Smoke signals is a 1998 independent film directed by Chris Eyre and written by Sherman Alexie, based on the short story "This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona" from his book "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven." The film tells the story of two Native American young men, Victor Joseph and Thomas Builds-the-Fire, who embark on a journey from the Coeur d'Alene Indian Reservation in Idaho to Phoenix, Arizona to retrieve the ashes of Victor's estranged father, Arnold.
The film explores themes of identity, family, and cultural heritage as Victor and Thomas navigate their complex relationship and the challenges they face on their journey. Victor, who is angry and resentful towards his father for leaving the family and abandoning their cultural traditions, initially resists Thomas's attempts to connect with him and share stories about their people and history.
However, as they journey together and confront the difficulties they face, including a car breakdown and encounters with racism and violence, Victor begins to understand and appreciate the value of his cultural heritage and the importance of storytelling in preserving it. He also begins to see Thomas in a different light, recognizing his intelligence and wisdom despite his sometimes quirky and eccentric behavior.
The film also highlights the struggles of Native American communities, including the impact of colonialism and the loss of traditional ways of life. It shows the complex and often troubled relationships between Native Americans and white society, and the ways in which the past continues to affect the present.
Overall, Smoke signals is a powerful and moving exploration of identity, family, and cultural heritage. Its engaging and nuanced portrayal of the experiences of Native American characters and the themes it tackles make it a poignant and thought-provoking film that remains relevant and meaningful today.
