Ever since watching him spin doctor his way through sticky situations as a representative for the tobacco industry in Thank You for Smoking, I’ve been a fan of Aaron Eckhart. The films Eckhart stars in have a very distinctive quality about them, one that borders between a dark comedy and drama. Although Eckhart has been the leading character in a number of films, most recognize the actor for his role as Harvey Dent in The Dark Knight. It’s hard not to notice the talent this actor possesses when his character reveals the burnt side of his face at the end of The Dark Knight, but many of his films fly under-the-radar.
Newly released Love Happens, starring Aaron Eckhart alongside Jennifer Aniston and Martin Sheen, is a film about a man who lies for a living. It may sound like Thank You for Smoking, but it’s not. Burke Ryan is the best-selling author of A-Okay, a self-help book for those recovering from the loss of a loved one. He writes about the death of his wife, how attending her funeral helped him heal, refuses to drink alcohol, and overall, how he has moved on from tragedy to lead a very happy and successful life. There’s only one problem, not one ounce of this is true. But Ryan isn’t doing speaking engagements and furthering his brand for fame or fortune, he really does just want to set things right.
Burke Ryan meets flower shop owner Eloise at his hotel, where she provides the flower arrangements, but their relationship is really a side story to Ryan’s professional mess. Yes, the promotional posters show Aaron Eckhart and Jennifer Aniston looking all lovey-dovey in front of the Seattle Space Needle. And yes, the film is titled Love Happens. And yes, every commercial for the film portrays it as a romantic comedy. But, Love Happens is really a film about moving on, not only from death, but from our mistakes. It is a more mainstream Eckhart flick, but fans of his are sure to love it!
To me, Thank You for Smoking is what put Aaron Eckhart on the map. I didn’t recognize the actor from his role as George, Julia Roberts’ love interest in Erin Brockovich, but after watching Thank You for Smoking, I’ve become a devoted fan. Nick Naylor (Eckhart), a lobbyist for the tobacco industry, hangs out with the representatives of alcohol and guns, comparing notes on how many people died of what he represents each week over a meal. They call themselves the M.O.D. Squad, a.k.a. “Merchants of Death” Squad. He spin doctors everyone into agreeing that tobacco isn’t that bad-including a talk show featuring the health association and a teenage boy with cancer-and is quite content with his life. But when Naylor’s son comes to visit, he begins to question everything he’s always defended for money. Thank You for Smoking is a satire that questions money over morals and the important things in life.
Aaron Eckhart is a fantastic actor that can portray a person’s subtleties in dark comedies. He never overacts and always fits a character like a glove. I’m looking forward to him taking on a role very different from his successful businessman portrayals, when he reprises his role as Harvey Dent, who is now Two Face.
