My father loved this film as much as I did, probably. He passed away 11 years ago and I miss him being able to share and understand my passion for movies, for beauty.
If an actor is telling a story, and you find yourself completely intent on hearing it until the end, that's when you know it's great writing and excellent acting. I even forgot I was watching a video for school.
Totally concur. Paul says that a bullshit artist knows how to push all the right buttons. And Auggie smiles both innocently and knowingly. And I’m sure everybody watching this masterpiece of a soliloquy wonders the same: Did this really happen or did Auggie make it up? And does it even matter which.
One of the best scenes in the history of film. Hurt never did anything better than this film, and Keitel is a virtuoso here. Should have millions of views, not 1600...
Brilliant acting by Keitel and Hurt, so natural and unassuming. Keitel and Hurt complemented each other brilliantly in this movie. Great chemistry between the two.
One of the greatest films and one of the greatest scenes ever put together in cinema. Years ago I tried to put this clip on TH-cam and it was immediately removed -- glad to see it here.
We just don't get great film like this anymore. This new ere of flashy generic pop culture has given the general populace ADD. Harvey effortlessly tells this story as if it was one of his own. Everything from Hervey's facial expressions to the impersonation he does of Granny Ethel's voice was flawless. Harvey is one of the greatest actors of our generation and this is him giving one of his best performances. Across the table at a dinner none the less...So beautiful.
+Iori Tatsuguchi Anybody who has had a true friend, understands this scene. Most of us make these compromises in one form or another. The significance of the camera cannot be understated. The camera was the main character of this film. Just a gem. If more people saw films like this with the support of the Industry of showbiz, we'd be better off in some way. The Weinstien Brothers are in a rare and needed position to make great films very few have seen as compared to movies about monsters and blowing things up. Primal stuff. Kids stuff. Color and sound. Use of music is masterful. Tom Waits was a beautiful punch in the gut. FOR THOSE who have not seen the film will see his story unfold in the film. I
+verve92 I didn't even know that this was independent film until now. and you are right, I rarely get to find this particular sort of film that makes me feel good and warm to spend time with, like with a true friend as you put. Do you have any recommendation for another film or the sort?
I saw this film when it came out and have watched it many times over. It is one of my favorites. Maybe once or twice a year I resurrect the final scene and it still gives me chills. There is no better.
Indeed! I Think people just don't have the patience for this kind anymore. Everything has to be delivered instantly. This may seem simple, a somewhat unremarkable story and a slow pace. It's not that simple though to make it interesting and this is what characterizes great actors like Keitel and Hurt.
This is the only time I’ve seen Keitel play such a lovable character, warm and smiling (correct me if I’m wrong). And this is one of the best scenes ever.
It was this film (the end sequence showing the story) that hooked me on Tom waits....innocent when you dream. Never forget this film and not only for that reason
While I enjoy Blue In The Face a bit more, Smoke is truly a phenomenon of words. Keitel and Hurt could not have been better cast. Thanks for posting this and reminding me why I can't get enough of this movie.
Keitel's recitation of this quirky story is exquisite. The director's choice to film the Christmas tale with Tom Waits' Innocent When you Dream had me weeping for some reason. The power of emotional beauty.
This movie isn’t really exceptional in any way, but I still love it. Simple, straightforward, solid performances - although Forrest Whittaker (who’s one of the greats) has it dialled up to 11 for some reason. It’s like a really decent stage play put to film. Everything about this movie is a comfort. Even Auggie’s Canon AE-1 makes me feel good. I also recently found my CD of the soundtrack and listen to it ad nauseam. I guess this film just reminds me of a time in my life I’m fond of. Doesn’t get enough credit.
This short segment of the film, Smoke, is based on Paul Auster's short story, "Auggie Wren's Christmas Story," which he did write at the request of the NYT as an Op Ed. Auster is also the script writer for the film, Smoke, so the story is simply imbedded in the film but does not form the core of the film.
I really liked this film, an interesting cast of characters, a touch of coming of age drama, but when we arrived at this scene...golly. I think I was weeping afterwards and had forgotten damn near everything that lead up to that point. That story, such a perfect Christmas story (bc the best Christmas stories have a touch of sadness) just blew me away.
Wonderful. Thanks for posting what, for me, is the climax of a very poignant movie. Could only be better if you left in the following flashback scene with Tom Waits' "Innocent When You Dream"...
Robert de Niro could have played the part of Harvey Keitel - they look so similar and they are both great actors! And it speaks for the quality for Austers' writing that the dialogue is almost the same as in the written story
R. Goodwin was one of the thieves shot dead in a news report on the front page of the paper Auggie was looking at before Paul came in. So did he make that whole story up after reading the story, or he just used the name for a real story, or it happened to be someone with the same name, or Roger actually got shot? So many questions..
Their subtle art of dialogue makes therapy superfluous. Hmmm! Several cameras in a blind woman's apt? His OCD a form of guilt inspired self-surveillance, perchance.
What infers to hurt that keitel is making the story up? What gives it away to him . I love this film, and this part, but that has always bothered me, why hurt suggests that keitel is making it up,
+MINH TRAN In the newspaper Auggie is reading just before telling the story, one of the thieves is called Roger Goodwin. That's how we know. I guess Hurt's character just knows Keitel's character enough to tell by his facial gestures.
I saw this movie when i was 20, and it was a little boring. A few years ago i saw this again and the feeling was so different. Amazing album scene ; it is a routine life photo but every single shot is not the same at all.
Guys, lookin for a scene, l'm pretty sure it was this movie, a young dude in his 20's, maybe 30's, arguing with, a woman for minutes, inside the shop, shes going "it's your fault, bla bla", and he's goin "oh it's my fault!! Oh really??" And argues his point rationally.....this scene taught me to stand up for myself as a teen, and argue my points, l never knew men had the right to be right, it was really cool. Anyway l can't find it in this film anymore, maybe they cut it out??? Anyone know ???
It's not great. We are not widely exposed to skillful actors portraying touching moments between two men. It's novel and entertaining. "My Dinner With Andre" approached greatness in that it's fresh, engaging, and the characters celebrate life much like the "Smoke" characters do. Wally goes thru some changes and Andre captivates us with his stories and his spirituality.
I originally read this story when it 1st appeared in the NY Times, on Christmas Day, 1990. I clipped it & made a copy on (2) 8 1/2x 11 sheets of paper. Today, 6/24/18, I just found it & read it & enjoyed it again. When I went to the net to see if there were any comments about the story, I found the short video with 2 actors portraying the store owner & the reporter. I actually enjoyed the read, much better than the over-acted video. ALSO, they could have done without the two actors lighting up- NOT NEEDED...ADDED NOTHING TO THE STORY...That's why it's better sometimes to leave a well-written story, just on a page!
The story it's a complete bullshit. Paul knows it an Auggie knows his friend didn't buy it and they both laugh accepting this little game. But still Paul writtes this "tale" (because this is what it is , an invention) and what we see during the credits it's not a flashback but the recreation of his writing. The scene is in black and white...just like the color of letters over paper.
I can't follow the comments about this scene being a masterclass. Very true, but I think it's key to stay with visualisation of the story, and Tom Waits's perfect musical accompaniment, as the credits roll. th-cam.com/video/RDK7_XkGmVw/w-d-xo.html
Not familiar with those, I usually watch art house, Heneke, Solondz, Noe, Polanski...that sort of thing. Will pass on your recommendation this time, you enjoy though :)
My father loved this film as much as I did, probably. He passed away 11 years ago and I miss him being able to share and understand my passion for movies, for beauty.
God bless you and your father's soul.
Such a great film!
When you realize that one of the dead guys name from the newspaper was R. Goodwin. Oh man what a movie.
If an actor is telling a story, and you find yourself completely intent on hearing it until the end, that's when you know it's great writing and excellent acting. I even forgot I was watching a video for school.
Damn what kind of school shows this movie?
100 years of cinema and this 13 minutes can happily compete with the big boys in the conversation of greatest ever scenes
YES. So damn underrated.
Totally concur.
Paul says that a bullshit artist knows how to push all the right buttons.
And Auggie smiles both innocently and knowingly.
And I’m sure everybody watching this masterpiece of a soliloquy wonders the same:
Did this really happen or did Auggie make it up?
And does it even matter which.
I agree 100% dude. This is the 13 minute’s masterpiece of all times
One of the best scenes in the history of film. Hurt never did anything better than this film, and Keitel is a virtuoso here.
Should have millions of views, not 1600...
Completeley agree
Yep. A movie doesn't have to be perfect to have a moment of perfection. And this was that.
Amen
Well Said. Love smoke and BLUe in the FACE
Brilliant
One of the greatest scenes in film history. Keitel is genius.
Brilliant acting by Keitel and Hurt, so natural and unassuming. Keitel and Hurt complemented each other brilliantly in this movie. Great chemistry between the two.
Still one of my favourite movies ever.
One of the greatest films and one of the greatest scenes ever put together in cinema. Years ago I tried to put this clip on TH-cam and it was immediately removed -- glad to see it here.
And it didn`t cost too much. We brazilians will never be able to make a such a good picture with a low budget.
RIP Paul Auster, I loved his books and his movies…
I think I was 19 or 20 when I saw this film and hadn't ever heard of Paul Auster. This scene in particular absolutely blew me away. RIP.
RIP William Hurt. He will be missed.
“Life just wouldn’t be worth living would it?” RIP William Hurt
I watch this every year
We just don't get great film like this anymore. This new ere of flashy generic pop culture has given the general populace ADD. Harvey effortlessly tells this story as if it was one of his own. Everything from Hervey's facial expressions to the impersonation he does of Granny Ethel's voice was flawless. Harvey is one of the greatest actors of our generation and this is him giving one of his best performances. Across the table at a dinner none the less...So beautiful.
When Augie is telling the story about the camera, the camera slowly tracks in..frankly i never noticed it until i noticed it. It blew my mind away.
Story is great, acting is great, but I also noticed how camera closes up to the both of them is lovely. This scene is really rivetting.
+Iori Tatsuguchi Anybody who has had a true friend, understands this scene. Most of us make these compromises in one form or another. The significance of the camera cannot be understated. The camera was the main character of this film. Just a gem. If more people saw films like this with the support of the Industry of showbiz, we'd be better off in some way. The Weinstien Brothers are in a rare and needed position to make great films very few have seen as compared to movies about monsters and blowing things up. Primal stuff. Kids stuff. Color and sound. Use of music is masterful. Tom Waits was a beautiful punch in the gut. FOR THOSE who have not seen the film will see his story unfold in the film. I
+verve92 I didn't even know that this was independent film until now. and you are right, I rarely get to find this particular sort of film that makes me feel good and warm to spend time with, like with a true friend as you put.
Do you have any recommendation for another film or the sort?
***** oops, I'm 'grad' it did!
Tom Waites... this movie has everything. JERRY GARCIA used clips from this in his video, WHEN SMOKE GETS IN YOUR EYES.
See, it has everything.
The 90's had so many great indie movies.
The glory days of the spec script (although this was adapted)
Very, very good writing and movie.
Terrific film, masterfully played. I realize one of the main reasons I love Keitel is he sounds so New York.
Donal Callum one of his best.
Italian american from Brooklyn at its finest
He's not Italian
I saw this film when it came out and have watched it many times over. It is one of my favorites. Maybe once or twice a year I resurrect the final scene and it still gives me chills. There is no better.
Funny how somethings have to be watched over and over again.
Shame we don't get to see the re-enactment/memory of Auggie's story..."We're innocent when we dream..." Never a dry eye.
A truly perfect monologue by Keitel
Indeed! I Think people just don't have the patience for this kind anymore. Everything has to be delivered instantly.
This may seem simple, a somewhat unremarkable story and a slow pace. It's not that simple though to make it interesting and this is what characterizes great actors like Keitel and Hurt.
Perfect poetry in movies is so rare !
this scene is absolute perfection. I cry everytime I see it.
A tremendous way of telling a story!!!Mesmerizing
This is one of my favorite scenes...awesome
Keitel! You are the best in one of the best scenes.
I do love this scene. The story is amazing and Harvey Keitel's acting is superb. This made me happy 20 years ago and today, again.
This is the only time I’ve seen Keitel play such a lovable character, warm and smiling (correct me if I’m wrong). And this is one of the best scenes ever.
It's been forever since I first saw this movie. I recall it's the first time I ever saw Giancarlo Esposito in anything. What an interesting career!
It was this film (the end sequence showing the story) that hooked me on Tom waits....innocent when you dream. Never forget this film and not only for that reason
Remarquable, magnifique, quel acteur !
While I enjoy Blue In The Face a bit more, Smoke is truly a phenomenon of words. Keitel and Hurt could not have been better cast. Thanks for posting this and reminding me why I can't get enough of this movie.
Keitel's recitation of this quirky story is exquisite. The director's choice to film the Christmas tale with Tom Waits' Innocent When you Dream had me weeping for some reason. The power of emotional beauty.
Two top of their game awesome
One of the greatest scenes ever constructed from one of my all time favorite films.
Thank you for posting this.
Wow, I'd totally forgotten about this fantastic scene.. Soooooo good!!! Thanks for sharing!
Art of Storytelling
One of my favorites of many movies; his certainly is one of them ; a beauty.
Reminds me of the movie "A Night On Earth". I like movies like this, definitely gonna check it out
Beautiful !!!
Awesome--I also love the story about the kid mountain climbing and finds his dead, frozen father
This movie isn’t really exceptional in any way, but I still love it. Simple, straightforward, solid performances - although Forrest Whittaker (who’s one of the greats) has it dialled up to 11 for some reason. It’s like a really decent stage play put to film. Everything about this movie is a comfort. Even Auggie’s Canon AE-1 makes me feel good. I also recently found my CD of the soundtrack and listen to it ad nauseam. I guess this film just reminds me of a time in my life I’m fond of. Doesn’t get enough credit.
The best scene EVER.
A real joy to find this here, thanks for taking the time to put it out here.
Oh the good ole days...when Boerum Hill was the projects.
This short segment of the film, Smoke, is based on Paul Auster's short story, "Auggie Wren's Christmas Story," which he did write at the request of the NYT as an Op Ed. Auster is also the script writer for the film, Smoke, so the story is simply imbedded in the film but does not form the core of the film.
I really liked this film, an interesting cast of characters, a touch of coming of age drama, but when we arrived at this scene...golly.
I think I was weeping afterwards and had forgotten damn near everything that lead up to that point. That story, such a perfect Christmas story (bc the best Christmas stories have a touch of sadness) just blew me away.
Great scene. Don’t need to say anything else!!
9 people who have watched this are souless monster. how could anyone dislike this??
Wonderful. Thanks for posting what, for me, is the climax of a very poignant movie. Could only be better if you left in the following flashback scene with Tom Waits' "Innocent When You Dream"...
Agree. The reason I couldn't include that part was the copyright stuff. It can be found here now anyway.
RIP Paul Auster, passed away a few days ago.
Robert de Niro could have played the part of Harvey Keitel - they look so similar and they are both great actors! And it speaks for the quality for Austers' writing that the dialogue is almost the same as in the written story
Merry Christmas, Mr. Auggie.
Oh God. RIP Paul Auster. Thanks for the story.
Back then, when life was still normal
미국에 22년을 살았고 2018년부터 거의 매년 이걸 보면서 내가 이제 영어를 얼마나 완벽히 듣고 이해하나 테스트하는데 아직도 전문 백퍼 해석은 안되네;;;
Great scene! Great story!!!
I'm still wondering if Auggie pulled a Kayser Soze with the newspaper.
Amazing.
amazing movie
I'm still uncertain if Auggie made up the whole story after he read the newspaper with the two guys killed but...who cares?
Just love this!
One of my favorite movies of all time
I love this.
William Hurt 1950-2022
This and Blue In The Face are both classic films.
I smell cigar smoke, right now in a coffee house in Brooklyn.
Saw this movie tonight.
written by Paul Auster ladies and gents
One of NYC’s great writers
R. Goodwin was one of the thieves shot dead in a news report on the front page of the paper Auggie was looking at before Paul came in. So did he make that whole story up after reading the story, or he just used the name for a real story, or it happened to be someone with the same name, or Roger actually got shot? So many questions..
Great.
the old lady did not fall asleep, she died that evening ... 2 TERRIFIC actors, both unfortunately and undeservedly underrated.
Their subtle art of dialogue makes therapy superfluous. Hmmm! Several cameras in a blind woman's apt? His OCD a form of guilt inspired self-surveillance, perchance.
Rip William hurt
Shame movies like these don't get financed. S'all Marvel, F&F BS now!
Probably cinemas slowest zoom ever.
What infers to hurt that keitel is making the story up? What gives it away to him . I love this film, and this part, but that has always bothered me, why hurt suggests that keitel is making it up,
+MINH TRAN In the newspaper Auggie is reading just before telling the story, one of the thieves is called Roger Goodwin. That's how we know. I guess Hurt's character just knows Keitel's character enough to tell by his facial gestures.
+MINH TRAN He changed the names....it was indeed a real story...or does it really matter?
how he can recognize so much text < 3
I saw this movie when i was 20, and it was a little boring. A few years ago i saw this again and the feeling was so different.
Amazing album scene ; it is a routine life photo but every single shot is not the same at all.
William Hurt as Joey Diaz would say who you think you dealing with Johnny Banana’s?!
Guys, lookin for a scene, l'm pretty sure it was this movie, a young dude in his 20's, maybe 30's, arguing with, a woman for minutes, inside the shop, shes going "it's your fault, bla bla", and he's goin "oh it's my fault!! Oh really??" And argues his point rationally.....this scene taught me to stand up for myself as a teen, and argue my points, l never knew men had the right to be right, it was really cool. Anyway l can't find it in this film anymore, maybe they cut it out??? Anyone know ???
I think it's the sequel to this.. "Blue in the face".. The scene is in the first act and takes place in Auggies shop.
1:34 oh that's a shaaaaarp transition
Can you explain to me why this sequence is so great?
It's not great. We are not widely exposed to skillful actors portraying touching moments between two men. It's novel and entertaining. "My Dinner With Andre" approached greatness in that it's fresh, engaging, and the characters celebrate life much like the "Smoke" characters do. Wally goes thru some changes and Andre captivates us with his stories and his spirituality.
Who's there?
There is always one...
heck yea @ harvey keitel & heck yea @ tom waits
I originally read this story when it 1st appeared in the NY Times, on Christmas Day, 1990. I clipped it & made a copy on (2) 8 1/2x 11 sheets of paper. Today, 6/24/18, I just found it & read it & enjoyed it again. When I went to the net to see if there were any comments about the story, I found the short video with 2 actors portraying the store owner & the reporter. I actually enjoyed the read, much better than the over-acted video. ALSO, they could have done without the two actors lighting up- NOT NEEDED...ADDED NOTHING TO THE STORY...That's why it's better sometimes to leave a well-written story, just on a page!
I think that Auggie Wren creates the story in that moment inspired by the news of the two young robbers killed that he read in the newspaper...
Best movie ever made
The story it's a complete bullshit. Paul knows it an Auggie knows his friend didn't buy it and they both laugh accepting this little game. But still Paul writtes this "tale" (because this is what it is , an invention) and what we see during the credits it's not a flashback but the recreation of his writing. The scene is in black and white...just like the color of letters over paper.
I can't follow the comments about this scene being a masterclass. Very true, but I think it's key to stay with visualisation of the story, and Tom Waits's perfect musical accompaniment, as the credits roll. th-cam.com/video/RDK7_XkGmVw/w-d-xo.html
🌷
Monologue.
1:51
pobbders
Good acting but I would demand he pay for lunch after that turkey! Damn what a pointless story.
Great scene but am I missing something because I just didn't get it! Maybe there was nothing to get. Did he just con him out of dinner?
Not familiar with those, I usually watch art house, Heneke, Solondz, Noe, Polanski...that sort of thing. Will pass on your recommendation this time, you enjoy though :)
One of my favorite movies of all time