Thank You for Smoking (2005)


According to imdb.com this is a satirical comedy that follows the machinations of Big Tobacco's chief spokesman, Nick Naylor, who spins on behalf of cigarettes while trying to remain a role model for his twelve year old son.

What do you feel is the message the director is trying to express in this movie? Support your answer with examples. It it interesting the view on smoking that is included in this film. I was very surprised of the fathers final decision in this movie, but I do not want to spoil this. The father in the end does not decide to say no and the son is expected to grow up in that lifestyle.
If applicable , discuss if you think this movie has accurate depictions of minorities or if they are situational? Why or why not? To me, there were not very many depictions of minorities. It is possible that I missed it. There were some African american actors and actresses in this film, but I did not catch anything that stood out to me.
Explain if you think the director’s ethnic/cultural/professional background played a role in directing this film?
What groups (people of color, nationality, culture, class,gender etc.) may be offended or misinterpret this movie and why?  I think that not necessarily culture, but maybe people who already smoke might be offended by this film. The people referring to themselves as the Merchants of Death and this is unusual to me. Also the young son wanting to see what his dad does is very controversial. It seems all he wants to do is support this bad habit for money. In one scene he states let's bring the sex back into cigarettes. Also parents watching the movie may be shocked at Nick's decision to promote cigarettes and get sucked into the economy.
What the movie added to your visual literacy? This movie made it more obvious to me when someone was smoking. I am not a smoker and try to avoid being around them. After seeing the different actors and actual smokers you begin to observe the hand motions when someone is holding one and actually has a history of smoking. Seeing someone smoke can also influence people to buy cigarettes.
What kind of artistic and/or visual means did the director use in the movie to focus our attention? They used billboards and different forms of advertisement throughout the movie.

Here is a video clip that I found on youtube.