“Smoke Signals” a Film by Chris Eyre

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Introduction

Smoke signals is a film based on a book by Sherman Alex with a story of two people on an eventful journey. The film is set in Arizona and symbolizes the pain associated with parent-children relations. The movie derives its background from the stories from Alex Sherman’s book about the two boys struggling with their respective pasts. The story also represents the relationship between two people with different personalities and orientations.

An indigenous film

It is an indigenous film in the sense that it portrays the life experiences of Native Americans. The story depicts the indecencies of the past by showing scenes from a Native American background. The movie begins with a scene of a burning house in a native Indian setting. The story of two native Indians struggling with their past and its corresponding set of emotions is categorical. The film is a perfect representation of Native American stereotypes. These have been demonstrated through the setting of the film as well as the conversations between two major characters. The nature of Arnold’s father, an abusive and alcoholic is a demonstration of the Native American’s way of life. (Alexie, 1998)

Social and economic issues

The movie symbolizes the events that take place in the lives of people. It also covers the socio-economic factors of life through the circumstances of two major characters which is insufficient. Socially the concept of the family unit is brought out. The status of the family as a basic social unit and its profound impact on an individual’s life is well documented. The two major characters in the film all trace their pain and agony to their dysfunctional families. The film portrays a family’s failure to properly nurture a child into a responsible adult. However, the film trivializes the extent to which alcoholism and abuse pose to society. Economically the film doesn’t provide much insight into the economic activities of the characters. Apart from Suzy Song, no other character’s occupation is exposed. The movie, therefore, is a failed attempt to present society as it is.

Voyage of discovery

The movie has been termed as a voyage of discovery in regard to its content and setting. The entire episode is a journey in two different ways: First the two major characters are on an emotional or spiritual journey to come to terms with their past. Actually the whole film depicts them to be on a long spiritual epic to find meaning in life. Secondly after the death of Arnold, both Victor and Thomas embark on a journey to retrieve Arnold ashes and his belongings. They also embark on an epic of finding the truth about victor’s father. Therefore the film is nothing but a journey both physical and spiritual. (Frazier, 1989)

Use of humor

The film has many episodes where the use of Indian humor is intensified. The humor is intentionally used to depict the Indian culture as well as the ignorance that accompany it. For instance the humor about an automobile that only moves in reverse represents the use of unprepared automobiles due to the cost of repair. The instance about fry bread signifies typical Indian foods. Humor is therefore used to portray the Indian culture. However the film has successfully used humor to marginalize and make fun of the Indian Culture. In fact ridiculing humor was used to underestimate the Indians and their culture altogether.

Metaphors

The film successfully uses metaphorical phrases to depict Indians as uncivilized and therefore a hindrance in the process of westernization. The phrases include; Indians and alcohol, Indians and fry bread, Indians driving backwards. They portray Indians as living in their own world. The film perfects the use of metaphors to ridicule the Native Americans. (Wiesner, 1992)

Being Indian

Victor is a fan of watching dances with wolves. It is from here that he gets his ideas of indianess. He gets filled with the way Indians are supposed to behave from the dances and wolves which he watches repetitively. This he loves doing despite Thomas accusations against him for watching the programs.

‘Res’

Leaving the ‘res’ means getting civilized and abandoning the native culture of Indians. Incase a person leaves the ‘res’ he becomes marginalized and gets no support from the other natives making things difficult. Homosexuals became spiritual leaders because the were between men and women and therefore in a position to make them understand each other

We don’t sign papers

“You want me to sign a paper or something?” She says, “You know we indiand don’t like signed pieces of paper…” The statement is an affirmation of indianness. It is representative of rediscovering the Indian identity. So the inclusion of the phrase in the film is meant to affirm the native Indian’s pride in their cultural identity.

It is a good day to be indigenous

The statement has is an affirmation of indianess and indigeneity. The dates of the movie coincide with historical events where the Indians were fighting for freedom. The phrase has been crafted from an encouragement from the leadership of the natives namely; ‘’it is a good day to die’. This used to serve as a motivation to fight. Therefore the line has been included in the film so as to portray the pride of the natives in their culture and civilization.

Historical figures

The film opens on the fourth of July 1976 which happens to be the hundredth anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. This serves the historical perspectives in the entire film. T he figures are intentionally included in the film to celebrate the native Indian civilization. To focus of the film at this point shifts from the main theme to the history and evolution of the native Indians.

Conclusion

‘Smoke signals’ is a fill dedicated to the Native Americans or Indians. It has been used to portray their struggles cultures and uniqueness. However there is a point where the movie assumes an insulting nature by depicting the natives as being too cultural or primitive. There are aspects in the film where the native Indians have been portrayed as sub humans. The aspect of humor has successfully been used to ridicule Indians and make them uneasy. The film therefore paints a negative picture of a small section of society. The setting and execution of the film might be fine but its implications have a negative connotation.

Reference

Alexie S. (1998). Smoke Signals. New York: Hyperion.

Frazier G. (1989). The smoke signals: a directory of American Indian and Alaska native businesses in Indian Country. Denver: Arrowstar Publication.

Wiesner N. (1992). Art Scroll Classic. New York: Mesorah Publications.

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