Thank you for smoking: filtering the truth

Source: imdb.com

"Thank you for smoking" (2005, director Jason Reitman)  is a must-see movie especially for those studying communication or PR, because it will give a stronger appreciation for the art of argumentation. The movie presents the rather unethical side of PR as we can see from the main character's statement, Nick Naylor played by Aaron Eckhart: 
"My job requires a certain... moral flexibility."
The story focuses on the career of the successful tobacco lobbyist, rather then on a very elaborated plot. The movie is more of a dark comedy, a satire also loaded with cultural significance that applies very well to the 21st century.

Rhetorically the focus in the movie is on the logos, the dialogue is very lively and has many levels of significance, so here are some things to dwell on:

• Nick Naylor: The beauty of arguing is that if you argue correctly, you’re never wrong. 

• BR: We don't sell Tic Tacs, we sell cigarettes. And they're cool, available, and *addictive*. The job is almost done for us.

 

• Lorne Lutch: You look like a nice enough fella. What are you doing working for these assholes?
  Nick Naylor: I'm good at it. Better at doing this than I ever was at doing anything else.

 

• Polly Bailey: How about it Nick, are you a tit man?
  Bobby Jay Bliss: Don't answer that, that's a trap.
  Nick Naylor: Depends on the tits.  

 

• Nick Naylor: I didn't have to. I proved that you're wrong, and if you're wrong I'm right. 

 

• Joey Naylor: But you still didn't convince me
  Nick Naylor: It's that I'm not after you. I'm after them.
  [points into the crowd]  

 

• Joey Naylor: Dad, why is the American government the best government?
  Nick Naylor: Because of our endless appeals system. 

 

• Nick Naylor: I don't have a MD or law degree. I have a bachelor's in kicking butt and taking names. 

 

• Nick Naylor: Most people have this image in their heads of tobacco executives jet-setting around the world on private planes, eating foie gras as they count their money. Not me. I like to ride with the people. Know your clients. My people cram themselves into a tiny seat, pop a Xanax, and dream of the moment when they can stuff their face with fresh tobacco. If I can convince just one of these kids to pick up smoking, I've paid for my flight. Round trip! 

 

• Nick Naylor: You know that guy who can pick up any girl, I'm him.On crack. 

Is this P.T. Barnum approach still going on now? Right or wrong? True or false? Moral or immoral? Here's a perspective from the business ethics.