“Killer Fries”, a printed visual by Greg Slater, was commissioned for the American Heart Association in 2011. This advertisement attempts to get the attention of Americans by associating French fries, or fast food in general, with death that can be caused by bullets from a gun. With vibrant colors, familiar items, and a strong message, this American Heart Association advertisement is able to catch the attention of its viewers.
Main Components
The main components of this advertisement is the French fry cup filled with bullets. Bullets which are initially thought to be French fries. The advertisement features items that are familiar to the viewer. The French fry cup resembles a McDonald’s product, or any fast food chain. The bullets that look similar to French fries can be associated with a gun which causes death. The advertisement does not consist of many items and is fairly plain. The simplicity of the advertisement leaves room for a complex purpose.
Colors
The bright colors against a light background attracts the attention of the viewer. The color of the French fry cup is very distinct in this advertisement. The eyes begin by looking at the French fry cup and move upwards. The viewer notices what seems to be French fries. These French fries are actually bullets. The bullets are a shiny, gold color. The gold and red
complement each other. The French fry cup is set against a light gray background which causes the objects to project out of the picture. The simplicity of the background allows the viewer to completely focus on the main components of the advertisement.
Purpose
The bullets represent more than just French fries. With bullets being associated with a gun and the death that can be a result, the bullets are meant to symbolize death from health issues that can be caused by French fries, or fast food. An unhealthy diet filled with fast food can lead to many chronic problems. Eating fast food twice or more a week can