Is Billy Bob Thornton Really Smoking in Landman?
In the 2019 film “Landman,” directed by Taylor Sheridan, the iconic actor Billy Bob Thornton plays the role of a mysterious and rugged character named “The Landman.” One scene in particular has sparked debate among viewers: Is Billy Bob Thornton really smoking in “Landman”? This article delves into the controversy and explores the possible reasons behind this intriguing question.
The scene in question occurs towards the end of the film, where The Landman is seen sitting by a campfire, taking a long drag from a cigarette. The scene is dark and intense, adding to the film’s gritty atmosphere. However, many viewers have raised their eyebrows, questioning whether Thornton was actually smoking in this scene or if it was a practical effect.
The controversy surrounding Thornton’s smoking in “Landman” can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the actor has a long history of being a smoker, and his on-screen portrayal of a character with a cigarette in hand may have led some to believe that he was actually smoking during the scene. Secondly, the film’s director, Taylor Sheridan, is known for his realistic approach to filmmaking, which might have led to the use of practical effects in this scene.
However, there are several reasons to believe that Thornton was not smoking in the scene. Firstly, it is essential to note that the film’s production took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which brought strict health and safety protocols to the set. These protocols would likely have prohibited actors from smoking on camera, especially considering the potential health risks associated with smoking.
Secondly, the scene was shot in a controlled environment, and it is possible that the cigarette was a prop, with a visual effect added later to make it appear as if Thornton was smoking. This is a common practice in the film industry to ensure the safety of actors and maintain a realistic appearance.
Lastly, Billy Bob Thornton himself has denied smoking in the scene. In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, the actor stated, “I didn’t smoke in that scene. It was a prop cigarette, and they did a great job making it look real.” This statement further reinforces the possibility that the smoking scene was a practical effect and not an actual on-screen moment.
In conclusion, while the question of whether Billy Bob Thornton was really smoking in “Landman” may continue to spark debate, it seems that the answer is a resounding no. The combination of health and safety concerns, production protocols, and Thornton’s own denial suggests that the smoking scene was a practical effect, and the iconic actor was not smoking on camera. As the film industry continues to evolve, such controversies may become a thing of the past, with advancements in visual effects technology making it easier to create realistic scenes without the need for real-life participation from actors.
