Does smoking's symbolism enhance cinema?
Filed under: Politics
Facing a vote in Great Britain to ban smoking - all the time, anywhere -
unrepentant two-pack a day smoker Lynn Barber waxes nostalgic on cigarettes in cinema
history, using iconic smoking moments in film to explore how cigarettes have been used to add depth and subtext to
films from The Big Sleep to Casablanca. How, bemoans Barber, will future smoke-free generations have
the social knowledge of smoking to understand the subtler meanings cigarettes have imbued in films of the past? Will a
smoke-free citizenry be so obsessed with the health issues of Mrs. Robinson kissing while holding in a lungful of
smoke, to fully appreciate the meaning of that cinematic moment?
What great moments in film wouldn't be the same to you if they had been smoke-free?
[ via Matt Dentler's Blog ]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-07-2006 @ 9:17PM
Peter Nellhaus said...
"Now, Voyager" would have to be completely re-thought out with those scenes of Paul Henreid lighting up two cigarettes in his mouth, one for Bette Davis. Tex Avery spoofed that scene with his wolf character and a mouthful of cigarettes.
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2-08-2006 @ 11:29AM
Veruka said...
I found the smoking to be an integral part of "Good Night, and Good Luck," just as part of the times and habits of the era. The smoke from the cigarettes ended up adding quite a bit to the ambiance of the film.
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2-09-2006 @ 12:15AM
Jette said...
This reminds me of a Connie Willis book, "Remake," in which the main character's job is to censor the current trendy taboo out of films: smoking, drinking, etc. It's the older movies that just about kill him. The job that pushes him over the edge is cutting the drinking and smoking out of "The Philadelphia Story." He finally gives up: it can't be done. I hope no one ever attempts it in real life.
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