Cast
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Harvey Keitel
as Augustus 'Auggie' Wren
William Hurt
as Paul Benjamin
Stockard Channing
as Ruby McNutt
Harold Perrineau
as Thomas 'Rashid' Cole
Forest Whitaker
as Cyrus Cole
Giancarlo Esposito
as 1st OTB Man / Tommy
José Zúñiga
as 2nd OTB Man / Jerry
Stephen Gevedon
as OTB Man #3 / Dennis
Jared Harris
as Jimmy Rose
Ashley Judd
as Felicity
Victor Argo
as Vinnie
Michelle Hurst
as Aunt Em
Erica Gimpel
as Doreen Cole
Deirdre O'Connell
as Sue the Waitress
Malik Yoba
as The Creeper
Crew
Director
- Wayne Wang
Writer
- Paul Auster
Producer
- Hisami Kuroiwa
- Peter Newman
- Kenzo Horikoshi
- Greg Johnson
Reviews
Filipe Manuel Neto
**A set of stories, more than a story made up of stories.**
This film reminded me, in a certain way, of a polite version of “Clerks”, an unorthodox comedy where everything revolves around a convenience store, a video club and two employees from those same stores. Here, everything revolves around Auggie Wren's tobacconist, who takes a picture of the shop every day, at the same time. In one of them, by chance, the deceased wife of one of the store's customers appears who, after being saved from being run over by a boy, decides to help him.
The film is discreet, does not have great cinematography resources, nor visuals. Everything here revolves around the characters, their individual stories, the way they intersect and interconnect. The script is very important for the film, but the work of the actors cannot be overlooked either. Harvey Keitel does a very worthy and well-executed job, and William Hurt, Harold Perrineau and Forest Whitaker follow him closely, so we have a good cast working hard. The big problem with this movie is that it really doesn't have much more to offer. For those who like films that are very much based on characters, their behavior, their stories, and well-written dialogues, the film is wonderful. For anyone hoping this all boils down to a story that is more than a set of stories, the film may be disappointing.
Jun 18, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Smoke examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of a period setting that reflects societal issues of its time. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Wayne Wang brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1995, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Smoke took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- With a budget of $7.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
- The final cut of the film runs for 112 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 168 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 7 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1995, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Smoke shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Romy and Michele's High School Reunion, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Smoke subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Mad City and Man About Town explore similar territory, Smoke stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: June 9, 1995
- Runtime: 1h 52m
- Budget: $7,000,000
- Revenue: $8,349,430
