This Video Pancakes remix of Julie, the world’s first talking doll, is a biting and humorous critique of social constructs and gendered TV ads. The original toy ad aired in 1987 and was remixed in May 2011 with dialog from the 1966 film Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolf?.
The movie (and original play on which it was based) stunned and outraged American audiences because it contradicted the image of the happy family idealized on television shows like Leave it to Beaver and Father Knows Best. Wrought with miscommunications between two alcohol-induced couples, Who’s Afraid…? exposed the lies and games people play in an effort to keep up social appearances in post-1950′s era Unite States. The movie’s female lead, played by Elizabeth Taylor, is indeed loud and vulgar and when her voice is inserted into Julie’s mouth, the doll becomes an expression of female anger, power and resentment that negates the idealized image of femininity typically found in gendered toy ads. Finally, a doll that understands!
Check out Video Pancakes’, “Gay Marriage Storm Chasers” remix also featured on this blog.