From his early days behind cameras making student film, director Phil Joanou ("Rattle and Hum", "State of Grace") was given the task
of making a movie without dialogues, and the only sounds allowed were music and/or sound effects. The result shown in "Smokey" is astounding,
and truth be told, no dialogues were needed as the actions are simple to follow and we'd only have some explanatory devices to enhance the
characters or some context to them, but those can be excused due to its universal themes on poverty, homelessness, danger and some luck along
the way.
It follows the title character (Tony Kienitz), a hobo who follows some shady characters inside an empty building where a murder takes place
and a large sum of money is left behind by the victim. Pure joy and ecstasy when Smokey gets the money and shares with his vagrant mate (Michael Latimore),
as they leave the car where they inhabit and go spend the cash with some clothing and small extravagances. When the duo return to the building, made
as their new home, the bad guys come back and you'll probably know what might come after this sudden encounter.
The young Joanou films with everything with great style (amazing camera work), combining drama, comedy and tragedy in a perfect fusion of
elements. As soundtrack, besides the routine sounds that follows the action, we have songs from The Impressions and Bruce Springsteen to make us
hooked through it all. But what impressed me the most, besides of what's he trying to tell with the themes proposed, it's how he, a film graduate
student, managed to film a thrilling car chase sequence on a limited budget and most likely without a permit to close the streets.
Nevermind the simplicity of it all. "Smokey" is a very interesting experience despite the typical notion of money can't bring you happiness,
even if working hard for it or if finding it in a matter of chance. Plenty of suffering of being down and out in the streets, no one caring about
those troubled guys but they had each other as company, had good and bad days, and an important connection was made. That extra something that left
in trouble could have been worth it, but the environment and the little they know about life just prevented them to make a better use of it. But that
extra something is better worth having and losing, than never having it. 10/10.
