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Smoke Screen

Smoke Screen (2010)

Newswoman Britt Shelley shockingly wakes up in bed next to the dead body of Detective Jay Burgess and is suspected of foul play. Five years prior, Jay’s lifelong friend Raley Gannon also woke up next to a dead body. After learning of Britt’s scandal and the similarities between their two cases, he realizes she might be his only chance for vindication. As the two unravel their mysterious cases together, they find themselves caught in a dangerous political cover-up involving arson and murder.

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Directed by Gary Yates

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Gary Yates
Writer
  • Karen Stillman
Producer
  • Christian Bruyère

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Thematic Analysis

Smoke Screen represents a fascinating example of TV Movie/Crime/Mystery/Thriller cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Gary Yates 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 pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2010, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Smoke Screen took approximately 5 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $5.0 million, the film represented a significant investment in bringing this story to the screen.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 140 minutes long.
  • The costume department created over 178 unique costume pieces for the production.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • The musical score contains over 43 unique compositions.

Historical Context

  • In 2010, when this film is released:
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Smoke Screen shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Kashmir Daily, which focuses more on action than character development, Smoke Screen offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like Noh Mask Murders and Implicated explore similar territory, Smoke Screen 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: November 21, 2010
  • Runtime: 1h 27m
  • Budget: $5,000,000

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