Customer Reviews

Smoking Room

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This is a very dark and atmospheric film about culture clashes and the often hidden nature of business politics. The protagonist decides to launch a petition against his company to reverse a decision against smoking in the workplace, after it has been taken over by an American company. There is an anti-american culture undertone which probably reflects concerns that the rest of the world has towards American foreign policy. This film could be seen as an allegory about how America enforces its will on other nations but also how the workplace can become dehumanising and how the neglected feelings of the workers can emerge in a variety of disturbing ways. It is made in a very intimate way with close and handheld camera work which lends the film a claustrophobic quality. This film may not be to everyones taste and is hard to classify but should be sought out by anyone who appreciates films that provide an alternative to the standard hollywood production.

I saw this film in 2002 in Madrid and I haven't forgotten about it. Its gritty, film noir feel is reminiscent of "High Noon" while the acting and cinematography has a look and feel all its own. The pressure-cooker office atmosphere is something that any working person can relate to.

Smoking Room has no action. It consists only of close-up shots on individuals talking about how an American Company has crossed the line in trying to get the locals to not smoke in their workspace. It looked as if it were to be a comedy, and there is nothing funny about it. In addtion, many vulgar words are used. I wanted to use it in my Spanish classroom to show native speaking and differences of cultural opinions, but due to the language AND the poor subject matter covered in the film, I wasted my money.