Cigarettes in Movies: Brands, Realism, and the Actors' Perspective

Movies have long featured a wide array of cigarette brands, reflecting different settings, character backgrounds, and the era being portrayed. From classic Lucky Strike to rugged Marlboro, each brand carries its own significance and symbolism. However, in modern filmmaking, the reality of smoking on-screen goes beyond just brand choice, involving ethical considerations, product placement, and actor health.

Film Brands and Their Significance

Popular cigarette brands in movies have a rich history, often meeting specific narrative needs. For instance, Lucky Strike is very popular in classic films, symbolizing mid-20th-century characters and their era. Marlboro, on the other hand, frequently appears in Westerns and action films, representing a rugged and adventurous persona. Camel is known for its distinctive packaging and has been used in films to evoke nostalgia or rebellion. Parliament is often associated with more sophisticated or urban characters, while Winston is seen in various films, particularly those set in the 1960s and 70s.

Moreover, filmmakers occasionally use fictional cigarette brands to avoid issues with product placement or to create specific character traits. The choice of cigarettes can serve as a storytelling tool, conveying themes of rebellion, sophistication, or danger. For example, in Lethal Weapon, Mel Gibson smoked Winston Red Boxes, a choice that added authenticity to the character.

Realism in Smoking on Screen

When actors genuinely smoke, their technique is visibly different from how they might simulate smoking on screen. Real smokers typically inhale deeply, while “puffing” or smoking a cigar-like manner is usually just for show. In films, actors have the freedom to choose whatever brand they want, or whatever brands may have paid for product placement.

For instance, in Lethal Weapon, Mel Gibson was seen smoking Winston Red Boxes. The packaged cigarettes are clearly visible in the original film, adding a layer of realism to the character. This choice was likely influenced by the brand's popularity and the era's context. However, the authenticity of smoking on screen goes beyond just brand choice. The actors' health and the safety of the crew are also top priorities.

Current Industry Standards

In modern filmmaking, most actors are required to use herbal cigarettes, which contain no tobacco or nicotine, even if they are willing to smoke the real thing. This practice was not always standard. In the 1950s, when movies depicted smoking, actors indeed smoked cigarettes for real. However, by the late 1990s, it became more common to use herbal cigarettes to protect both the actors and the crew from second-hand smoke.

While these herbal cigarettes may taste and smell unpleasant, many actors still prefer to use them on screen. Personal experience suggests that these cigarettes can be quite unpalatable. One acquaintance recalled smoky, foul-smelling clouds emanating from herbal cigarettes, which smelt like moldy cat food. This visceral revulsion often prompts actors to avoid smoking on screen if possible. Moreover, there is evidence to suggest that some herbal cigarettes may be nearly as damaging to health as real tobacco cigarettes, though this is a controversial area of research.

Conclusion

The choice of cigarettes in movies is more than just a branding decision. It serves as a storytelling tool, evoking specific atmospheres and personalities. While modern filmmaking practices have shifted to use herbal cigarettes for safety reasons, the tradition of cigarette usage in movies continues to shape our cinematic imagery. As audiences, understanding these nuances can provide a deeper appreciation for the art and ethics of filmmaking.