Thank You For Smoking by Jason Reitman

901 Words2 Pages

In the films, “Thank You For Smoking,” directed by Jason Reitman and “Kinsey,” directed by Bill Condon, main characters Nick Naylor and Dr. Alfred Kinsey, defend their actions with either facts, strong opinions, and in Naylor’s instance, symbolism. Hence, both have dynamic characteristics that make them persuasive when proving their points. In both films, there are two questions that are raised. Are their actions justified and reflected in societal morals? Are they trying to route people into a less prejudice mindset? Despite their approach, both Dr. Kinsey and Nick Naylor over step boundaries by implying blunt commentary that allow their audience to think critically. 
 Dr. Kinsey pride himself on his work in regards to the advancement of sexuality. Starting from a strict religious family, he took a stand against his fathers will, and studied biology. To Dr. Kinsey human nature is natural and he was very interested in explaining to his students the science of life. He took a strong stand from the beginning and he remained forceful when trying to explain why “morality disguises fact.” (Kinsey) Further on, his ideas of spreading the true meaning of sexuality evolved into an institute which plenty did not approve of. He backed up his comments by stating that sex is a “normal biological development” which is true and if a couple did not try it then humans would not be on earth presently. 
 Similarly, Nick Naylor, a lobbyist for the Academy of Tobacco Studies, takes on the topic of “morality disguises facts” (Kinsey). To plenty, advocating for cigarette companies is immoral since there is plausible cause, but to Naylor he enjoyed making people think critically by basing himself with prior knowledge of a topic and using symbolism th...

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... normality of it. An issue that made its way to about every argument was the Book of Genesis vs. Darwin. (Kinsey)
Overall, Nick Naylor and Dr. Alfred Kinsey took interesting stands on supporting issues that many would not dare to speak or act upon. Each used persuasive points whether they used data or not to illustrate points. They did step the fine line on moral ground, but did an extraordinary of standing behind them. Whether if a fictional or fact based characters there is a lot to learn from the dynamic characteristics each have. From Nick Naylor, “the beauty of argument,” (TYFS) does exist, and for Dr. Kinsey data makes a difference when proving a point, though many will not agree.

Works Cited

Kinsey. Dir. Bill Condon. Prod. Gail Mutrux. Fox Searchlight, 2005.
Thank You For Smoking. Dir. Jason Reitman. Prod. David O. Sacks. Fox Searchlight,

2006.

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