Billboards in Popular Culture

Billboards have become iconic symbols in popular culture, appearing in films, TV shows, music videos, and even art.

From their role in shaping memorable movie scenes to their influence on modern art and social commentary, billboards have left an indelible mark on our visual landscape. This blog post explores some of the most memorable billboards in popular culture and examines their impact on the entertainment industry and society.

The Role of Billboards in Cinema

Billboards have been a recurring visual element in cinema, often used to convey messages, set the tone, or even serve as a plot device. One of the most famous examples is the 2017 film Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Billboards play a central role in the narrative in this critically acclaimed drama. The protagonist, Mildred Hayes, rents three billboards to draw attention to the unsolved murder of her daughter. The stark, confrontational messages on these billboards symbolize her grief, anger, and quest for justice. The film highlights the emotional impact of billboard advertising and underscores the power of public messaging in driving social change.

Another iconic use of billboards in film can be found in Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner (1982). Set in a dystopian future, the film’s cityscape is dominated by massive, animated billboards that loom over the characters. These billboards, with their bright neon lights and constant advertisements, contribute to the film’s depiction of a society where human identity and reality are blurred by almost life-like animation and visual effects. The visual impact of these billboards has become synonymous with the cyberpunk genre, influencing countless other films and media that followed.

Billboards have also been used in cinema to convey irony or satire. In The Truman Show (1998), billboards and other forms of advertising are seamlessly integrated into the fabric of the protagonist’s artificially constructed world. The film’s clever use of billboards and other forms of media highlights the blurred line between reality and fiction, a theme that resonates strongly in today’s digital age.

Billboards in Television: Setting the Scene and Driving the Narrative

Television, like cinema, has extensively used billboards to enhance storytelling. In many TV shows, billboards establish the setting, provide context, or foreshadow events. For instance, in the hit TV series Mad Men, which is set in the advertising world of the 1960s, billboards are often featured as part of the show’s exploration of the advertising industry. These billboards and other forms of advertising reflect the era’s changing social norms and cultural shifts, providing a backdrop for the character’s personal and professional struggles.

Billboards have been used significantly as a source of comedy. The animated series The Simpsons has frequently featured billboards in its satirical depiction of American life. These billboards often contain humorous messages, puns, or parodies of real-life advertisements. The show’s creators use billboards as a visual gag, usually placing them in the background of scenes for viewers to discover and enjoy, enhancing the show’s rich layers of humor.

Billboards have also played a significant role in dramatic television, particularly crime dramas. In the Breaking Bad series, a billboard advertising Saul Goodman’s legal services symbolizes the character’s shady business practices and moral ambiguity. With its flashy design and catchy slogan, the billboard reflects Saul’s larger-than-life personality and willingness to bend the rules to get ahead. This use of the billboard not only adds depth to the character but serves as a visual reminder of the ethical compromises made by the show’s characters.

Music and Billboards: A Visual and Lyrical Influence

Billboards have also made their mark in the music industry, both as a visual element in music videos and as a lyrical reference in songs. In music videos, billboards are often used to enhance visual storytelling, create atmosphere, or make a statement. For example, in the music video for U2’s song “Where the Streets Have No Name,” the band performs on a rooftop with billboards in the background, symbolizing the clash between everyday life and the search for spiritual meaning.

Billboards are also a recurring theme in song lyrics, often used to convey themes of fame, success, or disillusionment. In the classic rock song “Sign of the Times” by Petula Clark, billboards are mentioned as part of the changing landscape of the modern world, symbolizing both progress and the loss of simpler times. Similarly, in the song “Billionaire” by Travie McCoy featuring Bruno Mars, the lyrics reference the desire to see one’s name in lights on billboards, reflecting the aspirational nature of fame and fortune.

Billboards in Art and Social Commentary

Beyond their use in entertainment, billboards have also found a place in art and social commentary. Artists have used billboards as a medium to challenge societal norms, question authority, and provoke thought. One of the most famous examples is the work of artist Barbara Kruger, whose bold, text-based billboards combine provocative statements with striking visuals. Kruger’s work often addresses issues of power and identity using the public space of billboards to engage viewers in a dialogue about these critical topics.

Billboards have also been used more subtly to critique social and political issues. In the work of contemporary artist Banksy, billboards are often repurposed to make satirical statements about war and the media. Banksy’s use of billboards as a canvas for his stencils and graffiti turns these commercial spaces into sites of subversion, challenging the viewer to reconsider the messages they are bombarded with daily.

The Lasting Impact of Billboards in Popular Culture

The presence of billboards in popular culture reflects their significance as advertising tools and symbols of broader social, economic, and cultural forces. Whether used to enhance a film’s atmosphere, provide humor in a TV show, or make a statement in art, billboards have proven to be versatile and powerful mediums.

In cinema, billboards have helped to set the tone and context for stories, often serving as silent narrators that convey more profound meanings. In television, they have been used to reflect cultural shifts, add humor, or underscore dramatic themes. In music and art, billboards have provided a backdrop for social commentary, inspiring artists and musicians to use them as a means of expression and critique.

The impact of billboards in popular culture is a testament to their enduring relevance in our visual environment. As advertising continues to evolve and digital billboards become more prevalent, their role in shaping our cultural landscape will likely grow even further. Whether static or digital, billboards will continue to capture our attention, provoke thought, and influence the stories we tell.