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“Smoke Signals”
Starring:
Adam Beach, Evan Adams
Running
time: 89 minutes
Rated PG-13
[MAY 13, 2000]
"Smoke
Signals," directed by Chris Eyre, takes viewers on a journey of
forgiveness through the eyes of two Native American men who form an
unlikely friendship.
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Filmed
on-site at the Coeur d’Alene reservation in Idaho, the story
begins in 1976 on the Fourth of July. An infant, Thomas
Builds-the-Fire (Evan Adams), is rescued from a burning house that
claims the lives of his parents. He is saved by Arnold Joseph, who
safely delivers the baby to his grandmother to be raised. Ten
years later, Arnold has drowned himself in alcohol and walks out
on his family, leaving behind his only son Victor (Adam Beach).
Although
Victor and Thomas share a common bond through Arnold, each holds a
very different view of the world around him. Victor has grown
bitter and angry, while Thomas maintains a youthful innocence. His
happy, inquisitive nature grates at Victor, until the death of his
father forces him to team up with Thomas on a life-changing trip
to Phoenix to retrieve his father’s ashes.
(To
top of second column)
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Much
like the pairing of Victor and Thomas, the film mixes drama and comedy
to tell the story. It offers a glimpse into life on a reservation, and
is filled with symbolism as it jumps from memories of Victor’s
childhood to the present. It is more than just a story about two
Native Americans. It tells the story of many children of broken homes
who are searching for answers to their father’s absence.
I have
watched this film several times, and each time it gets better.
It takes a common story line and places it in a not-so-common setting.
I
enjoyed the humor of the actors as they poked fun at the stereotypes
often placed on Native Americans, as well as the stereotypes placed on
the "white man." It offered a look into a culture that is
rich in tradition, yet awkwardly placed in the midst of the modern
world.
"Smoke Signals" is not only about
forgiveness, but also finding out who you are. It crosses cultural
boundaries to show that all are untied by shared
experiences.
(4 stars out of 5)
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