“That’s the beauty of argument. If you argue correctly, you’re never wrong.”
– Nick Naylor (Thank You for Smoking)
Thank You for Smoking is another movie with not much action or adventure. One of my favorite types of movies is those that reinforce the importance of intelligence and great communication skills. This movie is essentially about how effective communication can be used or abused, depending on the morality of the individual and the circumstances of the situation. It also helps that there is enough comedy to also be entertaining.
This was not quite the movie I was expecting, but it ended up being better. Thank You for Smoking follows a lobbyist for big tobacco through his job arguing on behalf of big tobacco and also at home, trying to be a father to a young and impressionable boy. The boy idolizes his father and is also curious about what his dad does and why. He asks a lot of questions and even accompanies his father sometimes to meetings.
This movie doesn’t endorse or encourage the use of cigarettes or for anyone to smoke. Almost the entire movie actually has fairly little smoking take place. Thank You for Smoking is about family, love, choices, and most importantly, the concept of freedom. The argument isn’t “smoking is not dangerous” or “people should smoke.” The argument is “freedom is important and people should be free to make their own choices.”
For those of you concerned about Thank You for Smoking being a commercial for smoking, I understand. It is in the title and I would be lying if I said that there were no scenes where smoking took place or was discussed. That is not the purpose or intent of the movie. The movie is about argument and the use of intellect and persuasion. This is a reminder of the importance of learning and understanding the way people function.
Journeyman's Legacy 