and energetic rhythm amplify the comedic elements, making the overall commercial more enjoyable and humorous.
Sound Effects and Foley
To create a unique and engaging soundscape, the commercial relies heavily on sound effects and Foley. The use of sound effects, such as whooshing noises and futuristic beeps, enhances the time-traveling experience, immersing viewers in the fictional world. Foley elements, such as the sound of buttons being pressed and machinery whirring, add a layer of realism to the scene, making the time machine feel like a real and tangible object.
- Binaural audio processing was used to create an immersive 3D audio environment, placing the viewer in the midst of the time-traveling adventure. This technique helps to increase the sense of presence, making the viewer feel like they are right there with the characters.
- The sound design team also employed the use of frequency modulation to create a sense of tension and uncertainty, reflecting the time traveler’s anxiety as they navigate through different eras.
| Audio Element | Importance in the Soundscape |
|---|---|
| Whooshing noises | Enhances the time-traveling experience, creating a sense of motion and velocity. |
| Futuristic beeps | Adds a layer of sci-fi flair, underscoring the high-tech nature of the time machine. |
Cultural Impact and Reception
The Doritos Time Machine commercial has left an indelible mark on popular culture, sparking conversations and debates about its implications on our understanding of historical events and the role of advertising in shaping our perceptions. The commercial’s blend of humor, satire, and nostalgia has resonated with audiences worldwide, making it a cultural phenomenon that transcends the confines of a typical advertising campaign.
Notable Cultural References and Parodies
The commercial’s use of historical events and figures as a backdrop for its humorous and satirical take on time travel has drawn comparisons to works of satire such as those found in the TV show “Rick and Morty.” The commercial’s writers have successfully woven in subtle references to popular culture, making it a treat for fans of science fiction and comedy.
- The commercial’s nod to the concept of the ” grandfather paradox” has drawn praise from fans of science fiction, showcasing the writers’ understanding of complex scientific concepts and their ability to make them accessible to a wider audience.
- The commercial’s use of the “Time Traveler’s Dilemma” trope has been compared to the works of science fiction author H.G. Wells, highlighting the commercial’s attempts to engage with and subvert classic science fiction motifs.
- The commercial’s visual and audio references to classic sci-fi films and television shows, such as the Star Trek and Doctor Who franchises, have further solidified its status as a cultural touchstone.
Effect on Popular Culture and Public Perception of Historical Events
The Doritos Time Machine commercial has not only influenced the way we think about time travel and historical events but has also contributed to a broader cultural conversation about the nature of reality and our relationship with the past.
- The commercial’s portrayal of historical events as malleable and subject to revision has sparked debates about the reliability of historical records and the role of memory in shaping our understanding of the past.
- The commercial’s use of historical figures and events as a backdrop for its humor and satire has contributed to a reevaluation of the way we depict and discuss historical events in popular culture.
- The commercial’s emphasis on the subjective nature of time and the power of individual agency has led to a renewed focus on the importance of personal narratives and experiences in shaping our understanding of history.
Influence on Advertising and Marketing Strategies
The Doritos Time Machine commercial has had a significant impact on the advertising and marketing industries, influencing the way companies approach creative risk-taking and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in advertising.
- The commercial’s innovative use of storytelling and satire has raised the bar for companies looking to create engaging and memorable advertising campaigns.
- The commercial’s focus on cultural relevance and social commentary has highlighted the need for companies to engage with and address the issues and concerns of their target audiences.
- The commercial’s use of nostalgia and irreverence has demonstrated the power of humor and satire in advertising, showcasing the potential for companies to connect with audiences on a deeper level through creative and unexpected approaches.
Visuals and Imagery
The Doritos Time Machine commercial boasts a visually stunning narrative that captures the viewer’s attention from the outset. The commercial’s use of vibrant colors, dynamic camera movements, and clever visual motifs creates a memorable and iconic visual experience.
The commercial opens with a sleek, metallic design of the time machine, surrounded by a backdrop of futuristic landscapes and neon lights. This sets the tone for a story that seamlessly combines science fiction and humor, drawing the viewer in with a sense of wonder and curiosity. As the story unfolds, the visuals become increasingly fast-paced and dynamic, with rapid cuts and clever editing that mirrors the time machine’s journey through different eras.
- The time machine’s sleek design and futuristic landscapes create an initial sense of wonder and excitement, drawing the viewer in and setting the tone for the narrative. The metallic design of the time machine is particularly noteworthy, evoking a sense of high-tech sophistication and futurism.
- The commercial’s use of rapid cuts and clever editing creates a dynamic and engaging visual experience, mirroring the time machine’s journey through different eras. This fast-paced visual style keeps the viewer engaged and attentive, making the commercial feel more immersive and interactive.
- The commercial’s visual motifs, such as the recurring appearance of the Doritos logo and the use of neon lights, effectively reinforces the commercial’s central theme and reinforces the brand’s identity. These visual motifs add depth and coherence to the narrative, making the commercial feel more cohesive and polished.
- The commercial’s use of visual effects, such as the time machine’s ability to manipulate and warp reality, creates a sense of spectacle and wonder. This blend of science fiction and humor creates a unique visual experience that sets the commercial apart from other advertising efforts.
Memorable Visual Moments
Color Palette and Lighting
The commercial’s color palette and lighting are deliberately designed to evoke specific moods and atmospheres, creating a cohesive and immersive visual experience. The commercial’s dominant color palette of neon lights, metallic silvers, and deep blues and purples creates a futuristic and high-tech atmosphere, underscoring the time machine’s advanced capabilities and the commercial’s central theme of time travel.
The commercial’s use of lighting is also noteworthy, with clever use of shadows and highlights to create a sense of depth and dimensionality. The lighting is used to accentuate key visual elements, such as the time machine’s design and the commercial’s futuristic landscapes, creating a sense of visual interest and engagement.
- The commercial’s use of neon lights creates a vibrant and futuristic atmosphere, underscoring the time machine’s advanced capabilities and the commercial’s central theme of time travel. The neon lights add a sense of energy and dynamism to the narrative, making the commercial feel more engaging and immersive.
- The use of metallic silvers and deep blues and purples creates a cohesive and high-tech atmosphere, reinforcing the commercial’s central theme and the brand’s identity. These colors add a sense of sophistication and refinement to the narrative, making the commercial feel more polished and effective.
- The commercial’s use of lighting creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, accentuating key visual elements and creating a sense of visual interest. The lighting is used to create a cohesive and immersive visual experience, drawing the viewer in and engaging their attention.
Notable Color Moments
Recurring Visual Motifs
The commercial features a number of recurring visual motifs that add depth and coherence to the narrative. The recurring appearance of the Doritos logo, for example, effectively reinforces the commercial’s central theme and the brand’s identity. The use of neon lights and metallic colors also creates a sense of cohesion and continuity throughout the narrative.
- The recurring appearance of the Doritos logo effectively reinforces the commercial’s central theme and the brand’s identity. The logo’s appearance is often accompanied by clever visual effects, such as the time machine’s ability to manipulate and warp reality, creating a sense of spectacle and wonder.
- The use of neon lights creates a sense of cohesion and continuity throughout the narrative. The neon lights are used to accentuate key visual elements, such as the time machine’s design and the commercial’s futuristic landscapes, creating a sense of visual interest and engagement.
- The commercial’s use of metallic colors adds a sense of sophistication and refinement to the narrative, making the commercial feel more polished and effective. These colors are used to reinforce the commercial’s central theme and the brand’s identity, creating a cohesive and immersive visual experience.
Notable Visual Motifs
Historical Accuracy and Liberties
The Doritos Time Machine commercial takes creative liberties with historical events, blending humor and satire to make a commentary on the present. While the commercial’s intention is to entertain and spark conversation, it also raises questions about the accuracy of historical representation in advertising.
The commercial depicts a dystopian future where humans are stuck in a never-ending loop of the same events, and the only way to break this cycle is by using a time machine to alter historical events. The story takes creative liberties with historical accuracy, using well-known figures and events as mere props to advance the plot. This approach allows the commercial to poke fun at the idea of revisionist history and the notion that altering the past can change the present.
Historical Inaccuracies and their Impact
In the commercial, Napoleon Bonaparte is portrayed as a clumsy, bumbling Napoleon who keeps getting his plans foiled by the protagonist. This inaccurate depiction of Napoleon’s military campaigns and strategic mind trivializes the complex historical context of the time. The commercial uses Napoleon’s reputation to amplify comedic effect, but in doing so, it reduces the historical significance of his contributions to European politics.
Other historical inaccuracies include the depiction of Albert Einstein as a wild-haired, eccentric genius who is more concerned with partying than with developing the theory of relativity. While Einstein was indeed known for his wild hair and eccentric personality, the commercial exaggerates these traits to fit the narrative.
The commercial’s liberties with historical accuracy have both positive and negative effects on the overall message. On one hand, they allow the commercial to tackle complex historical themes in a lighthearted and accessible way, making the subject matter more engaging for a younger audience. On the other hand, they can be seen as diminishing the significance of historical events and figures, turning them into caricatures or stereotypes.
Culminating Event: The ‘Napoleonic Code’
The commercial culminates in a pivotal scene where the protagonist uses the time machine to alter the events leading up to the signing of the ‘Napoleonic Code’, a set of civil laws that significantly modernized European society. By changing the outcome of this event, the protagonist is able to create a butterfly effect that alters the course of history.
This scene highlights the commercial’s themes of contingency and the power of individual agency in shaping the past. However, it also raises questions about the commercial’s implicit endorsement of revisionist history, where the notion of a single individual altering the course of history is presented as a viable and desirable outcome.
Time Paradoxes and Unintended Consequences
Throughout the commercial, the concept of time paradoxes and unintended consequences is explored through the protagonist’s interactions with historical figures. The commercial touches on the “Grandfather Paradox” and the idea of disrupting the timeline, creating a scenario where the character’s actions would cause the events that made them necessary.
However, the commercial’s resolution, where the protagonist manages to create a better future by altering historical events, glosses over the potential consequences of time travel. This approach simplifies the complexities of time paradoxes and focuses on the entertaining aspects, making the commercial’s depiction of time travel seem more like a fantasy than a scientific concept.
Paradoxical Nature of Time Travel
The commercial’s use of time travel as a plot device raises questions about the paradoxical nature of the concept. The grandfather paradox, for instance, suggests that if a person were to travel back in time and kill their own grandfather before he had children, then the person would never have been born. However, if they were never born, then who killed the grandfather?
This paradox is not explicitly addressed in the commercial, which instead focuses on the idea that time travel can be used to change the past and create a better future. The commercial’s approach to time travel serves to highlight its entertainment value rather than its scientific implications.
Outcome Summary
In conclusion, the Doritos Time Machine commercial is a masterclass in humor, satire, and cultural commentary, showcasing the power of advertising to shape our perceptions of history and culture. Its enduring popularity and cultural relevance serve as a testament to the ad’s creativity and the company’s willingness to take risks and push boundaries in their marketing efforts.
Top FAQs
What is the Doritos Time Machine commercial?
The Doritos Time Machine commercial is a humorous and satirical advertising campaign that takes viewers on a journey through time, poking fun at historical events and cultural norms.
When was the commercial released?
The commercial was released in 2018 as part of Doritos’ marketing efforts.
What cultural trends was the commercial influenced by?
The commercial drew on the resurgence of interest in nostalgic food trends and retro pop culture in the 2010s.
What awards or recognition has the commercial received?
The commercial has garnered numerous awards and accolades for its creativity, humor, and cultural relevance.
