For me it’s something of a Christmas tradition to watch this Folgers commercial from 2009. Yes, I’m among those who have always detected an inappropriately close bond between this brother and sister. Her sticking the bow on her brother’s shoulder and saying, “You’re my present this year” is awkward enough; but the way it goes to a close-up of him looking back with that fixed gaze, which after a moment is diverted downward, makes the incest undertones seem less like sloppy writing or a poor casting decision (for I’ve heard the sister was supposed to be played by a much younger actress, perhaps giving the bow and the “You’re my present this year” line a veneer of innocence it can’t have coming from a girl in her late teens) and more like something purposely constructed in the editing room itself. I mean, why is he giving her that determined look? And what feelings expressed by it are so intense that he can’t bear to hold it on its object for more than a second or two?
Share this post
You're my present this year :)
Share this post
For me it’s something of a Christmas tradition to watch this Folgers commercial from 2009. Yes, I’m among those who have always detected an inappropriately close bond between this brother and sister. Her sticking the bow on her brother’s shoulder and saying, “You’re my present this year” is awkward enough; but the way it goes to a close-up of him looking back with that fixed gaze, which after a moment is diverted downward, makes the incest undertones seem less like sloppy writing or a poor casting decision (for I’ve heard the sister was supposed to be played by a much younger actress, perhaps giving the bow and the “You’re my present this year” line a veneer of innocence it can’t have coming from a girl in her late teens) and more like something purposely constructed in the editing room itself. I mean, why is he giving her that determined look? And what feelings expressed by it are so intense that he can’t bear to hold it on its object for more than a second or two?