200 Cigarettes from director Risa Bramon Garcia opened in theaters on Feb. 26, 1999 and it boasted a cast that was anything but bland. This New Year’s Eve-set film brought together a diverse group of Hollywood heavyweights and rising stars, creating a unique and intriguing cinematic experience.
Leading the pack was Ben Affleck, fresh off his breakout role in Good Will Hunting, showcasing a different side to his acting range.
Joining him was the charismatic Paul Rudd, early in his career, bringing his signature charm to the screen.
The film also featured a captivating mix of established and up-and-coming talent. Courtney Love, known for her rock and roll persona, added an edge to the proceedings. Kate Hudson, then a rising star, brought her radiant presence, while Dave Chappelle injected his signature brand of irreverent humor.
Christina Ricci, known for her dark and dramatic roles, showcased a more comedic side, further highlighting the film’s eclectic cast.
Casey Affleck, Jay Mohr, Gaby Hoffman, Janeane Garofalo, Martha Plimpton and Angela Featherstone round out the cast.
200 Cigarettes is essentially the “Cool Kids” film alternative to the 2011 ensemble New Year’s Eve with its own star-studded cast.
Paul Rudd and Courtney Love in 200 Cigarettes (Photo/Paramount Pictures)
Reception for 200 Cigarettes
200 Cigarettes grossed $3.2 million on its opening weekend, finishing at No. 10 at the domestic office. The top film that weekend was 8MM starring Nicolas Cage, which grossed $14.3 million in its debut.
200 Cigarettes would eventually gross $6.9 million worldwide ad go o to become a cult classic.
Roger Ebert gave the film one half star out of four in his review, saying “I am reminded of Gene Siskel’s bottom-line test for a film: “Is this movie more entertaining than a documentary of the same people having lunch?” Here they are contained by small ideas and arch dialogue, and lack the juice of life. Maybe another 200 cigarettes would have helped; coughing would be better than some of this dialogue.”
Mick LaSalle in his San Francisco Chronicle review was more positive, saying “200 Cigarettes doesn’t have a bad scene or a false note. The picture is a succession of pointed little moments, nicely written by Shana Larsen and acted with comic assurance and sensitivity.” He added that the film “is one of those New Year’s Eve movies. It’s set in 1981, before anyone had heard the word AIDS. So all the young adults are going to clubs and bars and parties, looking for love or at least sex.”
Legacy
200 Cigarettes may not have been a box office hit, but its star-studded ensemble cast and unique premise ensured it found a dedicated following. The film remains a reminder of the diverse and exciting talent that graced the silver screen in the late 1990s.
