I watched Gilda for the first time at University the other day. Great example of Film Noir and an inspiration to a non smoker, to take up the old cancer stick. *I know this is wrong, I don't smoke and knew someone who, in the face of all the evidence, increased his smoking as some kind of suicidal protest. I used to nag him about health, but like many smokers he wouldn't listen. Actually he was an ex boyfriend and he stunk of ciggies. Was glad to get shot....but thats another story.
So why did I consider taking it up after watching this film? Well, probably because like many 30s 40s and 50s films it shows smoking to be sexy and glamourous, and very very sophisticated. At this time it was something people did to be smart and tobacco companies would advertise the health benefits of smoking.
In those days people were ignorant of the truth (my nan was advised by her GP to smoke in preganacy!!) but times have moved on. The tobacco companies, when they found out about the risks sought to hide the truth, so were worse than anyone. They would let people die for profit. They were examples of real bad behaviour. It seems now that statistics demonstrate that smoking is in decline, and this is supported by the contemporary view of smoking on film. Recent examples are 'Thank You for Smoking' and 'The Insider' which deal directly with the role of the tobacco companies.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0140352/So what about me? I won't smoke, but I have to admit to the power of film to persuade and influence. If the noir films can get people to smoke more, then where does such influence end? What other bad behaviour could result from movie portrayals? What about theft, or murder? Could serial killer movies influence the gullible to kill? Where does it end??? What do you think??
1 comment:
After watching the film Gilda also at university I do agree with your point that smoking looks glamourous and sexy within the film. To someone easily influenced this could be enough to begin smoking. I also agree with your points about the times changing now and how more is known about the danger of cigarettes and more is done to promote the health warnings. However, rather than it being media influencing people to start smoking I believe in todays society it is peer pressure that is the main cause of someone taking up smoking, especially in the younger generation. This trend could ultimately stem from the promotion of films such as Gilda but I guess we'll never know fully why some people take up the decision to smoke.
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