Smiling Through the Apocalypse: Esquire in the 60s

Smiling through the Apocalypse: Esquire in the 60s is a thought-provoking documentary film that was released in 2013. The film is a deep exploration into the cultural phenomena of the 1960s, centering on the iconic men's magazine, Esquire. Cleverly constructed by Tom Hayes, the son of Harold Hayes, the hot-blooded editor of Esquire in the 60s, the film captures the essence of the magazine and its profound impact in that era.

The movie's exceptional ensemble includes noteworthy individuals like Peter Bogdanovich, Nora Ephron, and Hugh Hefner. Their invaluable insights, coupled with archive footages and smartly written narrative, breathe life into the influential journey of Esquire. Each provides fascinating anecdotes and unique perspectives, shaping both the image of the period and the organic evolution of Esquire.

Smiling Through the Apocalypse unravels the story behind Harold Hayes - an audacious editor who defied the norms and expectations of what a magazine should be. Defined by his idealistic spirit and innovative vision, Hayes took Esquire to unprecedented heights. During his tenure, he fostered the era of ‘New Journalism’, transforming the simple men's magazine into a groundbreaking platform that reflected and influenced the evolving society and culture of the 60s.

Peter Bogdanovich, the esteemed filmmaker and actor, imparts rich personal recollections of Hayes and how his fearless leadership guided the magazine in pushing boundaries. His insights shed light on the clash of values and beliefs within the creative landscape of the times.

Nora Ephron, a contributor to Esquire herself and one of America's most remarkable essayists and filmmakers, gives an extraordinary viewpoint on what it was like to write for Harold Hayes and Esquire. Her experiences and observations add a layer of depth and complexity to the rich narrative, offering glimpses into the tensions and exhilarations of the literary world of the 60s.

Meanwhile, Hugh Hefner, the publisher of Playboy, reflects on the competition and camaraderie between the two publications; demonstrating the power of the press and the role it played in shaping society's beliefs, attitudes, and perceptions in the turbulent era of the sixties.

Smiling through the Apocalypse doesn't shrink from addressing the controversial and audacious moves that marked Hayes' tenure at Esquire. It paints an unabashed picture of the ups and downs of the magazine, diving into the most iconic covers, groundbreaking stories, and scandals that were synonymous with its name.

The film brilliantly handles the intersection of art, politics, and journalism, delving into how Hayes steered the magazine in challenging radical shifts and tumultuous events taking place around the globe - from Civil Rights and the Vietnam War to the Space Race and the counterculture movement. It covers the crucial role played by Esquire in giving voices to issues that were considered taboos in mainstream society, voicing social injustices, political strife and pushing for changes in societal norms.

Smiling Through the Apocalypse is more than just a chronicle of a magazine's rise to cult status. It serves as a mirror reflecting the revolutionary changes of the decade, demonstrating the transformative power of journalism, and the significant role it plays in shaping and reflecting society. With interspersed interviews and archival footage, the film results in a compelling narrative that draws the viewers into the heart of an unforgettable time in history.

Ultimately, Smiling Through the Apocalypse offers viewers an enlightening portrayal of the relationship between press and culture. It is a journey through the tumultuous 60s, under the bold leadership of Harold Hayes at Esquire, illustrating how a humble magazine can serve as a mighty catalyst for social and political change.

Emphasizing the crucial role of journalism in instigating and echoing societal shifts, the film is more than just a nostalgic trip down memory lane. It is an encapsulation of cinema and journalism's power to ignite dialogue, challenge conventions, and facilitate change.