Brad Pitt is one of the most globally recognized and celebrated actors in Hollywood. The actor has been a force to be reckoned with both on and off-screen. He has worked with acclaimed and legendary directors such as Quentin Tarantino, Steven Soderbergh, David Fincher, and more.
The two-time Academy Award winner is also known for his nonchalant and ‘cool’ off-screen persona. His casual nature and self-deprecating humor have often been brought to the forefront. One such instance where he let his humorous side out was his reasoning to appear in the now-famous Chanel commercial.
Brad Pitt As The Face Of Chanel No.5
Being one of the most famous actors around the globe with a net worth of $400 million, Brad Pitt certainly has the required pull to grab enough eyes. Hence, he was chosen as the first male brand ambassador of Chanel’s No.5 brand of perfumes. Celebrated actresses such as Nicole Kidman and Audre Tautau had been the face of the brand before Pitt.
For the brand’s promotional campaign, Brad Pitt starred in an advertisement that was directed by acclaimed director Jow Wright. The Atonement director filmed the ad with Pitt in a disheveled look in front of a gray wall with inconsistent lighting, while the actor mumbles a few lines about the idea of the perfume.
Upon release, the ad quickly became the subject of ridicule due to its seeming lack of effort for a campaign that reportedly cost $10 million. Pitt was apparently paid $7 million for the brand deal. The ad was the topic of many spoofs, particularly by Saturday Night Live actor Taran Killam. According to Killam, even director Joe Wright was confused about the ad. Killam said in an interview,
“When we spoke, he had yet to see the spoofs, but I think he had been surrounded by enough people who were like, ‘They’re good, they’re good, they’re good,’ so he was a good sport…He was very gracious, and he said, ‘I didn’t actually know what they were about either,’ because it’s just his job to show up, and he’s given the copy.”
While Brad Pitt has since been replaced as the brand ambassador for Chanel no.5, the ad is still considered to be one of the biggest goof-ups in advertising. The actor also had a very on-character reasoning behind taking up the deal.
Why Did Brad Pitt Choose To Be The Face Of Chanel No.5?
Apart from acting in and producing Academy Award-winning films, Brad Pitt is also known for his brand of humor. His sense of humor usually comes across as nonchalant and casual, something that sets him apart from other actors of his stature. It usually comes out during his acceptance speeches and interviews.
During his acceptance speech for winning the Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Supporting Role in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon a Time In Hollywood, the actor took a dig at his co-star Leonardo DiCaprio, referring to the infamous ending of Titanic,
“I also have to thank my partner in crime, LDC. Before ‘The Revenant,’ I used to watch, you know, year after year his costars accept awards and thank him profusely. I know why. He’s an all-star, he’s a gent, and I wouldn’t be here without you and I thank you. Still, I would have shared the raft.”
The actor also seems to use such casual reasoning in his career decisions. For being the face of Chanel No.5 perfume, the actor was offered $7 million and the chance to work with a legacy brand as well as one of the most acclaimed directors, Joe Wright. However, his manager mentioned that Pitt had a hilarious response and reasoning for the offer. He is claimed to have said,
“It’s the right moment and it’s a classic brand and I have six kids to put through college.”
The statement further exemplifies the cool-guy image the actor has created in his three-decade-long career.
Source: Esquire
