Thank you for Smoking - Essay Example

“Thank you for Smoking” Movie Review The movie “Thank you for Smoking” is a comical drama retelling the story of the 1994 satirical novel that goes by the same name; the film was written and directed by Mr Jason Reitman. The film depicts Mr Nick Naylor’s dilemma in lobbying on behalf of cigarettes as Big Tobacco’s chief spokesperson using cunning tactics and trying to be a positive model for his son aged 12 years at the same time. This film tracks the ups and downs of the Washington lobbyist who is constantly on the hunt for new and inventive ways of rebranding the ‘cancer sticks’ for public consumption and it is set in the period soon after Big Tobacco had started cutting checks for its sick and dying former customers.

The film has a well-scripted story line that is easy to follow because events unfold with a lot of easiness and actions of characters are equally justifiable through logical sequences of counteractive action-reaction sequence. The characters narrate the story amid pitches of grim humour that is well enmeshed in the dialogues and the superb delivery of key lines that creates memorable moments in the film. The film also makes a good display in terms of casting of the lead role because Aaron Eckhart is able to deliver by showing both extremes of his usual character types, to turn his ingratiating smile into a leer, and to charm even as he repels.

Mr Reitman keeps the character moving so fast that there is very little time for contemplation and just as you are about to start putting a finger on the character and his tar-black heart, he is already flown out of the door. Aaron Eckshart never sits still long enough to become a target, whether he is with fellow lobbyists or with the son, and this gives him a lot of peculiarity that makes him an intriguing character to watch as he appears in almost every scenes. The rest of the characters are exceptionally fine, except for a few such as Save Holmes’ straining credulity as a newspaper reporter who beds Nick for a story; it is interesting to watch and listen to Mario Bello, David Koechner, and the rest of the cast put some impetus on their lines as they hustle and flow.

In addition, “Thank you for smoking” is a humorous comedy-drama, especially with its highly skewed take on cigarette lobbyists and their campaigns; the director steers his cast with a lot of facility, though it has once been criticized for overstating the jokes, which is still justifiable for such kinds of films. The film is exceptional because of its raw sense of humour and eagerness to poke fun almost at everything; for instance, the biggest comic relief comes when Naylor meets with fellow comrade lobbyists for alcohol; Naylor, Mario Bello and David Koechner- nicknamed the “MOD Squad”, Merchants Of Death” sit and hilariously whine about their immoral jobs at the dinner table.

In addition to that, the film has a wonderful screenplay that is credit to Mr Reitman and his experience in television advertising is solidly proven here. Despite the positive criticisms, the film “Thank you for smoking” has some weak points that ruin its show and most remarkably, the films predictable climax when Naylor evaluates his job and its negative influences is a terrible flaw that ruins the performance. Such a climax is a low point in the movie as it spoils the momentum of events with the introduction of the obvious to an audience packed with suspense and expectation for surprises in the turnout of events.

However, even though such a moment is inevitable in these kinds of stories, the director makes up for the audience by steering clear off cheesiness by never showing Naylor having fully transformed from cretin to hero; he is always the man we love to hate. Overall, the film “Thank you for Smoking” would definitely be an amazing one to watch, given its thoroughly embellished and well-knit storyline, extensive utilization of grim humor, and amazing screenplay. The characters jokes are hilarious, they could be a great source of entertainment anytime, and the lead character’s incredible charm, and peculiarity makes him an intriguing character that anyone would love to watch in every scene.

The director has done a wonderful job altogether, despite the few flaws inherent in the film, and this makes “Thank you for smoking” a well scripted and directed film that is likely to win over any one with its crooked charms.