As a seasoned gamer with a deep-rooted passion for pop culture references and political satire, I must admit that this “Cruz Psycho” ad has truly captured my attention. It’s not every day that we see such creative and clever use of iconic characters like Patrick Bateman to call out a public figure in the political arena.
A new political ad has given Senator Ted Cruz a makeover reminiscent of Patrick Bateman, a character from the 2000 film American Psycho, to criticize him for his controversial vacation in Cancun during the 2021 Texas power outage crisis.
The advertisement from liberal environmental group NRDC Action Votes, linked with the Natural Resources Defense Council, portrays Ted Cruz as a character similar to Bateman, the central figure in the 2000 movie adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel, which is currently being discussed for remake by director Luca Guadagnino. In both instances, the inner thoughts of a materialistic, beauty- and pop music-loving yuppie investment banker serve as a storytelling tool, as this potential serial killer navigates through the realms of New York finance and high society in Manhattan.
In their campaign advertisement, NRDC Action Votes creatively adapts a well-known line from the movie where the character Bateman (played by Christian Bale) expresses feeling only two emotions: greed and disgust. As he removes his mask in his condo’s bathroom, he reveals that his veneer of sanity is about to be lost.
An idea about Ted Cruz is presented, but it’s more of an abstract concept. However, there’s no true representation of who I am,” the voiceover states as the camera glides through a stylish hotel room, possibly in Cancun, and a headline reading “Texans Endure Historic Power Outages After Storm” is visible on a television mounted to the wall. “You can physically shake hands with me and sense real flesh touching yours. And perhaps you might think our lifestyles are similar.
The speaker continues, ‘I’ll stay here until the power grid fails, then I’ll head off to Cancun.’ The ad’s tone changes as we see families struggling in the cold. Meanwhile, I enjoy margaritas in the sun. You might think we’re alike, but beneath my smile, false apologies, and photos of me returning to Texas, I am truly absent.’
The advertisement incorporates subtle hints related to Senator Cruz. For instance, a drawing reminiscent of the Zodiac killer, who has long been connected to conspiracy theories about the senator being the unidentified Bay Area murderer, is displayed on the hotel wall. Furthermore, a canister labeled “Big Boy Beard Cream” refers to the senator’s facial hair style he’s maintained for quite some time. Lastly, a bottle of cologne named “Scent of a Human” is found in the medicine cabinet, which requires no explanation.
As an ardent supporter, I’m all about NRDC Action Votes’ mission: preventing global warming, ensuring healthy environments for people and communities, and preserving nature and wildlife. This week, the PAC’s director, Jocelyn Steinberg, connected their recent ad to the pressing issue of climate change in a statement given to The Hollywood Reporter.
At heart, this advertisement addresses climate issues, and we at NRDC Action Votes believe it’s essential to call out climate skeptics like Ted Cruz on their stance,” she expressed. “It requires a unique level of indifference not to acknowledge that climate change will result in more extreme weather events: intensified hurricanes, prolonged heatwaves, larger floods, and stronger winter storms. When a storm leads to widespread power outages, it’s telling that he would leave for Cancun while his constituents suffer the cold. We hope this ad portrays Cruz as someone who puts himself first over others.
This election season, Senator Cruz is contending for his seat against Representative Colin Allred from Texas. The contest between him and his Democratic opponent appears extremely close, based on a survey published by Emerson College Polling on Wednesday.
The “Cruz Psycho” advertisement is set to be broadcast throughout Texas on various streaming services starting this week, according to a press release from the PAC.
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2024-10-26 00:56