74 Comments » Should I do it?
I know everyone’s first reaction will be a resounding “NO”. But I see smoking as a “skill” that I’d need to learn, sooner or later.
Once in a while, I get a role which requires me to smoke. I’ve tried to fake it twice… without much success. I look so goddarn fake on TV that I want to bayonet myself.
I thought I could pull it off, you know. I observed smokers. I got smoker friends to coach me. I practised with an unlit cigarette. I learned how to draw the “smoke” into my lungs and blow it out, without the smoke, of course. Easy peasy.
What I didn’t, couldn’t, prepare myself for was the moment of impact. Cigarette smoke does not agree with virgin lung.
Who would have thought smoking could be such an excruciatingly painful experience?
I mean, I take in second-hand smoke all the time, everywhere (before the new smoking law was passed). I hang out with smokers. I live with a smoker. I don’t like it, but I can deal with it.
I really thought I had it nailed.
But when the camera started rolling and they popped a lit cigarette in my mouth, my lungs screamed bloody murder. Before I could even fully inhale my first puff, my protesting lungs tried to kill me by forcing me to cough a kidney out.
Disaster.
It took several takes for me to master the pain of the smoke slicing into my lungs. I made like I was inhaling smoke but I actually kept it all in my mouth. Of course, some errant smoke would invariably sneak its way into my lungs, making me cough and spoiling the take, but it was easier to manage than the full onslaught of wilful inhalation.
I survived my first smoking scene. Barely.
Second time I had to smoke in a scene was four months later, I thought I could do better already. After all, my lungs weren’t virgin anymore. They could jolly well take the abuse.
I practised for the scene, again with an unlit cigarette. I practised looking like I was inhaling without actually inhaling. I was good to go!
Wrong again.
My lungs, my stupid lungs, went into mutiny at the first lick of errant smoke wisping south. This time, they made me cough my liver out.
Disappointing show.
Having to control the coughing, my performance became strained. Not good.
That’s why I told myself: The next time I get a smoking role, I will learn to smoke for real. If I have to become a smoker, so be it.
Nothing wrong with being a smoker, is there? Like, half the population of the world smokes.
So now, I got my third smoking role.
Problem is that it’s a four-minute short film. The smoking scene will run for as long as is needed for me to light a cigarette and take one puff. Is it worth it becoming a smoker for this?
The artist in me says yes. I must do it well this time. In the film, I want to look like I’ve been smoking my whole life. I owe it to the director and to my integrity as an actress to do the best I possibly can, even if it’s just for a five-second shot in a four-minute film that will possibly only be seen by a handful of people.
After all, I have to start sometime. This will probably not be the last smoking role I’ll get.
The worrier in me says hold it.
The director, finding out that I don’t smoke, had offered to think of an alternative that might achieve the mood he wants for that shot.
I said I didn’t mind picking up smoking just to do that shot well.
He said we’ll discuss it further down the road. Maybe do a test to see how I look smoking. If I really can’t handle it, he’ll rewrite the shot.
But I don’t want a director’s work to be compromised on account of me, so I want to do the smoking scene and do it well.
Only I worry about the consequences. I worry about addiction. I have zero willpower when it comes to addiction, as can be attested to by the inordinate amount of time I spend on computer gaming and by the terrifying amount of fried chicken I eat.
If I really get addicted, I will have a hard time kicking the addiction because half my regular hangout friends are smokers.
I worry about the cost of supporting a smoking habit.
I worry about the damage to my lungs and hair and teeth and complexion.
I worry about becoming like one of those disgusting bloody plctures on cigarette packets I’m forced to look at every time a friend whips out a packet.
Everything just points to a huge neon sign saying “Don’t do it.”
But I must. If I can’t give my best shot to something I’m really passionate about, then what the hell am I doing alive?
Maybe I won’t get addicted. Maybe I can practise just enough to pass off convincingly as a smoker but not get addicted.
Maybe it’s the mindset. If I refuse to get addicted, maybe I won’t?
There are people who are social smokers, aren’t there? I don’t understand them, though. I’ve studied substance abuse and addiction in psychology class. I learnt that tobacco causes a physical addiction that is hard to fight because of the bodily demands inflicted by the addiction. So you either just smoke your lungs dead or you quit and never look back.
How do social smokers smoke only once in a while without craving to smoke all the time?
That’s what this blog entry is about, actually. I’m wondering if people who have smoked could share your experiences. Tell me what it’s like. Whether you’re a chain smoker or social smoker or only tried it once in your life, I’d like to hear your views.
When does the addiction kick in, in the first place? I mean, I’ve tried to smoke twice and both times I nearly died doing it. No way in hell would I ever want to do it again without good reason.
So why would people continue smoking despite the trauma of the first puff, and how many sticks does it take for an average person to get used to it and start enjoying it?
Do I have a chance of just doing it for a couple of weeks and then stopping?
All comments will be much appreciated.
Some ppl say an artist should be willing to suffer for his art. The way I see it, if its a guaranteed thing, then go for it. i.e. if picking up smoking (even casual smoking) will open more doors for you & you get many more offers to appear on TV, then fine. PROVIDED its guaranteed. Which of course its not I guess.
Not that I want to be a wet blanket, but what if after taking up your new “hobby” the number of offers remain the same? Then was it worth it damaging your health?
Remember, its not how many sticks you smoke a day. Its how many you smoke a life time. Some may feel that 1 or 2 sticks a week is no biggie. Multiply that by the number of years one is alive.
1 year has about 52 weeks. Let’s assume one just has 1 puff a week. Let’s assume this person is unable to kick the habit & continues smoking till he/she dies in his/her 70s. That’s a grand total of 2600 sticks of ciggies.
Let’s not forget that the crap that goes in can’t come out. Imagine all that gunk from 2600 sticks of ciggies in your body. Surely it can’t be good for you.
Ok, I’m starting to sound like a MOH sponsored anti smoking ad. Ultimately, the choice is your’s but I hope you consider everything before proceeding.
Shey, I’ve walked this road before. If you’d seen my Anita Yuen clip, it was the very first time I had to smoke and I had to do it on the spot as well. No time to practice at all in advance. I think I pulled it off, just barely so I resolve the next time I had to smoke again I’ll practice in advance.
I think I got to a point where I could convince quite a few more ppl, but as I did not had any roles which required smoking, I stopped, knowing I know what I can do to reach this point and beyond.
I didn’t get addicted, but then i didn’t really smoked; there is a method to fake it, which I think is what you’ve been told, but the problem is you have to get used to the little remnants that do get to your lungs. After awhile, you can. You will no longer cough or feel like coughing, yet at the same time, you can stay not addicted.
Granted, my willpower might be stronger than yours, so I’m not sure if my method will work. Worse come to worse, I believe you CAN wean yourself off it. It’s just a matter of Method. And anyways, lots of actors smoke. I believe we are the rare ones that don’t.
So I suggest practising the fake way till you are used to the smoke.
My dear, what did goonie says about this?
I feel it’s not a good idea picking up smoking because of acting but I can understand your predicament.
Once your lung are used to the smoke, your mind will automatically crave for some more.
QY, I applaud your professionalism but it’s your health that’s at stack. I believe you can control not being addictive. Here’s one motivational quote that’s being plastered on my desktop, refer particularly to the last 3 words:
“The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather in a lack of will”
Judging from how you write, I can say that you’re an intelligent girl. And from that assumption, I’m sure you’ll know what to do. *hint hint* :D
ok lo.. tats good. hope the director will knw how we feel too and dun let u smoke for the scene! lol
I picked up smoking because the price of getting high on cigarettes is cheaper than drinking ($0.30 a stick then compared to at least $50 for a couple of shots).
I did like the high it produced then… But smoking never really caught on with me. Mainly because I simply HATED the aftertaste of tobacco in my mouth. I wanted to scrub my mouth out and rinse it with bleach. Mints just doesn’t do it. Only through brushing works… And me being such a lazy sod, figured that the hard work ain’t worth it.
Well, people smoke because they enjoy it. You can pick it up as part of the artistic act that you want to enjoy and simply enhance said enjoyment. If you smoke lights, your lungs will tolerate the smoke better, and will make it easier for you to feel the pleasurable relaxing effects of nicotine. Who knows, the relaxation might make you act more natural because you won’t be nervous :)
I know you may lose your job for doing this, but p’haps you can ask the director/writer to change/revert the character to a non-smoking one.
Personally, I don’t see a big deal with smoking or non-smoking. Likewise, I don’t see a big deal with characters in a movie that smoke or don’t smoke (pertaining to the character’s personality). It is society that created a big hoohaa over smoking. You read “slogans” such as- The primary cause of lung cancer. It is cool. It causes bad breath and stained teeth. It relieves stress. You’ll live a shorter life. It helps you to pick-up girls.
The media tends to stereotype smokers. I feel it is weak on the part of the scriptwriter to have to depend on the action of smoking to convey some relevant emotions. He is merely stereotyping the average smoker. “Smoke to take a breather… smoke after sex… etc etc”
C’mon, smokers come in all shapes and sizes. Think about it- It is really not a big deal. Then think about how you had contributed to the profits and continuing dominance of your friendly-neighbourhood-Super-sized Tobacco Company. :)
well..i din read the comments above. btu i guessed the contents would be roughly the same, askign you not to do it..
Personally i tink u r quite a perfectionist in ur work… so u will stop at nothing to do a good job.. Look at it this way, if u really really have to smoke, buy those marlboro super lights to try(same price as norm fags ; lower nicotine and lower tar thus lesser chances of addiction).. they’re so light that smokers like me find it to be a waste of time and money…
Just sumtin xtra, i ahve been tryin to quit for yrs and mths and Gawdknowshowlong… but i have been unable to do so due to my weak will… hence i propose for u not to pick it up.. really.. especially when u have an addiction problem.. IMO lah…
Jesta: Smoking for a scene isn’t going to kill me more than breathing carbon monoxide fumes and second-hand smoke every time I step out of the house. :P And I don’t really want to become a smoker, so you have no worries in that area, but thanks for your concern! ;)
JokeDiary: I don’t want to be an addict, so I think it won’t be that easy, judging from what others have commented.
serene.s: Thanks for that!
Derrick: No, smoking in a scene isn’t going to open doors for me. And I’m “sacrificing” for my art not for the sake of opening doors or getting more offers. I’m doing it because I want to do it! And I don’t really see it as a sacrifice lah. It’s not like I’m cutting off a limb or skiing down Mount Everest. :P It’s just a smoke!
Ruok: Yeah, of course if I really picked up smoking for a scene, I would try my best to smoke as little as possible and I would stop once the scene is done. From all the comments above, it seems like just smoking a bit for a couple of weeks isn’t going to make me an addict, so I’m not that worried anymore. :P
Wang wang: Well, he can’t say anything about it, being a smoker himself. Because if a smoker force me not to smoke, I will raise hell. Hahaha.
modchip: Of course. :)
Smallapple: It seems like he’s most likely not going to make me smoke after all. But I’m still waiting… :P
Alvin: Wow, what a reason to pick up smoking! I guess you’re lucky that your distaste for cigarettes overpowered the addiction smoking causes! Hehe.
Slexi: Haha, that’s an interesting way to look at it. You may even be right!
Fraggleroc: Nah, I won’t lose my job or anything and I can just tell the director I don’t want to do it. But I don’t want to! I’m very trying to build a reputation for being professional, you know. :P
Sometimes, portraying smoking in a scene is more than just establishing a character. Sometimes, directors like to play with the smoke effect. Sometimes it’s artistic and adds value to the film that way.
If it’s a “smoking just for the sake of smoking” scene, I certainly won’t do it. Just like some celebrities won’t get naked for the sake of getting naked, but if it’s really essential for the story and it makes it a better film, they would do it.
JF: Yah, most people ask me not to do it, as expected. In fact, Shelly advised me to buy Dunhill Super Light if I really have to. So is Marlboro lighter than Dunhill? :P
Anyway, like I said, I won’t pick it up if I don’t have to, and if I have to, I will try my best not to get addicted!
Hey Qiaoyun dear,
nothing new from me here – having to compromise your health for the sake of work is, in my view, an absolute no-no. If there’s no way to find an alternative, just seek another role then. But I know, easier said than done…
Besides your health, how about health considerations – might be still awhile before you reach here heh – for your child/children when you get in the family way? I see mothers here smoking right in front their infants in their prams and seeing their children suffer unwittingly is just senseless. I’m not implying that you will smoke in front of your kids too, but they will be affected, in some way or another.
Guess it boils down to your priorities. Hey, no worries, will still remain ur loyal fan and reader even if you decide to pick up the smoking habit =)
Smoking for one scene won’t kill you, but learning to smoke for one scene by starting to smoke regularly WILL…
I’m hoping that this means that you aren’t planning to smoke regularly, but it is worth bearing in mind that you can take method acting too far…
I’m sure that you can achieve the role that you want without HAVING to smoke, and we’d all much prefer you as our slim, sexy hot mama without a fag hanging from your lip…
Stan/Jesta: Yeah, I get what you both are saying. I just feel that smoking for a week or two is not a big deal. (I’m not going to be a full-fledged smoker!) I mean, it’s not a big deal to my health because I’m already breathing in second-hand smoke all the time. Haha. Can’t help it, too many friends smoke. :P
Anyway, the smoking scene most likely won’t be happening after all, so put your hearts at ease! ;)
I am a social smoker and has remained so for the past ten years. I am definitely not addicted although once in while, I might crave for a ciggy, especially when I drink.
Throughout these ten years, there were times when I was smoking more regularly but for the most part, I maintain a relatively smoke-free lifestyle. Of course, there will be slightly withdrawal symptoms when “quiting” after some regular smoking, but those are very mild. The worst part about quitting the addiction, is mental. Its a habit of holding something in between your fingers when you have that time to kill.
I have seen friends who claimed that they won’t become regular smokers end up as hardcore. Likewise, I know friends who quit smoking on the spot despite having a ten-years history of chain smoking.
In my case, I never have to worry about addiction to smoking because I believe it all boils down to choice. If you believe that your life is not going to be controlled by those sticks of tar, and you can walk away anytime, you will never risk being a “real smoker”.
I also notice that quite a few have voiced out the physical damage from smoking.
I think no one can deny that it IS detrimental to health, but to what extent of dmg, no one can say for sure.
Some ppl don’t smoke, also get lung cancer. And there are smokers in good health and fitness. This world is amazing.
Some say, each cigarette directly drains 2 minutes of your life away. Another theory is, it takes 9 hours for the effects of each cigarette to fully dissipate from your body. How scientifically are these proven? I have never seen any quantifications up till now.
End of day, we are all adult, we know the possible consequences, weigh them and decide that we want to do. It still boils down to CHOICE.
Type so much, piang, I can actually use this as a post on my blog instead. Lol.
R: Heh, that sure was a long post. But thanks for sharing. I salute you for being able to resist being controlled by the addiction. And you’re right, the world is funny and some smokers actually end up living longer and being more healthy than non-smokers, although I think that is a minority case, right? Btw, you got a blog? How come never link your URL? ;)
[...] don’t have to be a smoker after all because the director has removed the smoking scene. Thank you all very muchly for your advice and [...]
Just like many ppl in here said, the answer is NO, dun pick up smoking. U should just try the herbal cigarette or fake 1(this i read from newspaper where is the USA, they use fake 1, dunno whether is herbal or not :D). Smoking is really bad to that person, n their ppl around, like my dad is a heavy smoker, my mom doesnt smoke but got nicotein in her blood too due to 2nd hand smokes. :(
Tan: Thanks for your comment! Yup, I agree with everything you said! Well, I’m not picking up smoking any time soon. :P
stumbled upon ur blog when i type ” maybe i’ll cough to death before i know the ans ” coincidental indeed that ive fallen sick fr too much alcohol and tobacco when i shouldnt be touching the latter.
Dunhill Ultimate
Don’t smoke! It’s bad for health and it stinks.
Damn I hate smokers.
[...] two disastrous attempts in the past to play a convincing smoker, I’ve decided it’s time to do it [...]
I am a smoker myself and have been trying to quit for Years. I can say from experience don’t do it! It is very addicting and will hurt your health. But if for some reason you feel you must smoke, then invest in one of those electronic cigarettes. They omit vapor (just like smoking) and you can buy them with no nicotine cartridges and they come in different flavors. I am still trying to quit after 30 + years and I just ordered these electronics for myself, to try and finally kick the habit.
Take it from experience.