Review of Thank You for Smoking (2005) by Daniel R — 06 Mar 2011

"Michael Jordan plays ball. Charles Manson kills people. Me? I talk." says Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), lobbyist for the big tobacco industry. Thank You For Smoking, however, isn't really about whether you agree with smoking or not. Heck, I've never smoked a day in my life. This film is about freedom, choice, and responsibility.

Jason Reitman (whom I wasn't aware was the director of this film until I literally popped in the DVD) is quickly establishing himself as one of the premiere directors in the industry. He doesn't (or at least hasn't) do the flashy special effects flicks, he makes movies like Juno, Up in the Air, or directs a couple of the best episodes of The Office ever (they're called Frame Toby & Local Ad if you're interested). Reitman's style is perfect for this film because, like its main character, it is unapologetic. Naylor is flawed, obviously, and even vulnerable, but he does what he does because he believes in the freedom to choose. He doesn't necessarily want his son to smoke, but he knows that it's his job to educate him on the subject (as it is every parent's) and if he still wants to when he's 18, "I'll buy him his first pack," he says.

The story is partially about the company Naylor works for trying to get back into the good graces of the public. It is also about an upcoming debate with a Vermont senator (Willaim H. Macy, who's terrific) about whether or not cigarettes will have to carry a skull & crossbones label with the word "POISON" underneath the picture. The heart of the film, however, is the relationship between Naylor and his young son. Obviously it's easy for Naylor to get caught up in the motives of his employers, and therefore forget why he does what he does. But with his son, he remembers why because it's what he wishes his son to believe also, that authority can and should be question because it often is not authority who impresses itself upon people's decisions. This relationship is excellent in its presentation, and works wonderfully as a redemptive tool for Nick Naylor after he makes a dreadful mistake which costs him his job and draws the ire of his friends, the M.O.D. squad (Merchants of Death), who together represent achohal, tobacco, and firearms.

Thank You For Smoking is a hilarious and even thought-provoking film with excellent performances. Even Rob Lowe stands out as the hilarious head of an agency called E.G.O. (get it?). Aaron Eckhart, however, is the main draw. His performance is brilliant and very funny. He's proven to me time and again that he is an excellent actor and I sincerely hope to see more of his work, past and future. This is truly a gem of a movie.