Movie Club - Smoke Signals

Another wonderful Film Club presentation.  As you can see below, this is a Native American produced and acted movie.  Thought it was very funny and very allegorical.





This dramatic feature was written, directed, and co-produced by Native Americans. Native American writer Sherman Alexie scripted this adaptation of his 1993 short story collection The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven.

At Idaho's desolate Coeur d'Alene Indian reservation, the overeager Thomas Builds-the-Fire (Evan Adams) is mostly ignored by others, including stoic, athletic Victor Joseph (Adam Beach), even though it was Victor's father, alcoholic Arnold Joseph (Gary Farmer), who saved the infant Thomas' life in a fire. When Victor learns of Arnold's death, Thomas offers to pay for a trip to Arizona if he can accompany Victor to pick up his father's ashes.

Great movie, great soundtrack, too, which includes music from Native American artists Ulali, Jim Boyd, Jon Sirois, Andre Picara, Jr., Patrick Watt, and the Eaglebear Singers. B.C. Smith's score incorporates elements of traditional Native American music, placing it alongside Michael Nyman-esque orchestral compositions and snatches of contemporary rock. Just wait until you hear about John Wayne's teeth; a piece of exquisite humor and Victor and Thomas' reaction to being bullied by some white hillbillies! Director: Chris Eyre Rated: PG-13 Runtime: 88 min.