“Thank You For Smoking” is a witty, entertaining and biting comedy that satirizes the tobacco industry with panache. With critiques aimed at both sides, targeting leaders of the industry and those advocating against tobacco, director Jason Reitman is able to skillfully navigate the world of political lobbying and advertising more largely.
Released in 2005 and based on the 1994 novel of the same name, the film centers on Big Tobacco spokesman Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart), a lobbyist who argues there is no link between tobacco use and any form of lung disease. A brilliant debater, Naylor is able to make convincing arguments throughout the film by spinning his opponents’ arguments into contradictions. As the film progresses, Naylor has to balance being a good father to his son, Joey (Cameron Bright), with his own firing from his company after a reporter (Katie Holmes) exposes him. Naylor ultimately finds success as a consultant for phone companies and their representatives, helping them counter claims that phones cause cancer.
The film is successful in its caricature of lobbying and corporate interests, skillfully analyzing and attacking both sides of tobacco campaigns. Though some of the humor might be considered too obvious or on the nose, I found it hilarious and perfectly exaggerated — operating in just the way I would expect of a satire. “Thank You For Smoking” never runs the risk of its exaggerated messages being taken too seriously. Through its parody of sleazy corporate leaders and backstabbing Capitol Hill representatives, the movie is able to slyly pinpoint its thesis in each portrayal. Though the movie emphasizes pro-smoking campaigning, its ultimately anti-smoking message is obvious.
The world of scheming activists and lobbyists in the film feels true to the present day, as each character maintains a certain generality, making the movie applicable to any industry in any time period. Eckhart’s performance particularly stands out as his bold and intriguing portrayal meshes well with the rest of the cast. His comedic timing perfectly matches the film’s witty script and tone.
Though the film sometimes lacks in plot progression, instead choosing to focus on purely comic scenes, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Both subtle and more obvious humor are expertly interlinked to craft an engaging yet scathing commentary. The talented supporting cast complements each other in unexpected ways, and I found myself wanting to see a sequel. I haven’t seen a disappointing Reitman film yet, and “Thank You For Smoking” is definitely one of his best.
