The Smoking Room
The Smoking Room is a British television sitcom written by Brian Dooley, who won a BAFTA for the series in 2005. The first series, consisting of eight episodes, was originally transmitted on BBC Three between 29 June and 17 August 2004. The Christmas Special was first transmitted on 20 December 2004. A second series of eight episodes began airing on 26 July 2005. The first series, including the Christmas Special, was released on DVD by the BBC on 6 February 2006 and on CD in a four-disc set on 4 April 2005. The second series was released on 16 October 2006; a boxed set containing both series was released on the same date. There will not be a third series; in an interview for the BBC News website on 30 November 2006, the actor Robert Webb who plays Robin, said in passing, "...there is no more Smoking Room". England's smoking ban, which prohibits indoor smoking in workplaces, came into force on 1 July 2007, as a result of which internal smoking rooms, like the one in which the series is set, became illegal.
Insights
Plot Summary
A disillusioned advertising executive, Nicolas, is tasked with organizing a smoking room for his company's employees, a project he initially finds absurd. As he delves into the task, he encounters a cast of eccentric characters, including his colleagues and a young woman named Carla, who complicate his efforts and force him to confront his own life choices and desires. The film explores themes of corporate culture, personal fulfillment, and the search for connection amidst mundane office life.
Critical Reception
The Smoking Room was met with generally positive reviews, praised for its sharp wit, insightful observations on office culture, and strong performances, particularly from Javier Cámara. While some critics found its pacing occasionally slow, the film was largely seen as a clever and relatable comedy with an underlying dramatic depth.
What Reviewers Say
- A witty and insightful look into the absurdities of corporate life.
- Javier Cámara delivers a standout performance as a man navigating office politics and personal ennui.
- Relatable characters and a dry sense of humor make for an engaging, albeit sometimes understated, viewing experience.
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Fun Fact
The film's premise of a mandatory smoking room was inspired by real-life corporate policies and the subsequent employee discussions and reactions it generated.
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