Just watched some recruitment films from the LAPD (that's Los Angeles Police Department, in case you've never been to the movies). There's so much testosterone flooding through my system I can hardly type.
If all LAPD means to you is the Rodney King atrocity back in the nineties, then it would appear it's time to reconsider. Because now, seemingly, joining the LAPD is exactly the same as being in your favourite, late-night, deliciously high-octane cop show.
Look at the web site and you'll feel them playing with your head, making as many entertainment references as they can, macho-ing on about TV and Hollywood's LAPD obsession and the importance of taking a 'front row seat on life'. The films themselves follow the pattern of film trailers, with visual and verbal references to the likes of 24, The Wire, Hill Street Blues, and more.
Yes, the idea's been done before, but probably not as well. And probably not in widescreen.
The production standards are pretty breathtaking - helicopters, aerial shots, roads closed for shoot-outs and a legion of pro actors. (Not the LAPD principals, though - Pablo P. Vita and Cassandra Britt Nickerson play themselves.) Wait until the animated logo comes up at the end - that alone possibly cost more than the totality of your last graduate campaign.
Still, do you feel excited? Do you feel engaged by the drawing on of shared cultural references? Do you feel impressed by its formal mimicry of the high standards of contemporary entertainment? Do you want a large popcorn with that? Course you do.
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