Smoke Signals
It's not every day that you hear people complaining about the hardships of "life on the res." In the film Smoke Signals, director Chris Eyre gives us a peek inside the lives of two young Native American men struggling to forgive the past and appreciate the present. Smoke Signals easily rises above the pack and is also notable as the first film to have been written, produced, directed and acted by all Native Americans. Eyre and writer Sherman Alexie (author of the book "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven" on which the film is based) break down the barriers of the fallacious stereotypes that have plagued their culture for years.
The story takes place on the C'oeur d'Alene Indian Reservation in Idaho. The main character Victor Joseph (played by the handsomely stoic Adam Beach) is a young man living on "the res" whose alcoholic father Arnold Joseph (Gary Farmer) abandoned he and his mother (Tantoo Cardinal) years ago. By his side throughout the tough times is Thomas Builds-the-Fire (Evan Adams), Victor's nerdy childhood friend who has settled into the routine of life on the res, and does nothing but cramp Victor's stringent style. Despite Thomas' dorky demeanor, he possesses a valuable gift: the art of storytelling. He uses this gift in every instance, from describing breakfast at Bob Evans as "sometimes it is a good day to die, sometimes it is a good day for breakfast," to magical tales of "frybread power."
The meat of the plot begins when Victor finds out that his father living in Arizona has died. He immediately feels that he must go visit his ashes and settle his spirit. Victor has one problem, though: He has no money. Along comes Thomas, eager to please and starving for adventure. He offers to finance the trip with only one stipulation; he has to come along. Hence, the adventure begins and the two young men find themselves on a journey into the outside. Along the way, they are forced to mingle with the ways of the "white man's world," striving to blend in while keeping their identity as Native Americans strong.
From here on out, the storyline has all the ingredients for your typical "Road Buddy" film, yet it stands out considerably from the rest through its real depiction of life on "the res." The characters often make light of the serious issues at hand with humorous punch lines and storytelling, allowing the film to keep its witty edge.
A winner of both the Filmmaker's Trophy and Audience Award at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, Smoke Signals has been critically acclaimed for its intricate editing and cinematography. Switching back and forth from Victor and Thomas' present lives to flashbacks of their youth, Eyre depicts the timeless bond of brotherhood that has grown between them throughout the years.
The film's soundtrack is to be duly noted for the rhythmic sounds of Native American chants intertwined with pop-folk lyrics by artists such as Dar Williams and Jim Boyd. Composed by BC Smith, the instrumental pieces found on this compilation emit mysticism and reflection.
One of the top films on my list, Smoke Signals opens up the heart of Native America and exposes a culture built upon tradition, family, and forgiveness.
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Victor's father knocks enough brews back to kill any case race, but if you choose to chug along with him be sure there are no flammable objects nearby.
Although there is surprisingly no physical contact between characters, you may see slight sexual tension between Suzy (Irene Bedard) and Victor. Feed upon the "you can look but don't touch" scenario.
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