Never has there been a man so evil, so cunning and so good at being right. You heard correctly, Nick Naylor is never wrong. Try to prove him otherwise and he will come right back at you.
Despite its controversial title, "Thank You for Smoking" has everything to do with the art of argumentation and less to do with smoking and the issues it presents. Naylor, (Aaron Eckhart) is the chief spokesperson for the Academy of Tobacco Studies, which is the main lobbyist for the tobacco industries. As health organizations and government officials attempt to put a stop on big tobacco companies, Naylor spins the truth and somehow always comes out the winner.
For example, Naylor appears on a daytime talk show alongside a dying boy, health officials and a concerned mother who is against tobacco. The audience boos when Naylor is introduced, but the dapper lobbyist insists he does not want the poor boy to die. Why would he? The tobacco industry would lose a valuable customer, thus losing money. Instead, Naylor lures the audience onto his side as he points the finger at the health officials, claiming they want the poor boy to die. Why? So their salaries would go up. He then introduces a campaign against teen smoking. With that, Naylor wins another battle.
Despite his accomplishments at work, Naylor encounters several problems. These include death threats, family troubles and the seduction by journalist Heather Holloway (Katie Holmes).
Americans hate Naylor, including his ex-wife, who refuses to allow her son to participate in any of his father's tobacco ventures. Of course, being the clever man that he is, Naylor teaches his son the art of argumentation - convincing the mom to allow the son to spend more time with him. Naylor wins again.
"Thank You for Smoking" is not for the sensitive because it openly discusses issues between tobacco companies and those affected by smoking. It is almost guaranteed that someone will want to boycott a movie such as this that almost seemingly supports the tobacco industry without actually saying so.
While the movie does fill you in on factual tidbits on tobacco's health risks, Naylor's statements can easily irritate an audience member who refuses to see the humor in his arrogant ways.
Filled with an all-star cast, "Thank You for Smoking" is a hilarious, witty and unforgiving movie. At times it does seem as if it attempts to push its satire down your throat, but it's still worth seeing - if not for the humor, then for the movie's take on the art of argumentation and the life of a lobbyist. A little knowledge on rhetoric and the U.S. government never hurt anyone.
-'Thank You for Smoking' is currently in limited release and opens nationwide March 31.
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