by
on
under
∞ Permalink

COME BACK TO THE SEA

Posted on by

I am a real sucker for scenes where ambient sound drops away, and the visuals clash against what the viewer hears. Take as an example the infamous “Ear Scene” in Quentin Tarantino’s “Reservoir Dogs,” when the bass line of “Stuck in the Middle With You,” Stealer’s Wheel’s “Dylanesque pop bubblegum favorite,” first rises beneath a bloody closeup at 1:38:

Soon enough the action on screen adds its own sounds to the mix, but the first few seconds of the isolated song as Mr. Blonde creepily dances, switchblade in hand, underscores the policeman’s sudden realization that he has entered a pivotal new world of danger and pain. That “feelin’ that somethin’ ain’t right” has transformed into something much, much worse.

But I will more closely focus on a prosaic piece. This past weekend’s American holiday, Super Bowl Sunday, is a kind of Christmas for commercial storytelling, in which global corporations burn millions of dollars to catch our collective eyeballs for sixty seconds. Several of this year’s advertisements were colossal, wasteful failures that did real damage to their companies’ brands, but a few cut through the clutter to tell a story.

For me, Carnival Corporation’s “Come Back to the Sea” worked on this level. I imagined millions of Americans pausing over their snacks, guacamole’d chip in hand, taking in the transportive imagery of boats and ocean, then turning to their sofa-mates after ten or twenty seconds and saying “Wait, is that JFK talking?”

I see a valid attempt at resetting the cruise experience by bringing it back to — literally — an elemental level. No tackiness, no ostentatious buffets nor obnoxious, water-sliding children. No shuffleboard. Just the sea. Our original setting from millions of years ago, the primordial stew “from whence we came.” The home of our first relationships, now playing vitally in the near background as a daughter holds her father’s hand in slow motion from :18 to :23.

Throughout the piece, it is striking to hear President John F. Kennedy’s halting, Boston Brahmin delivery and a rustle of audience noise instead of the sounds of the ocean, and that dissonance is what makes the spot for me. Upon further review, though, there are undercurrents where audio and visuals dovetail.

The audio is taken from a speech Kennedy gave in Newport, R.I. on Sept. 14, 1962, before the America’s Cup yachting competition, and the president’s expansive poetry echoes the wide, helicopter’d establishing shots of enormous luxury liners. The viewer flies at a high angle until we are finally placed aboard a ship lit by aurora borealis for just a second at :14, then at a low angle in New York Harbor at :16. A closeup on roiling surf as salt-talking Kennedy says the word “ocean” at :32. And a cut to a closeup on the word “blood” at :36, as the focus of the piece is now largely on cruise-goers, people looking engaged, connected with their ancient, watery surroundings as the day ends, and we hear about human universalities such as “sweat” and “tears.”

Immediately after this, as Kennedy insists “We are tied to the ocean,” a narrow depth-of-field shot of two clasped hands is rack-focused back to the sunset-lit waves. Now we are literally “back to the sea” at :42, as a SUP rider paddles out into the faraway sunset, and the cut comes powerfully on the beat at :46 from the “whether it is to sail…” overhead shot to the closeup at  “or to watch it.”

The spot ends at :48 with a visually literal interpretation of Kennedy’s “back from whence we came,” returning to the ad’s opening shot. The camera pulls away from the daytime ocean to reveal the tagline COME BACK TO THE SEA as the speech ends to applause. The applause swells as we cut to a hero shot of dozens of cruise ships at twilight, echoing the different cruise lines in Carnival Corporation.

99 Comments

on “COME BACK TO THE SEA”
99 Comments on “COME BACK TO THE SEA”

  1. Tiger711 เว็บแทงมวย มวยไทย แทงบอล อันดับ 1 ของไทย, การันตีการเงิน 100% ด้วยทีมงานคุณภาพที่พร้อมบริการ ฝาก-ถอน ตลอด 24 ชั่วโมง สมัครเดิมพันมวยไทย Add Line : @TIGER711 เว็บมวย

  4. Somebody once wrote me, asking, “There are a lot of teachers and students of A Course in Miracles out there, but there must be something that you’ve hooked into, or caught onto? Something that triggered a transformation or a major healing a course in miracles books

  5. If more people that write articles really concerned themselves with writing great content like you, more readers would be interested in their writings. Thank you for caring about your content. Hire a Hacker

  8. I was reading your article and wondered if you had considered creating an ebook on this subject. Your writing would sell it fast. You have a lot of writing talent. to link

  11. Thank you a bunch for sharing this with all of us you actually realize what you are talking about! Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my site =). We could have a hyperlink change contract between us! slot 168

  12. Excellent .. Amazing .. I’ll bookmark your blog and take the feeds also…I’m happy to find so many useful info here in the post, we need work out more techniques in this regard, thanks for sharing. Gacorslot168

  18. I have been looking for articles on these topics for a long time. casinocommunity I don’t know how grateful you are for posting on this topic. Thank you for the numerous articles on this site, I will subscribe to those links in my bookmarks and visit them often. Have a nice day

  21. It’s amazing. I want to learn your writing skills.
    In fact, I also have a website.
    If you are okay, please visit once and leave your opinion. Thank you.

    먹튀 검증 업체
    온라인 카지노 게임
    스포츠 토토 일정
    토토 라이브 스코어
    온라인 카지노 사이트
    https://www.j9korea.com

  23. I have really learned new things from your blog post. Also a thing to I have recognized is that in most cases, FSBO sellers will reject you. Remember, they can prefer never to use your products and services. But if anyone maintain a stable, professional romance, offering support and keeping contact for around four to five weeks, you will usually manage to win a business interview. From there, a house listing follows. Thanks a lot [Reply] citation sur les rencontres amoureuses

  32. Bsns Consulting offers comprehensive web development services to help businesses establish a strong online presence and enhance their digital strategies. Our team of skilled developers and designers work closely with clients to create customized and user-friendly websites that align with their unique brand identity and goals.Our expertise extends to e-commerce development, web application development, and mobile-friendly optimization, ensuring that your website is accessible across various devices and platforms. With a focus on delivering high-quality results within agreed timelines, Bsns Consulting is committed to providing reliable and efficient web development services to help your business thrive in the digital landscape.

  34. I must show some appreciation to you for bailing me out of this scenario. Because of surfing around throughout the world wide web and coming across tricks which were not helpful, I figured my entire life was done. Being alive minus the strategies to the issues you’ve solved as a result of your good article is a critical case, and the kind that would have in a wrong way affected my entire career if I had not discovered your site. Your main know-how and kindness in touching all things was excellent. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come upon such a subject like this. I’m able to now look ahead to my future. Thanks very much for this reliable and result oriented help. I won’t be reluctant to recommend the blog to anyone who needs and wants support on this issue. dip chin up station

  39. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back. AGEN BETTING

  40. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back. PANTAISLOT

  42. Can I say such a relief to discover somebody who truly knows what theyre preaching about on-line. You actually have learned to bring a problem to light and make it crucial. More people should ought to see this and can see this side on the story. I cant believe youre no more well-known simply because you definitely contain the gift. SLOT AKURAT

  43. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back. AGEN GACOR

  44. Its like you read my mind! You seem to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you could do with a few pics to drive the message home a bit, but other than that, this is excellent blog. A fantastic read. I’ll definitely be back. SLOT MINIMAL DEPO 10K

  45. i like how you make audience enjoy reading this article without realizing this is a pretty long article. This is a great blog and i recommend my colleague to go visit this site Koinslot168

  46. Layanan customer service dari agen judi QQMEGA368 menonjol dengan respon yang cepat, pelayanan ramah, dan dukungan profesional yang siap membantu setiap kebutuhan dan pertanyaan member dengan efisien.

  53. I must show some appreciation to you for bailing me out of this scenario. Because of surfing around throughout the world wide web and coming across tricks which were not helpful, I figured my entire life was done. Being alive minus the strategies to the issues you’ve solved as a result of your good article is a critical case, and the kind that would have in a wrong way affected my entire career if I had not discovered your site. Your main know-how and kindness in touching all things was excellent. I am not sure what I would have done if I hadn’t come upon such a subject like this. I’m able to now look ahead to my future. Thanks very much for this reliable and result oriented help. I won’t be reluctant to recommend the blog to anyone who needs and wants support on this issue. polski serwer rust

  63. This design is wicked! You definitely know how to keep a reader amused. Between your wit and your videos, I was almost moved to start my own blog (well, almost…HaHa!) Great job. I really loved what you had to say, and more than that, how you presented it. Too cool! 로즈 카지노

  66. Hi, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam comments? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can advise? I get so much lately it’s driving me crazy so any assistance is very much appreciated. probiotics for kids

  69. The when I just read a blog, I hope so it doesnt disappoint me as much as that one. I am talking about, It was my method to read, but I actually thought youd have something fascinating to express. All I hear is often a bunch of whining about something that you could fix in the event you werent too busy looking for attention. 꽁나라

  70. hey there and thank you for your info – I’ve certainly picked up something new from right here. I did however expertise several technical points using this web site, since I experienced to reload the site many times previous to I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web hosting is OK? Not that I’m complaining, but sluggish loading instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if advertising and marketing with Adwords. Anyway I am adding this RSS to my email and could look out for a lot more of your respective fascinating content. Make sure you update this again very soon.. https://bongtoto27.com/

  72. Unlock the power of a Canada VPS hosting solution tailored to meet your specific needs. Our virtual private servers, located in Canadian data centres, provide unparalleled performance and reliability. Experience lightning-fast speeds and low latency for your online projects, ensuring an exceptional user experience. With customizable resources and robust security measures, you have full control over your hosting environment. Enjoy the benefits of a dedicated server without the hefty price tag. Elevate your online presence with our top-notch Canada VPS hosting service today!

  75. IhostVPS is a premier VPS hosting provider in the USA. Our cutting-edge infrastructure ensures lightning-fast performance and unparalleled reliability. With our user-friendly control panel and expert support, we empower businesses and individuals to harness the power of USA VPS hosting for their online ventures.

  76. Land assembly Vancouver refers to the process of acquiring multiple adjacent parcels of land with the goal of combining them into a larger, consolidated property. This practice is particularly common in Vancouver due to the city’s limited available land for development and the increasing demand for housing and commercial space.

  77. Business Consultancy and Services. Our team is committed to enhancing your company’s revenue and efficiency through comprehensive advisory, strategic planning, and process optimization. Whether you need help with market entry strategies or performance improvement, we’ve got you covered with end-to-end solutions.

  78. Revitalise your business with our wholesale dead stocks selection. At We Sell Dead Lots, we specialise in offering dead stock items that still hold immense value. Our wholesale options are designed to help you maximise your profits while minimising costs. Explore our range and unlock hidden opportunities in surplus inventory.

  79. I’ve been looking for photos and articles on this topic over the past few days due to a school assignment, bitcoincasino, I have read your post and I am very impressed. We prefer your opinion and will visit this site frequently to refer to your opinion. When would you like to visit my site?

  80. Revitalise your machinery setup with the diverse range of used breakers available at We Sell Dead Lots. Our carefully sourced inventory reflects quality and value, making it easier than ever to discover the right used breakers to meet your specific operational demands. Experience excellence in equipment procurement through our dedicated platform.

  81. Experience the dynamic Dubai scrap market with We Buy Dead Stocks as your guide. We’ve streamlined the process of selling surplus materials, making it easy and lucrative for sellers. Join our community and make the most of your assets with the largest dead stocks buyer in the UAE.

  82. Make the new baby girl feel extra special with our personalised baby girl gifts. Our selection includes adorable items that can be customised with the baby’s name or initials, adding a unique and sentimental touch to the present. Celebrate her arrival with a personalised gift that she’ll cherish for years to come.

  83. Simplify your tax obligations with BSNS Consulting’s comprehensive Taxation Services. Our experienced tax professionals are well-versed in the intricacies of tax regulations, ensuring compliance while maximising your tax efficiency. Trust us to handle your tax planning, filing, and other tax-related matters, so you can focus on what matters most – growing your business.

  86. Discover a wide array of premium electrical items at We Sell Dead Lots. From switches to wiring essentials, our collection covers all your electrical needs. Our commitment to quality ensures that you get reliable products at unbeatable prices, making us your go-to source for affordable electrical solutions.

  87. Stay informed about the dynamic Vancouver real estate market. From modern condos in the heart of downtown to family-friendly homes in the suburbs, explore the latest trends, listings, and investment opportunities in this vibrant coastal city.From trendy downtown condos to charming suburban homes, our listings showcase the diversity of Vancouver’s housing opportunities.

  89. Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your blog and wished to say that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I’ll be subscribing to your rss feed and I hope you write again very soon! nap tien 789win

  90. I needed to write you that little bit of remark to help give many thanks once again with your striking solutions you’ve featured on this website. It was certainly extremely open-handed of you to grant publicly what exactly most people would have made available as an e-book to generate some profit for themselves, specifically seeing that you could have done it if you considered necessary. Those solutions in addition acted like a fantastic way to realize that some people have similar interest similar to mine to know good deal more related to this condition. I am certain there are some more enjoyable moments ahead for individuals who scan through your site. MSNBC Live Stream Free

  95. Oh my goodness! a tremendous article dude. Thank you Nonetheless I’m experiencing challenge with ur rss . Don’t know why Unable to subscribe to it. Is there anyone getting identical rss problem? Anyone who knows kindly respond. Thnkx bongdalu beer

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *