“Smoke” is a snapshot of life in Brooklyn. A tobacco shop owner and his eclectic, dysfunctional community are the focus of a tale that weaves several smaller stories together like interlocking cigarette smoke rings. The film is an intricate tapestry of characters and relationships, each with their own pasts and dreams, creating a portrait of humanity at its most raw and real.
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Review
In fair New York City, where we lay our scene, an honest tobacconist named Auggie (played by Harvey Keitel) runs a quaint little shop in Brooklyn. Auggie, a man of routines and habits, opens his store each morning with coffee and conversation with his regular customers.
One day, the lives of Auggie and his customers are disrupted by the arrival of Paul (William Hurt), a novelist who is suffering from writer’s block. Paul stumbles into Auggie’s store looking for inspiration and soon becomes a regular fixture in the neighborhood.
But Paul is not the only one bringing change to Auggie’s life. A young African-American boy named Rashid (Harold Perrineau Jr.) begins hanging around the store, seeking refuge from his troubled home life. As Auggie and Rashid’s friendship grows, they discover that they have more in common than they ever thought possible.
Meanwhile, Paul’s estranged wife appears on the scene (played by Stockard Channing) and shakes up his life even further. And just when it seems like everything is settling down, tragedy strikes, leaving everyone reeling and questioning their place in the world.
“Smoke,” directed by Wayne Wang with a screenplay co-written by Paul Auster (who also wrote the novel on which it was based), is a poignant exploration of human connection and the unexpected ways in which our lives intersect.
The film boasts an impressive cast of actors who bring their characters to life with nuance and depth. Keitel delivers a humble yet powerful performance as Auggie, while Hurt brings gravitas to the role of Paul. Perrineau Jr. gives an affecting portrayal of Rashid, capturing both his vulnerability and resilience.
But what makes “Smoke” truly special is its attention to detail and its celebration of everyday moments. The film captures the rhythms of daily life in Brooklyn with authenticity and warmth, showcasing the beauty and richness of ordinary existence.
The film’s score, composed by Rachel Portman, is understated yet evocative, providing a gentle accompaniment to the characters’ journeys. And the cinematography by Wong Kar-wai (who also directed the companion film “Blue in the Face”) is stunning, capturing the vibrant colors and textures of Brooklyn with lyricism and grace.
Since its release in 1995, “Smoke” has become a beloved cult classic. Its emphasis on human connection and vulnerability resonate with viewers of all ages and backgrounds. And its message that our lives are shaped by chance encounters and unexpected moments remains as relevant today as ever before.
In conclusion, “Smoke” is a powerful testament to the beauty and unpredictability of life. It celebrates the joys and sorrows of everyday existence, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, we are never truly alone. As Shakespeare once wrote: “All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players.” In “Smoke,” Auggie, Paul, Rashid, and all the other characters are players in their own stories, each one unique but united in their humanity.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 112
- Release : 1995-06-09
- Genre : Comedy, Drama
- Cast : Harvey Keitel as Augustus ‘Auggie’ Wren, William Hurt as Paul Benjamin, Stockard Channing as Ruby McNutt, Harold Perrineau as Thomas ‘Rashid’ Cole, Forest Whitaker as Cyrus Cole
- Crew : Heidi Levitt as Casting, Bob Weinstein as Executive Producer, Harvey Weinstein as Executive Producer, Billy Hopkins as Casting, Rachel Portman as Original Music Composer
- Popularity 11.921
- Budget : $7,000,000
- Revenue : $8,349,430
- Company : Miramax, NDF International, Eurospace
- Summary : Writer Paul Benjamin is nearly hit by a bus when he leaves Auggie Wren’s smoke shop. Stranger Rashid Cole saves his life, and soon middle-aged Paul tells homeless Rashid that he wouldn’t mind a short-term housemate. Still grieving over his wife’s murder, Paul is moved by both Rashid’s quest to reconnect with his father and Auggie’s discovery that a woman who might be his daughter is about to give birth.
- Tagline : Where there’s smoke… there’s laughter!
