“Putney Swope” is a satirical comedy film directed by Robert Downey Sr. The film is set in advertising and centers around the fictional company, “Truth and Soul, Inc.” The story follows the unexpected rise of Putney Swope (played by Arnold Johnson), an African American executive appointed as the company’s new chairman following the previous chairman’s death.
Putney is initially viewed as a token minority appointment by the company’s all-white board of directors, but he quickly proves to be a shrewd and unconventional leader. He takes control of the company and immediately fires all white employees, replacing them with a diverse group of colleagues committed to his vision of social justice and artistic integrity. Putney also rejects the company’s previous clients and uses his new position to promote radical political and cultural messages.
The film is a biting commentary on American society and the commercialization of culture. It satirizes the advertising industry’s shallow values and the ways in which it perpetuates racial and social inequality. The film also explores themes of power, identity, and the struggles of marginalized communities to assert themselves in the face of institutionalized discrimination.
“Putney Swope” was released in 1969 and was a commercial and critical success. It has since become a cult classic and is regarded as a groundbreaking work of independent cinema. The film’s sharp satire and provocative commentary continue to resonate with audiences today, making it a timeless classic of American cinema.
Available via the Criterion Collection
The Other Cinema 