This ad for UK retailer John Lewis cost £6m to make. Nine actresses were used for the central female character in the shoot. The music is a reinterpretation of Billy Joel's 'She's Always A Woman', performed by Fyfe Dangerfield, of the band Guillemots. Read more >>
She can kill with a smile
She can wound with her eyes
She can ruin your faith with her casual lies
And she only reveals what she wants you to see
She hides like a child
But she's always a woman to me
She can lead you to love
She can take you or leave you
She can ask for the truth
But she'll never believe you
And she'll take what you give her, as long as it's free
Yeah, she steals like a thief
But she's always a woman to me
And she's suddenly cruel
She can do as she pleases
She's nobody's fool
And she can't be convicted
She's earned her degree
And the most she will do
Is throw shadows at you
But she's always a woman to me
COMMENT
I bet that brought a tear to your eye! Still, it's working—according the The Guardian, John Lewis's sales have increased by 40% as a result of the ad.
LESSON IDEAS
1. Use lyrics for gap fill exercise.
2. Show video and ask questions to test student's memory.
3. Discuss the 'message' behind the ad.
4. Discuss techniques used in ad (emotional appeal, music, special effects, etc.)
