I certainly hope that the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences has the memory of an elephant, for in these early months of 2006, Oscar-caliber work has already hit the multiplexes. The intricate satire “Thank You For Smoking” offers an Oscar-worthy performance from Aaron Eckhart (“Erin Brockovich”) and a witty script, while “V for Vendetta” creates a brave new fascist world with colors reminiscent of the Bolshevik period, and with production designs, editing and cinematography that deserve the gold.
“Thank You For Smoking” is the most biting political satire since the David Mamet/Barry Levinson comedy “Wag The Dog.” The feature length debut of writer/director Jason Reitman, “Smoking” forecasts a gifted career for the artistic son of “Ghostbusters” director Ivan Reitman.
Nick Naylor (Eckhart) is the king of spin. A lobbyist for the smoking industry, Nick can make a cancer victim appear thankful for those past years in flavor country, and an anti-smoking advocate seem to be out for a quick buck. He loves the magic he can create, ignoring the damage his spinning causes. Things complicate when his precocious son (Cameron Bright) idolizes his father, despite the man’s wavering morals. As Nick gets deeper immersed in hypocrisy, using advertising and Hollywood to lead children to smoke, he begins to question his worth as a father. Eckhart relishes the complexity of Nick Naylor, a man once giddy with his own genius, reaching a midlife crisis.
Reitman works with a top-notch ensemble, including Maria Bello, Sam Elliot, Robert Duvall, J.K. Simmons, William H Macy and Katie Holmes as a conniving reporter. Each actor adds humor to the already hilarious script and unselfishly elevates their lead by supporting him and never forcing the audience to stray away from Eckhart’s performance. If Eckhart does not walk away with the award next February, then only politics or the resurrection of Sir Laurence Olivier will prevent it.
Grade: “Thank You For Smoking”: A; |
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