The Chris Farley ad for DirecTV is causing some to question: Is it too soon? The ad features Chris Farley and David Spade in a re-shot scene from Tommy Boy.
Even those who don’t know much about Farley would probably recognize the line “Fat guy in a little coat.” It’s hysterical—still to this day. But should a company glean profits from the comic genius of a man who passed away suddenly 12 years ago?
I first noticed the commercial this weekend while watching football. As I glanced at the screen I thought it was a promo for the actual movie. It’s one of those ads that takes an original scene from a movie and splices it with newly shot footage. In this case, Tommy Boy co-star David Spade sits on the couch while Farley does the “fat guy” routine. Only this time around Spade is plugging DirecTV.
Honestly I wasn’t surprised one bit. It seems some companies will do anything to make a buck. But at some point ethical considerations need to be taken. Yes, it has been more than a decade since his tragic death, but many have expressed their distaste for the commercial, calling it “too early.” I tend to agree.
What did surprise me is that Spade would be a part of something like that.
Take a look at the video below and give us your thoughts. Were you offended by it? Or do you feel the Chris Farley ad is a way of paying homage? Give us your thoughts in the comments section.
October 27th, 2009 at 10:18 am
I absolutely was not offended. I thought of it as a tribute to a true comic genius. In fact it made me want to pull out my DVD of “Tommy Boy” and watch it again!
October 27th, 2009 at 11:01 am
These commercials are very creative. I am always fooled and think that it is a movie promo. Well done!
October 27th, 2009 at 11:51 am
I love Chris Farley but I thought the ad was not a tribute to a great comic.
October 27th, 2009 at 11:54 am
People are way too sensitive. Get over it. It doesn’t portray him in a bad light and it’s especially funny for those that remember the movie.
October 27th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
Chris Farley would be thrilled to see this commercial!
October 27th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
What did they wait a whole month before they keep running the Billy Mays commercials…? The guy’s been gone for over a decade, how’s that too soon…? the commercial is fine by my standards..
October 27th, 2009 at 12:58 pm
I thought the commercial was just fine. If Chris comes back and complains, then take it off the air.
October 27th, 2009 at 1:07 pm
The Chris Farley estate most probably gave their permission for using the ‘Tommy Boy’ footage (with the appropriate remuneration). Otherwise, I don’t believe David would have agreed to this commercial. It’s obvious he loved working with Chris.
October 27th, 2009 at 6:12 pm
The morons who say it is too soon or that this is in poor taste, “what a bunch of retarded bafoons you are”……
Chris wanted me to tell all of you dorks, just that!
Absolutely nothing wrong with the commercial!!!!
October 27th, 2009 at 9:08 pm
“It’s hysterical—still to this day. But should a company glean profits from the comic genius of a man who passed away suddenly 12 years ago?”
-Does a company not glean profits from his comic genius every time a DVD is sold, or it is aired on TV? Therefore, it is apparently too soon to own a copy of the movie or see it as well. Whoever wrote this is an idiot.