Thank You For Smoking (2005)

Directed by: Jason Reitman | 92 minutes | drama, comedy | Actors: Aaron Eckhart, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe, William H. Macy, Robert Duvall, Maria Bello, JK Simmons, Sam Elliott, Adam Brody, Cameron Bright, David Koechner, Kim Dickens, Connie Ray, Todd Louiso, Marianne Muellerleile, Joan Lunden

‘Thank You for Smoking’ is an American satire about lobbying, media lust and Vermont cheese. Although the title suggests otherwise, this comedy doesn’t even have that much to do with smoking. Main character Nick Naylor may be a lobbyist and spokesperson for the tobacco industry, but he could just as well have been for nuclear power, fur trade or weapons manufacturers. With his talent for language and logic he knows how to straighten everything that is crooked, without the slightest conscientiousness.

‘Thank You for Smoking’ is not limited to lobbyists, by the way, although colleagues from the alcohol and gun lobby also pass by; the film also targets anti-smoking activists and the media. We see a senator who, like a modern McCarthy, unleashes a witch hunt against the tobacco industry and a journalist who uses very unorthodox interview techniques. What ‘Thank You for Smoking’ is mainly about is the lack of ethical principles in the world of big money. And also about the application of logical ingenuity and verbal skill, a combination that is still more deadly than any cigarette. Leaning on her sharp humor and intelligent dialogues, the satire knows how to convince for the full playing time.

Although you know as a viewer that things are greatly exaggerated, some scenes still have doubts. A skull on a pack of cigarettes? An anti-smoking terrorist who attacks his opponents with nicotine patches? It could be. In addition, ‘Thank You for Smoking’ features a great cast of actors. With Katie Holmes as the energetic journalist, Sam Elliott as the terminal Marlboro Man, William H. Macy as the crazy senator and Rob Lowe as the Buddhist Hollywood boobs, the supporting roles are good. But Aaron Eckhart also does quite well in the role of Nick Naylor, although his character is the least fascinating of the bunch.

All in all, ‘Thank You for Smoking’ has become one of the best satires of recent years. Suitable for smokers and non smokers, although it is best viewed with a cigarette, a glass of beer and a piece of Cheddar Cheese from Vermont. And then back to the Becel.