2008 Woodie Awards
'Thank You For Smoking:' Intelligent, Yet Flawed
Megan Gallagher
Issue date: 4/20/06 Section: Arts
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Among the annual slew of sub-par movies that characterize the first half of the year emerges "Thank You For Smoking," an intelligent, yet flawed, film about corporate greed, manipulation and dishonesty. It is clear that cinema is not done with adapting complex social issues into 90-minute frolics. However, a film of this nature, though a dime a dozen, if done correctly can prove timeless and important, providing valuable documentation and analysis of a particular political and social climate. "Thank You For Smoking" is not this type of film. Though professing to be a biting and timely satire, it ultimately commits perhaps the worst crime that an "important" and politically charged film can: it fails to be memorable or genuinely thought provoking.
Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is an infamous tobacco lobbyist; or, to use a more appropriate term, a "death dealer." His job consists of fast-talking, fact bending and downright lying, all in the interest of Big Tobacco. In slight counterpoint to his cynical and sinister disposition, Naylor strives to be a role model for his son (Cameron Bright), despite his blatant lack of conventional ethics. Though focused primarily on Naylor's underhanded antics, the film tries to scrap together shadows of a plot, mostly taking the form of a pending court case and a budding romance.
The film's greatest strength and satirical triumph is showcased in a few mere dinner meetings of the "Merchants of Death," wherein the lobbyists for tobacco, alcohol and firearms compare and discuss their respective breeds of second-hand murder. These scenes provide the majority of the film's wit and hilarity, delivering some much-needed originality to the otherwise somewhat clichéd plot.
Aaron Eckhart, who seems to specialize in roles of the dry and darkly comic antihero variety, is a pitch-perfect cast for Naylor, charismatically holding the audience's attention for the duration of the film. His work with director Neil LaBute remains his best, so for a prime sampling of Eckhart's unique ability to combine charm with repugnance, his films "In the Company of Men" or "Your Friends and Neighbors" are highly recommended. Katie Holmes, who plays Naylor's love interest, also does not stray from her reputation, a characteristic that in this case has quite the opposite effect. Just as she numbingly ruined all of her scenes in last year's "Batman Begins" with her irritating mundanity, Holmes contributes nothing to the film other than a crooked face and some amateur acting.
Regardless of one's personal ideology regarding the social topic of the month, "Thank You for Smoking" is, at the very least, likely to please on an instinctive level. Though weak and ultimately underwhelming, Jason Reitman's directorial debut is an entertaining little breeze of a film, providing a few carefree laughs and maybe even some light conversation. However, if one desires sharp, controversial and intelligent satire of modern culture, timeless gems like "A Clockwork Orange" or "American Psycho" would be more likely to impress.
Rating: 2.5/4
Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is an infamous tobacco lobbyist; or, to use a more appropriate term, a "death dealer." His job consists of fast-talking, fact bending and downright lying, all in the interest of Big Tobacco. In slight counterpoint to his cynical and sinister disposition, Naylor strives to be a role model for his son (Cameron Bright), despite his blatant lack of conventional ethics. Though focused primarily on Naylor's underhanded antics, the film tries to scrap together shadows of a plot, mostly taking the form of a pending court case and a budding romance.
The film's greatest strength and satirical triumph is showcased in a few mere dinner meetings of the "Merchants of Death," wherein the lobbyists for tobacco, alcohol and firearms compare and discuss their respective breeds of second-hand murder. These scenes provide the majority of the film's wit and hilarity, delivering some much-needed originality to the otherwise somewhat clichéd plot.
Aaron Eckhart, who seems to specialize in roles of the dry and darkly comic antihero variety, is a pitch-perfect cast for Naylor, charismatically holding the audience's attention for the duration of the film. His work with director Neil LaBute remains his best, so for a prime sampling of Eckhart's unique ability to combine charm with repugnance, his films "In the Company of Men" or "Your Friends and Neighbors" are highly recommended. Katie Holmes, who plays Naylor's love interest, also does not stray from her reputation, a characteristic that in this case has quite the opposite effect. Just as she numbingly ruined all of her scenes in last year's "Batman Begins" with her irritating mundanity, Holmes contributes nothing to the film other than a crooked face and some amateur acting.
Regardless of one's personal ideology regarding the social topic of the month, "Thank You for Smoking" is, at the very least, likely to please on an instinctive level. Though weak and ultimately underwhelming, Jason Reitman's directorial debut is an entertaining little breeze of a film, providing a few carefree laughs and maybe even some light conversation. However, if one desires sharp, controversial and intelligent satire of modern culture, timeless gems like "A Clockwork Orange" or "American Psycho" would be more likely to impress.
Rating: 2.5/4
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