Act of Valor: Movie Marketing Metaphor

I recently saw the new movie, Act of Valor.  I loved it.  Fantastic.  Go see it.

Recommendations aside, how does Act of Valor relate to marketing metaphor and telling your story?

First, it was a real story within a story.  Real Navy Seals were used because even the best stunt men in the world could not duplicate the talent and abilities of U.S. Navy Seals.  Due to the deployment schedules of these Seals, it took 2.5 years to film the movie.

Secondly, the movie also used real family members of the Seals to portray the struggles and realities of these elite warriors and their families.

Thirdly, the movie’s plot was spot on realistic as it portrayed the realities of international terrorism.  In fact, the scenes were filmed using live ammo.

And fourthly, heroic metaphors such as courage, adversity, fear, love, war, honor, country, strength, loss, death, and overcoming evil were consistent themes.

I did not see an “agenda,” as often portrayed in Hollywood movies.  I saw gut reality.

The best marketing tells a story and faces reality.  Act of Valor does both.  Seals often remind themselves that they are “The Few.”  They are unique and the best in the world at what they do.  What they do allows us to do marketing.  Marketing in freedom.

Now if that’s not branding I don’t know what is…

By Stuart Atkins