The world of screen acting is a fascinating one, and some actors go to long lengths to get into the character they’re playing. But to what extent are actors willing to go to make their performance believable?
From the iconic scenes of Peaky Blinder’s Thomas Shelby going over his thoughts whilst lighting up a cigarette to Breakfast at Tiffany’s Audrey Hepburn standing outside her apartment elegantly smoking, and even Don Vito Corleone being frequently seen with a cigar in hand in The Godfather – it prompts a big question when it comes to showbiz. Do actors really smoke, or are they faking with prop cigarettes?
The History of Smoking in Movies
In the early days of cinema, around the 1920s and 1930s, smoking became a prevalent feature on-screen, reflecting its popularity and ‘coolness’, as well as the social aspect of smoking in society that was popular at that time.
The portrayal of smoking in on-screen productions was also influenced by the tobacco industry’s advertising and sponsorship, which associated smoking with desirable qualities like sophistication and allure. Directors and producers integrated smoking into their productions to enhance the appeal and relatability of their characters, as well as to capitalise on the glamour of smoking.
Smoking on-screen was also used, and still is today, as a narrative tool to convey a range of emotions, the social status of a character, and personality traits, making it an integral part of character development and storytelling. Smoking adds a layer to an actor’s characterisation – making for a captivating performance we all want to watch!
In the critically acclaimed television series, Breaking Bad, the character Jesse Pinkman, portrayed by Aaron Paul, is often shown smoking cigarettes. Jesse’s smoking habit serves as a visual cue to his troubled and rebellious nature. Throughout the series, Jesse’s relationship with cigarettes evolves – reflecting his emotional state and character journey.
What Do Actors Smoke on Set?
There are many alternatives that actors use for cigarettes on set, and with production laws changing in favour of the health and safety standards for everyone on set, actors usually smoke fake cigarettes, or what’s known as ‘prop’ cigarettes, in today’s productions.
What are Prop Cigarettes?
Prop cigarettes are made specifically for smoking in film, television, and even theatre productions to create the illusion of smoking without the health risks associated with traditional tobacco cigarettes.
These props resemble real cigarettes in appearance, such as our Honeyrose London White Cork Cigarettes, but don’t contain any tobacco or nicotine so that they won’t produce any harmful smoke.
They come in various forms, including pre-rolled cigarettes, cigarette holders, and even electronic cigarettes that emit vapour instead of smoke. Fake cigarettes for movies mimic real cigarettes’ size, shape, and colour – ensuring a convincing portrayal on camera or stage.
What are Prop Cigarettes Made of?
Unlike real cigarettes, prop cigarettes are entirely tobacco-free. Instead, they’re made from herbal blends, often containing marshmallow root, red clover flowers, rose petals, honey, and fruit juices.
The Benefits of Smoking Prop Cigarettes
Firstly, fake cigarettes allow actors to convincingly portray smoking without exposing themselves to the health risks associated with tobacco and nicotine use. Using non-toxic ingredients in prop cigarettes provides a safe and controlled environment for actors and fellow crew members working closely with performers to perform smoking scenes without compromising the well-being of themselves and others around them.
However, there have been cases of actors smoking real cigarettes, or in this case, genuine cigars, in favour of method acting. Whilst there are alternatives for actors smoking on-set, Garry Oldman smoked £30,000 worth of cigars when playing Churchill in the World War II film Darkest Hour. And unfortunately, he did end up getting nicotine poisoning from all those cigars – no wonder!
Prop cigarettes also help production crews comply with legal restrictions and regulations surrounding smoking in workplaces. In many cases, smoking bans prohibit the use of tobacco products indoors, making prop cigarettes a practical solution for creating smoking scenes without violating the law.
If you’re a fan of cigars or cigarettes, why not visit Havana House and explore our collection today and immerse yourself in the world of smoking aesthetics?