MovieChat Forums > Under the Silver Lake (2019) Discussion > Is Smoking back in Movies?

Is Smoking back in Movies?

posted 5 years ago by KutWrite (1220)
8 replies | jump to latest

Is it just me,or are more characters in films smoking?

In this one, I see the hints of the ol' product placement: Cigs never get long ashes, no messy ashtrays, people always look relaxed when smoking, cool characters smoke, villains don't and only one brand of cigs is used by all... and the pack plainly shown. In this case, Marlboros.

For a long while, it seemed smoking in films was banned. Lately there was a disclaimer that no "consideration" was received from tobacco companies. Now, it seems smoking is back, and no disclaimer.

I'm not against tobacco use, except for myself and inside my house or car. However I do notice this kind of subliminal propaganda.

Anyone care to weigh in?

[–] charliekelly (1018) 5 years ago

Well, the whole theme of this film is corporate greed and it's manipulation and meddling in entertainment. I would say all the cigarette smoking in this movie is a comment on the very thing you are accusing it of. The movie, and creator(s), actually agree with you. It's the same reason the dog's name is "Coca-Cola". There's stuff like that sprinkled all throughout this film.

[–] KutWrite (1220) 5 years ago

That's a great observation.

On the other hand, it could be double-edged. They get to make fun of product placement, yet profit from it!

[–] charliekelly (1018) 5 years ago

lol Yeah, could be. Corporate conditioning, "Inception" style. They make you comfortable by letting you think you're in the know, while the real truth is on another level.

[–] Martoto (4198) 5 years ago

There's a disgusting soda bottle ashtray and the cigarettes are a generic brand, Morley.

Sam is the most conspicuous smoker and he's a dick.

The movie within the movie depicts smoking as a vice that's attractive to the immature.

[–] Thaisticks (2562) 3 years ago

I gotta agree with Martoto--Sam was the prime smoker, and I believe it was done in furtherance of making his character a sort of "anti-hero." He also beats up little kids, lies to his mother, peers at his sexy neighbors through binoculars, and is penniless but unconcerned about getting a job.

[–] MoviesStillSuck (254) 5 months ago

I certainly hope it’s back. Kids today need to be exposed to smoking so that they can see how awesome it looks when men do it.

[–] KutWrite (1220) 4 months ago

Haha!

I think you will love this "No Smoking" PSA by John Waters:

https://youtu.be/YnpofBtijF8

[–] KutWrite (1220) 2 months ago

I think you will love this "No Smoking" PSA by John Waters:

https://youtu.be/YnpofBtijF8