POPaganda: The Art and Crimes of Ron English

There are those who create and those who muck up other people's work: Ron English falls into the latter category, combining artistic subversion and old-fashioned vandalism to make pointed commentaries on billboard advertising. In fact, English literally defaces billboards with statements and images contradicting what's advertised; ergo, the Marlboro logo is covered up with the word “Breathe” and Ronald McDonald morphs into an obese symbol of “phat food.” While English's antics will hardly appeal to those who respect the concept of private property (as well as support the advertisers being attacked), his rakish charm and ability to hijack the cultural debate with alarming visual statements has clearly brought him attention. Whether he warrants a 78-minute documentary is something else—even at the relatively compact running length, POPaganda at times feels as flabby and doughy as his overweight Ronald McDonald. Actually, English is a lot more interesting when the film focuses on his pop culture nihilism, embracing outrageous behavior for its own sake (rather than for anti-corporate polemics): English's thoroughly weird vision of Da Vinci's The Last Supper with Mickey Mouse at the head of the table is something one is not likely to soon forget. A strong optional purchase. Aud: C, P. (P. Hall)