If you are a cigar aficionado, you have undoubtedly noticed how often cigars make an appearance on the big screen. In many cases, cigars are used as movie props by actors depicting sophisticated and well-placed characters, promoting the concept that cigars are smoked by people with discriminating taste.
(Freeimages / donna murillo)
Some of the iconic movies that feature characters smoking fine cigars include the following:
- The Godfather – Released in 1972, this is one of the icons of 20th century cinema. There are several scenes in the movie that show the lead characters – Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, and James Caan – lighting up fine cigars. In this movie, Parejos cigars, which are straight and cylindrical, are portrayed as the cigars of choice for the mafia.
- Scarface – This fast-paced film released in 1983 stars Al Pacino, a character who is mainly concerned with grabbing power, making money, and smoking his beloved cigars. Portraying the role of Tony Montana, Pacino established an image of supremacy and wealth—always with a cigar protruding from his lips. Pacino again used a Parejo in the movie.
- American Psycho – Here’s another movie featuring the ever-popular Parejo. This film, released in 2000, depictsa disturbed man lighting his Parejo cigar after killing a man. This movie associated cigar smoking not only with prestige and wealth, but also with power to kill.
- Spiderman – This 2004 movie featured J.K. Simmons as J. Jonah James, Peter Parker’s boisterous loudmouth of a boss. He talked with a large Parejo hanging out of the side of his mouth and blew smoke in the faces of his employees.
- The Good, The Bad, and the Ugly – This film with Clint Eastwood includes a couple prominent scenes with cigar smoking. The most noteworthy of these scenes is when Tuco, portrayed by Eli Wallach, searched the sweltering plain in search of a cigar. The movie featured Parejo and Figurado cigars.
- Independence Day – With Will Smith in the lead role as Steven Hiller, the movie showcased mankind fighting together against an alien invasion. In the middle of the fighting, Smith took a break smoking—guess what?—a Parejo.
Though these movies portray cigar smokers in a certain light, you don’t need to be tough, egotistical, or rich to light up your favorite cigar. People of all types enjoy the ritual and relaxation associated with one of America’s favorite pastimes.
