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Movie Notes: Thank You For Smoking

October 1st, 2007

Thank You For Smoking

starstarstarstar = 4 stars

Starring Aaron Eckhart, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe
Directed by Jason Reitman

This is a smartly cynical comedy that fictionally answers a question I’ve long had: how exactly do people in socially unacceptable lines of work live with themselves? More specifically, this movie documents the spin-doctor personality behind a tobacco industry PR guy. Namely, his job is to minimize smoking’s negative image and even claim that being anti-smoking is anti-business and hence anti-American.

This smarmy tobacco-phile is Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) who seems to savor a challenge, and sees himself as a rebel. Part of his motivation is that while everyone thinks he’s wrong, he can use various psychological tactics and smooth talk, to convince people otherwise. As an example, at one point he’s asked “why do you do this?” by a reporter (Katie Holmes) to which he replies: “everyone has to pay the mortgage (the yuppie Nuremberg defense).” That one line is pretty smart (smart enough to be repeated later by different characters as a running joke) – encapsulating the current American view that whatever individuals do to pay the bills is above criticism. It ties in with the American work ethic and American dream of homeownership – leading to the laughable believe that condemning anyone’s line of work is anti-capitalist. See how Nick’s B.S. works?

Eventually, he hooks up with product placement expert Jeff Megall (Rob Lowe) who like Nick, doesn’t see anything wrong with getting people to buy stuff via entertainment. Jeff says it would be “morally presumptuous” for him to not promote products – he’s doing a service – making people aware of products so they can decide for themselves. It’s pro-freedom – of choice! This is supposed to justify having astronauts light up cigarettes in the next big blockbuster. As an added joke, Jeff loves Japanese-everything to where wears a kimono in the dark talking business on a headset cell phone (Larry Ellison comparison duly noted).

It’s worth noting that despite his moral relativity, Nick is extremely successful. He lives and breathes in a world of ultimate materialism, flying from coast to coast with his son in tow. Eventually, his son’s inability to understand exactly what his father does for a living (all he does is talk and travel, making one detour to bribe the former Marlboro Man with a suitcase of cash) begins to have him doubt that his life’s profession is as worthy as he has convinced himself.

Several notable stars appear in small roles, not unlike a Robert Altman film: William Macy, Dennis Miller, Robert Duval, Adam Brody, Maria Bello and Sam Elliot. Another small pleasure is Nick’s regular dinneres with two friends from the alcohol and firearms lobby that collectively, are jokingly called the “Mod Squad” meaning “merchants of death.”

Basically, this entire film is sarcastic film-making. The hero of Nick is morally reprehensible yet portrayed as the film’s main, heroic character. I found this juxtaposition quite smirk inducing – especially one sequence involving nicotine patches and the Lincoln memorial. I wanted him to suffer, but only in hopes that he found salvation towards changing his ways.

And the biggest joke of all: as a former smoker, several scenes made me want to light up for old times’ sake. I hate cigarettes and people like Nick Naylor, but I really enjoyed this movie.

IMDB: Thank You For Smoking
Wikipedia: Thank You For Smoking
Rotten Tomatoes: Thank You For Smoking 86%

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folder Categories: 4 Star Movies, General, Movies :: , , , , ::

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  • Mike
    I must say, I really, really enjoyed this movie. I don't usually get to see too many movies anymore, but when I do, they generally suck. This was quite refreshing.
  • I thoroughly enjoyed the biting wit & twisty plot of this movie!

    This is right up there with "Wag the Dog." Excellent!
  • Yeah, it was definitely enjoyably unique. I could tell from the first few minutes that this was going to be a different kind of film. I was surprised to read later that it began as an indie movie and based on a book. I might even read the book, which is unusual for me.

    I still haven't seen Wag the Dog - I oughta rent that one!
  • One of the rare movies where you can relate to the character and understand his dilemma's. I watched it months ago (divx) and I can still remember the atmosphere of the movie.
  • I really enjoyed that movie.
  • Same here. A fresh breeze in the movie industry. I think I will see it again this weekend because all these new movies are too much crap for me :)
  • StevenTaylor
    I just read another review about the movie and I said that smoking theme movies should be more responsible because of the young public who can't be describes as responsible when it comes to smoking and smoking habits. I admit that I smoke a cigar now and then, but at most four each year on special occasions. The youngsters today do not seem to comprehend that cigarettes can actually damage them for good and there is no treatment yet to repair that damage.
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