Author Archive for Phil Boltz

Thank You for Smoking: Lobbyists, Salesmen, and other soul-less caricatures…

Published
by
Phil Boltz
on April 10, 2006
in Based on a book, Based on a novel, Black Comedy, Government, Independent, Industry, Kidnapping, Lobbyist and Smoking
. 1 Comment

Nick Naylor (Aaron Eckhart) is the ultimate schmooze. Sometime ago the best negotiator and bullshit artists were to be found in sales and politics, but leave it to our little post-modern, post-industrial, post-ethics society to create something bigger and better for the sanguine melancholy temperaments of the world to do. Introducing, the perfect mix of politics and pr, of sales and smarmyness: The Lobbyist!

A Sundance favorite by Jason Reitman, “Thank You for Smoking” tells the short story of Nick Naylor, lobbyist for Big Tobacco. The cast is full of friendly faces, Maria Bello, David Koechner, JK Simmons, Katie Holmes, Rob Lowe, Robert Duvall, and so many charachter workers that it’s sweet to see who’ll show up next.

Naylor is not only a professional talker but a father of one. In a mildly sinister tale, we are exposed to the reasons why we smoke…which, as it seems, is because we believe in freedom. Wave that flag kids, because it’s not only the spin, but it’s the truth! Now, I feel personally connected to Naylor, mostly because I talk for a living. It’s my job to get people to do what they really need to, but they didn’t know was the first step to answering their legal woes. No, I don’t sell pre-paid legal services. Accept in the sense that you have to pay the firm before we do work for you.

Essentially, this film stands on it’s own. It resists simply being an issue film, and gives us genuine characters. Albeit, mislead and depraved ones at that. Funny and respectable, I’d recommend it to you…I mean, that’s what I’m doing here isn’t it?

It’s fun…Watch it, enjoy.

Law Office,
Phil

The Aristocrats

Published
by
Phil Boltz
on October 3, 2005
in Comedy and Documentary
. 1 Comment

Ok kids, you’ve heard about the most vulgar joke ever…and this is the 89 minute tribute to comedic depravity. Originally a vaudeville joke, held over through years of backstage performances in comedy clubs and celebrity hangouts. Penn Jillette and Paul Provenza put together a respectable interview documentary, that included most of the names we can think of in the stand-up world. Still, there was something to be desired in the conclusion…which was similar to the joke itself.

Nearly every oldschool showbiz personality was included. Highlights included George Carlin, Bob Saget, and surprisingly Gilbert Gottfried. Essentially, the routine is a pitch to a talent agent. The act includes incredible depravity including, but not limited to, Incest, Fecophelia, Pedophilia, Bestiality, Murder, and Sodomy performed by a family and their dog. The conclusion of the joke is a question from the agent, “So what do you call the act?” “We call it ‘the aristocrats”. Most performers think of it as a common song, where improvisation and their own ability to disgust can be measured against other talents. The point?…well that’s simply to see how far and absurd things can get before people would simply walk out or start a public stoning.
It’s legitimately funny…and if you aren’t particularly offended by gross depictions of human sexuality, you’ll probably like it. Artistically, it’s an ode to one of the longstanding traditions in comedy…one that is best remembered and worthy of documentation.

The conclusion of the film resembled the joke. The end wasn’t as good as the buildup or the journey to the punchline. It’s a good ride…but not for the faint of heart.

And thus ends my first post and review…
Love,
Phil