Smoking by the bricks before detention went out of style long ago, but that doesn't mean cigarettes aren't still at large. They could be hiding under a bed, on a car dashboard, or even in a coat pocket.
Based on Christopher Buckley's novel by the same name, "Thank You for Smoking" is a thinking-man's comedy with smart humor and a mockumentary-inspired style. It draws a witty connection between the government and the profitable tobacco industry, poking fun at everyone in the process.
Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart, "The Core") doesn't have any formal training or qualifications for a big-time spokesman position, but he can still convince someone that black is white. As he says in a voice over narration, "You know that guy that can pick up any girl? I'm him...on crack."
Naylor represents Big Tobacco with the same shameless tactics politicians use; by spinning the issue and wording his point so cleverly the opposition eventually becomes too confused to argue back. A parallel is drawn between the tobacco industry and politics when Naylor confronts democratic Vermont Senator Ortolan K. Finistirre (William H. Macy).
The Senator wants to introduce a new warning label on cigarette cartons. The proposed image is a deformed skull and crossbones accompanied by the word "Poison" in large letters, because Finistirre believes the public reacts to images more than words.
The Senator appears more adamant about taking down the tobacco industry for his own good publicity than for saving the lives of human beings, demonstrating that leaders will oppose and support campaigns they do not believe in. Going after a giant killer like Big Tobacco is an easy way to gain recognition.
"Thank You for Smoking" is full of satirical political and social critiques. While working on a report for school, Nick's son Joey Naylor (Cameron Bright) asks, "Dad, why is the American government the best government in the world?"
Nick answers without hesitation, "Our endless appeals system."
He also teaches Joey a little of his own persuasion theory: anything can be argued, and if one argues correctly there is no way to be wrong.
One of the funniest parts of the movie is Nick's weekly meeting with his only friends. They call themselves the "mob squad," and other members include Bobby Jay Bliss ( David Koechner, "Anchorman") and Polly Bailey (Maria Bello, "A History of Violence").
Koechner, better known as his character Champ from "Anchorman," is hilarious as always. Sure, he can only play a lovable but obnoxious goof, but he knows his niche and occupies it well with bumbling, perfectly unsophisticated humor.
Bobby is a spokesperson for the gun industry, and alcoholic Polly is a member of the Moderation Foundation. At one point, the three argue over whose product kills more people. Nick seems proud that cigarettes kill far more people every year than guns and alcohol. Nick brags about tobacco's mortality rates, and the others seem disappointed that their industry's products only kill a fraction of the amount tobacco's does.
As news reporter Heather Holloway, Katie Holmes is largely overshadowed by the movie's wittier sections. Nick was warned that Holloway had breasts, but he granted her an interview anyway, after which Holloway slept with him to get inside information. The results aren't exactly spectacular, but luckily the situation isn't dwelled upon.
This is director Jason Reitman's first major motion picture. Reitman has many short films to his credit and was well prepared for a full-length feature. The documentary style is consistent throughout, using many handheld shots. The cutting is also excellent, as Reitman transitions to tangential material and back without disrupting the rhythm. Reitman also adapted the screenplay well. His dialogue is sharp and witty, and he definitely wields humor with a skilled hand.
J.K. Simmons ("The Ladykillers") is fantastic as grumpy tobacco executive Budd "BR" Rohrabacher. It is said he got his nickname "BR" in Vietnam, and everyone who knew what it stands for is dead. This is one of Simmons' more prominent roles, and he does not hesitate to give a strong performance.
In a day when government officials target businesses as fodder for their election resumes, character Nick Naylor is more appropriate than ever. At the end, the question is proposed, "Who is going to stand up for that sweat shop owner, or the clubbing baby seal poacher?" The end.
