Based on the acclaimed novel by Christopher Buckley, "Thank You for Smoking" had its world premiere at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival.
"Thank you for Smoking" stars Aaron Eckhart as Nick Naylor, chief spokesperson for big tobacco. Nick's got a tough job but he knows just exactly how to manage/manipulate the news to make it look like his clients are the good guys. When a US Senator (William H Macy) goes on the warpath and wants to slap huge poison labels on each pack of cigarettes, Nick kicks it into high gear to make sure the Senator's message is overshadowed by the so-called positive side of the tobacco industry. Things are going well until Nick sleeps with the wrong person...
"Thank You for Smoking" also stars Maria Bello, Cameron Bright, Adam Brody, Sam Elliott, Katie Holmes, David Koechner, Rob Lowe, JK Simmons and Robert Duvall. The film was produced by David O. Sacks and adapted for the screen by Jason Reitman.
In a statement announcing the acquisition, Fox Searchlight Pictures President Peter Rice said, "Razor-sharp comedy doesn't come around often. Jason Reitman and his wonderful ensemble cast, led by Aaron Eckhart, have created an incredibly funny, very smart, sharply directed adaptation of Chris Buckley's beloved novel. The audience response here in Toronto has been amazing and we are thrilled that David Sacks and Jason have chosen us as partners to distribute the movie."
Writer/Director Jason Reitman added, "Fox Searchlight will be a fantastic distributor for 'Smoking' and I couldn't be happier that we were able to make a deal with them."
Source: Fox Searchlight
