The promotional artwork for the 1989 dark comedy, featuring the titular deceased character propped up by his unwitting employees, became instantly recognizable. This imagery, depicting the illusion of life maintained for the sake of continued revelry, effectively communicated the film’s core premise of deception and absurdity. Variations exist, including those highlighting the film’s tagline or focusing on specific scenes.
As a key marketing tool, this particular artwork contributed significantly to the film’s commercial success. It captured the film’s darkly comedic tone, generating interest and curiosity. Furthermore, the image has become a pop culture touchstone, referenced in subsequent media and readily understood as a symbol of contrived appearances. Its enduring presence speaks to the film’s lasting impact on popular culture.