Mad Men: Unhappy People Selling Happiness
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
- This video essay analyzes Mad Men, specifically the lead character Don Draper's relationship with happiness. What is happiness? Advertising is centered around analyzing that very question and exploiting consumers for their personal yearnings. Mad Men's Don Draper is an icon for his womanizing and insight into human psychology. Don Draper can sell anything to anyone. But why?
In this video, I explain AMC's hit series Mad Men and how their characters function.
Timestamps:
0:00 Advertising and Happiness
1:34 Is Megan Happy?
4:08 Character Breakdown
5:37 Don Draper Analysis
Music by:
'Lipstick' by David Carbonara
'The Carousel' by David Carbonara
'Space Walk' by Silent Partner
'Caravan' by Gordon Jenkins
FAIR USE NOTICE:
Copyright Disclaimer under section 107 of the Copyright Act of 1976, allowance is made "fair use" for the purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, education and research.
#madmen #dondraper #advertising - Zábava
this title hits a little to close to home...
"What is happiness? It’s a moment before you need more happiness."
-Don Draper
Was surprised this wasn't included in the video since so much of it could be summed up by that line
Yes, it's comes to my mind immediately,I wait to hear it but it wasn't there actually it's sums up everything said in the video
He should have been named Dopamine Draper😂
Great breakdown and analysis. The point of Don trying the different women as a new version of himself really hits close to home. Thank you for this.
Thanks I appreciate it!
Or better known as a middle life crises...
Who is Don? Is he’s definitely an Ai? Right?
This video is so, so good. I'm a yoga teacher, and this theme parallels an Eastern concept called _kanchuka._ A _kanchuka_ is, basically, an erroneous belief that distracts us from experiencing the natural, Uncaused Joy that is our true essence. (Think of our Soul, True Nature, or True Self. This is the spiritual part of who we are that transcends our mere human or animal nature.) The 5 _kanchukas_ (beliefs) are
1. There is more I need to *do,* before I can relax and be happy.
2. There is more I need to *learn or know,* before I can relax and be happy.
3. There is more I need to *acquire,* before I can relax and be happy.
4. There is more I need to *fix about myself* (because I am inherently flawed), before I can relax and be happy.
5. I am a finite being, with a fixed beginning and fixed end.
These flawed beliefs arose in our childhood when we were learning how to survive. They are generally helpful for that purpose -- but they go too far when the belief becomes that happiness or joy depend on these external circumstances.
The antidote for these _kanchukas...?_ *Be here now.*
Thought provoking without being convoluted. Great video.
Thanks Shawn!
Having watched "Mad Men" numerous times, this is the most accurate, yet succinct explanation of the series that I have seen.
Same!
“It’s not about being happy, that is the thing. I’m just trying to get through each day. I can’t keep asking myself ‘Am I happy?’ It just makes me more miserable. I don’t know if I believe in it, real lasting happiness. All those perky well-adjusted people you see in movies and TV shows? I don’t think they exist.”
-Diane Nguyen, from the show Bojack Horseman.
That quote came to mind while watching this.
This was a very well done analysis, loved the back and fourth where you explained why Don was so good at his job comparing his own life to his work.
Just remember, when you get to a million subs, and you’re up there among the greats, stop and ask yourself...am I content, or do I want more? Hehe, I’m subbed!
The majority of people believe that money or power will make then happy. But we often seen rich and leaders people depressed, taking medicine to sleep or drugs to deal with stress and so on...
And if you search for pools about which persons feel the most happy. It will usually turn out to be people with more simple live. There are other elements that also influence happiness like a health body and spirituality. I once seen an Atheist urging other Atheists to do things like, for example, meditation in order to have a something akin to spirituality.
Joan’s character arc is beautiful. It broke my heart when she was raped in the office and I cheered when she left her husband.
joan is one of the most beautiful and repulsive characters on the show to me
@@scoldingwhisper why repulsive?
@@charisleighmusic she's just one of the most despicable character at some points. there's lots of moments where i felt bad for her and lots of moments where it felt like she got what she deserved. she did become more and more likable as the show went on
@@scoldingwhisper more repulsive than Don, Roger, Pete, Harry, Betty? 😶
@@edwinam1362 Betty is just an annoying little child, she hasn't done anything seriously wrong, unlike Joan or Don.
2 underrated madmen quotes came up to me as I was watching this.
Roger to Do about women: “Everyone is a nice person until they want something more”
I think Megan to Don?: “You only like the beginning of things”
I binge watched mad men just once, forgive me if I don’t remember the source of the second quote.
Second quote is Faye Miller (the psychologist) after Don breaks up with her for Meagan. Also one of my favorite great and insightful quotes.
“They’re all great girls...
until they want something.”
It’s such a meta show - the art of selling a lie by those who are lying to themselves.
Here before this channel blows up!
Thank you very much!
Damn, that's exactly what I was thinking when I see the sub count. This channel is going to blow up.
@@user-xb6dk4zl7l Thanks Michael, just getting started!
This videos is everything I always thought about this show but never been able to translate into words. For sure one of the most underrated series!!
Bro...I just binged most of your videos. Top notch shit. I hope your channel gets more recognition because it's underrated.
I don't know what your background is but your observational abilities are remarkable and your analysis is quite philosophical. I hope to see more of your videos!
Incredible analysis. The last bit about Don and his search. It hit me. I've seen the show about three times, not counting episodes I've seen alone, and this is just, wow.
Wow! I love this analysis. I guess I never looked at it this way, but it’s really an insightful character analysis. It explains why these people behave the way they do. I always thought everyone wanted to be like Don, and Roger was so comfortable and privileged that he always just did what he wanted. They were all in search of happiness that they couldn’t find. I guess advertising and the material nature of American culture sort of makes us all like that to a certain degree.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed!
You get Megan in a way a lot of people never did. One thing, though, she didn't leave her soap opera to pursue movies; Don convinced her to quit so they could move to California together, which she agreed to primarily for the sake of their marriage, which she wanted to save more than anything. She ended up moving by herself when he backed out and she could see he didn't care about her, or care enough. In season 7 we see she was auditioning for tv again but it wasn't working out.
Nice video! Its one of my fav shows and I never thought about the selling happiness angle
you nailed this way better than I could on a long running podcast. nice one
Beautiful essay and great extrapolation from the scenes.
"You shouldn't have someone like me tell that boy what a hershey bar is, he already knows" to "Unhappy people selling happiness"
"Only an expert in unhappiness can tap into that yearning for a solution", loved this!
This is the best analysis video I have watched of Mad men. Others analyze the characters as if they were real people with free will. This on the other hand is about the theme of the history.
Such a great video, pretty insightful and with a really good script. This deserves way more views, don't be disheartened!
Thank you!
Yes,@@JustanObservation, once you get more views, then you will truly be happy, right...? 😜
This video is so, so good. I'm a yoga teacher, and this theme parallels an Eastern concept called _kanchuka._ A _kanchuka_ is, basically, an erroneous belief that distracts us from experiencing the natural, Uncaused Joy that is our true essence. (Think of our Soul, True Nature, or True Self. This is the spiritual part of who we are that transcends our mere human or animal nature.) The 5 _kanchukas_ (beliefs) are
1. There is more I need to *do,* before I can relax and be happy.
2. There is more I need to *learn or know,* before I can relax and be happy.
3. There is more I need to *acquire,* before I can relax and be happy.
4. There is more I need to *fix about myself* (because I am inherently flawed), before I can relax and be happy.
5. I am a finite being, with a fixed beginning and fixed end.
These flawed beliefs arose in our childhood when we were learning how to survive. They are generally helpful for that purpose -- but they go too far when the belief becomes that happiness or joy depend on these external circumstances.
The antidote for these _kanchukas...?_ *Be here now.*
Sub #269 : I seriously thought while watching this video that this channel was way bigger than you are. I hope that doesn't sound insulting because you're truly going somewhere! Looking forward to the great content. The production value is immaculate!
wow. spot on, best analysis on this.
its funny, i watched this show 2 times without even knowing why. if i had to tell somebody the premisse i wouldn't know how to explain it, like "its just things happening". on the surface it sounds like some generic soap opera.
but the briliant thing about this is that it doesn't tell you how to feel it. it just shows you the things happening just like in real life. you almost forgot you're watching a show.
but you figure the real heart of the series, the title says everything. and its so real. the show was making me reflect about things you said without having to "say" it, and without me even knowing. that's some great writing and execution right there.
that's what's real art is all about.
Amazing analysis. It made me realize something about this show; it's a masterpiece in explaining why materialism won't make you happy. Other shows may say this, but it doesn't properly break down why quite like Mad men does. Bravo
"it's a masterpiece in explaining why materialism won't make you happy."
exactly.
happiness is generated from the inside. the inside out, being happy with your self.
materialism makes people look outside and it causes more problems than just "i need that thing".
I've only watched the first 4 minutes of your video analysis but I'm really enjoying it! Thank you for putting it together, you have a new subscriber!
This is one of the best television analyses I have heard if not the best. Great work!
Great analysis. Really good script. Makes you think of the things you have and what you wish. Many times we have what we wish but we don't take the time to appreciate it.
this channel gonna go somewhere.
This makes me miss Mad Men. I only finished it a couple months ago
Yeah me it made me sad and upset that Netflix removed it from the streaming service.
I still miss this show fuckin amazon
I learned a lot watching your description, analyzing the honest depth of what was happening. Thank you.
This is a great video essay, mate. I watched Mad Men after yrs in college thinking this or that would set me on the right path to being satisfied. Watching characters in Mad Men doing the same thing with, most times, miserable results was a big wake up call for me.
Loved this analysis, thought it'd have many more views. I'll check out more of your content! I enjoyed Mad Men so much, I still rewatch it often, it's oddly comforting with its beautiful setting and tragic stories I already love
Incredible work. A fresh and nuanced take that hits close to home.
I thought this video was excellent!
Really good writing and observations.
And that’s why I really enjoy Mad Men, it has a lot of great subtext
This is a really great analysis, hadn't really thought abt it this way
This is GOOD. Your channel is at 155 subscribers (as I write this comment). Your channel is soon gonna get hundreds of thousands of subscribers.
Thank you very much!
@@JustanObservation man! 50k congrats!
This channel is just
Super super super super super
Underrated
That is an interesting take on a great series. Nicely done! 👍🏻
Wonderfully insightful interpretation and explication. Thanks for this video.
Wow, what a brilliantly succinct and beautiful synopsis!
Incredible analysis! So beautifully explained! ❤️
I liked the editing, great work. Keep it up.
This video really hit home, well done! Subbed!
Great video. However I would like to comment that I think the show also offers a glimpse of how to live oneself off of the burden of unhappiness. Especially in "Person to Person" where we see Don go through a growth and an inner change. Its fitting how a show about selling happiness through ads ends up with someone who actually found happiness but not through ads at all
This is a beautiful analysis. Chapeau!
This is one of the best essays about one of the greatest series in television.
This is the best breakdown I’ve ever watched
Perfect analysis. Well done!
Great analysis and an interesting perspective of the show
Wow . Amazingly put ❤
I can’t rewatch the show and this breaks down exactly why. Wow, great work.
Great analysis, very captivating
Love this channel!
Mad Men is my all time favorite show. And I’ve watched SO MANY shows. I like what you’re saying here...the self-imposed chase for constant wish fulfillment in life and how that’s represented in advertising (there’s always the next thing coming down the line). Mainly, though, I love your voice. It’s very soothing. Quite ASMR-y and brain-tingling. It took me a few minutes but I finally figured out that, to me, you sound like Justin Trudeau. Are you from the same part of the world? I’d be shocked if you weren’t. Count me as a new subscriber and I’ll be listening to more videos. Thanks for the hard work! @Mel_Med_Larson
I’m not Canadian. I’m originally from Ireland.
Bang on about him sounding like Trudeau... with less umm’s and uhh’s
@@trevdog110
*fewer
@@jimreadey4837 thanks jim
@@trevdog110
😇
🙏
This is Brilliant man. Superb video
great video of a great show. The title is just about perfect hahaha
Great observation bro! This is as good as the show.
Yes, a new channel!!! I will subscribe!
Fantastic video. Great work 👌
Thanks Travis, more to come!
Very good perspective
In the process building a whole society where instead of looking inward for contentment, just like them we're all incentivized to look outward for it, where it's always one more elusive step away. Commodifying everything, every place and every feeling.
Good observation skills.
hahahah first line of the video, i want to sample it and turn it into a rap beat - "advertising is based."
This is an awesome video!!!!
Wicked video this. Brilliantly made
Thanks Tom!
nah man this video was amazing summed up the whole show
All I can say is that your videos fill my void with happiness. Your latest one on The Godfather especially.... thank you Mr. Observer
Fantastic video.
Amazing video bro, cheers from Argentina
Great Job. Dostoyevsky had spoken of these facts more than a century ago.
Thank you very much!
I assume you came with this observation from his books- which ones were you referring to?
So did the Buddha, Lao Tzu, Jesus, Marcus Aurelius and many more. Human nature never changes.
Hit the nail on the head!
I love it! Great analysis. Especially now that i work in ads... 💕 Dont stop making videos! Susbcrrribed
Very good content.
Excellent video. The sampling of women, like they were different competing products to try to find his happiness, so true. Of course Don has always known happiness is just the moment before you need more happiness. This also got me thinking about that line from Ted. The three women in every man’s life. Don never knows his mother, and Abigail wasn’t a very loving step mom, so putting the picture of Anna, who was probably the only person to ever say to him I know all about the real you and I still love you, is good for the place of the mother. Since all the temporary wives/mistresses are replaceable, it would have to be Peggy and Sally along with Anna, right? Ironic, for all his sleeping around, and the money he drops on women (very generous in both divorces), three platonic relationships are the three women in his life.
5:40 Great Work here!
I think the term 'pleasure' would be more apt because of it's fleeting nature, these characters are chasing happiness which is more sustainable but settles for pleasure as a quick fix.
insights well narrated... and I thought I didn't like Betty because of who she was... now I know she has the perfect name
Quality video. I bet you'll have a lot more subcribers soon...
Fuck yeah! 185th sub!! Early, cuz u gonna blow up pretty soon based on this amazing analysis!!
Thank you I really appreciate that!
To paraphrase the Van Halen song, the more we get the more we want, just trade in one for the other. A simplified life will always make one happier.
Being happy all the time is meaningless, because there would be no bad moments to compare it to. It would turn stale and empty after a while. True happiness gets its value from the fact it's fleeting. When true happiness ages, it becomes nostalgia.
You make some minor good point, here... but, ultimately, have offered a limited and flawed conclusion. At least as of this writing two years ago, you did not understand what _true happiness_ was.
Right now, I suppose true happiness comes from being at peace with yourself, your true self. Not that I have achieved such a thing.@@jimreadey4837
Maybe that's why cigarettes are so ubiquitous on the show. Not just for historical accuracy, but because cigarettes are about chasing a fleeting moment of satisfaction over and over again and killing yourself inside by doing it.
Well said.
When Don fires Lane and says "You'll tell them the next thing will be better, because it always is" takes on more meaning after this video.
This was great
Bravo!
That was sublime
Great great great video
the feeling that i had watching the show was i wish i could have his life but when it ended telling myself i am happy where i am
Best show ever!
great vid
Very nice! "What is happiness? It's a moment before you need more happiness, you get hungry even though you've just eaten".
I think the title literally summarized the whole show.
Please do more videos.
My whole life has been chasing that dragon:
need to get a girlfriend, need to save money, need to get flat, need to get a motorbike, need to go on holiday, maybe I do all these things I'll be satisfied but then I want to get married, save up for a mortgage, get a car, move to a sunnier country, get a better job etc, etc
Beat breakdiwn about Don ive heard thus far.. alot of men with absent mothers can relate
Feels he's not loveable for who he is because he was abandoned as a child. Isn't fully conscious of that and is in some denial as that's too painful a realization to manage. Fear of confronting his 'unloveability' and shame of his vulnerability stop him letting women get too close. It's not a new story. Albeit brilliantly told in the Series. Best Drama of the last Decade.
If anyone ask me what the meaning of Mad Men is, I’ll send this
*With no real mother figure in his life*
*Shows Anna Drapper*
My heart, please.
Happiness is from within not in false absolutes.