Hollywood has made smoking look very attractive. When you consider the likes of Sean Connery and Carey Grant smoking on film, it’s not hard to see why Joe Sixpack wants to go out and pick up a carton of smokes for himself. Cigarettes are great movie props. Take Robert DeNiro in Goodfellas, for example. The famous scene where he is plotting a crime partner’s demise would not be the same were it not for Eric Clapton’s vocals and the cigarette in his hand. This post will explore this topic in more detail, telling you everything there is to know about the role smoking has played in Hollywood.
Media Censorship
In Hollywood’s early days, sex was not allowed to be shown on screen. Smoking was used as a substitute. The leads in films would light cigarettes for romantic interests, showing tension. If you understand how sexy smoking can be, consider searching for Backwoods cigars online, since there’s nothing more attractive than a man holding a cigar. Clint Eastwood is the perfect example of this. His mysterious antihero in the Sergio Leone films was always seen with a cigar and exuded elegance and cool. Back to sex though, it was only allowed on film in later decades. Cigarettes were a great substitute until it was. Pornography was illegal and sex on film was considered a type of pornography, which is why it took so long for it to be allowed, and even when it was, there were still heavy restrictions in place.
Looking Cool
Old Hollywood was all about looking cool. Nowadays it’s not so much the case. Actors and actresses don’t exude as much coolness as they used to. However, there are some exceptions. Brad Pitt and Ryan Gosling are some of the coolest actors around right now, though they don’t hold a candle to Al Pacino or Clint Eastwood in their heydays. Part of the reason that older Hollywood actors and actresses looked so cool was because they smoked. Smoking isn’t as common in film today as it used to be, mainly because people are concerned about advertising cigarettes, which as we all know, can be very unhealthy. Moderate use is advised if individuals plan on smoking in spite of how harmful it can be. Many think it’s better to smoke cigars than cigarettes since the smoke isn’t actually inhaled. If you plan on smoking, prioritize cigars over cigarettes for this reason.
Character Props
Cigarettes are great props in films. Even smokers who’ve never been in a film and have no interest in acting use cigarettes as props. Cigarettes are a great way for people to ground themselves. Many people who quit smoking actually turn to vaping because they are addicted to the act of smoking more than they are to nicotine. Vaping presents people who are smokers with an opportunity to continue smoking without actually smoking. In films, cigarettes are used in the same way. As mentioned in the introduction to this post, Robert DeNiro’s character in Goodfellas uses a cigarette to illustrate growing tension. The scene referred to is the one where Cream plays in the background, and he plots to kill a business associate who has been pestering him for money. Were it not for the cigarette, the scene would be nowhere near as effective as it is. In the Clint Eastwood film directed by Sergio Leone, the Dollars Trilogy, the protagonist’s use of cigars is also used to build tension. In films, cigarettes and cigars also give characters something to do, ensuring their hands are not just sat idly on their laps.
Other Alternatives
Smoking isn’t for everyone. A lot of people however like to have props, as mentioned above. If you are somebody who was previously interested in smoking but has decided not to, here are a few suggestions for alternatives.
Using Cigars
Cigars contain the same chemicals as cigarettes. They are therefore not a ‘safe’ alternative. However, you do not inhale the smoke when you smoke cigars, which means you aren’t doing as much harm to your lungs. With that being said, cigars are still bad for you, and therefore if you are somebody who wants to protect their health, not a viable ‘healthy’ option. If you are going to smoke cigars, make sure that you do so moderately. Smoking infrequently reduces your risk of developing health problems. Infrequent smoking can also be a good way to alleviate stress and have fun without getting addicted.
Consider Vapes
Vapes are a popular alternative to cigarettes. The problem with them is that their use comes with a whole different set of challenges and problems. Scientists are quickly realizing that vaping can cause some very serious health issues. If you plan on using them, use them moderately. Also, take a look at alternatives to nicotine. For example, you can buy vapes that contain THC, the psychoactive compound found in marijuana. If you are planning on buying THC vapes, you need to make sure it is legal for you to do so in the state that you live in. Buying illegal, black-market THC vape capsules can be a bad idea. Studies have shown that black-market vape cartridges typically contain more toxic chemicals and harmful additives than ones that are sold legally. Fentanyl has even been found in some illegally manufactured vape cartridges and products.
Nicotine Inserts
A good option for people who want to quit smoking is nicotine inserts. Nicotine inserts are almost harmless. The only problem some people experience with their use is gum irritation. However, gum irritation can be mitigated by inserting them in different areas of your mouth every single time. You can of course use places you have used in the past, just not in the same week. Moving inserts around in your mouth can save you a lot of pain. That said, not everybody does suffer from gum irritation, so it’s not guaranteed. Still, move inserts around just to prevent it from happening.
Smoking has been a very common thing in Hollywood since its inception. While it’s not as common today, people still smoke. Cigars are a great option because they give you a real kick taste a lot better. They’re also a lot cooler! Give consideration to the suggestions made in the last part of this section if you want to know more about quitting or swapping to alternatives.
