He runs it down the flagpole... AND UP THE ESTABLISHMENT!
On 28 November, Video Bazaar presents Robert Downey Sr's freewheeling cult classic satire, Putney Swope. A fearless critique of the media cycle and consumerism, the razor sharp wit of Downey Sr's greatest achievement was at the time, and in many ways still is, a groundbreaking polemic on corporate America.
Released in 1969, the film follows Putney Swope, the only Black executive on the board of a New York ad agency, who unexpectedly rises to power after the sudden death of the company's chairman. Overnight, Swope transforms the agency into 'Truth and Soul Inc' and begins creating provocative and wildly unorthodox campaigns that take aim at social norms, capitalism, and the absurdities of hyper consumerism. Putney Swope was among the first films to openly address issues of race representation in American media, with its no holds barred approach and Downey Sr's blend of surrealism and social critique still having relevance today.
Downey’s work often critiques American culture and politics, with a unique voice that’s unapologetically subversive. In addition to Putney Swope, Downey Sr.’s filmography includes titles like Greaser’s Palace and Pound, which showcase his offbeat humour and approach to storytelling. Over his career, he gained a loyal cult following and influenced many filmmakers, from Paul Thomas Anderson to Jim Jarmusch.
Beyond his films, Robert Downey Sr. is also known for being the father of actor Robert Downey Jr., but he’s remembered in his own right as one of cinema’s true mavericks, a who used humour to hold a mirror to society, revealing the hypocrisy lurking beneath.
This screening is presented by the cult film collective, Video Bazaar, who are proud to show this rarely screened film and are dedicated to bringing the weird and the obscure to London audiences at The Garden Cinema. Please note this event will feature an intro and carefully curated pre-show material.
