Smoke Signals is the first commercially successful film in which the writer, director, actors and crew are almost exclusively Native Americans. Below is the trailer. You can rent the full length Smoke Signals (1998) movie on Amazon Video, YouTube , Google Play, Itunes or VUDU.
Smoke Signaals
As you watch, be aware of the ways in which representations of Indian people in Smoke Signals differs from “Hollywood” style movies, including the old “Cowboys and Indians” western genre as well as more contemporary films such as “Dances with Wolves.”
QUESTION 1
Arnold (Victor’s dad) goes through a process of “disappearing” or “practicing vanishing” in which he slowly disappears from his family, his community, and eventually from the world. How does this “disappearing” relate to the invisibility of Indian people in contemporary society?
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QUESTION 2
Storytelling plays an important role in Native American communities, and also to the film’s plot. What is the importance of storytelling in Smoke Signals?
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QUESTION 3
What expectations do the various characters have based on the way Indian people are stereotyped?
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QUESTION 4
How does the relationship between Victor and Thomas illustrate the tension between Native American traditional cultural values and contemporary realities?
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QUESTION 5
Where did you see the U.S. government as an occupying force?
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QUESTION 6
The reality of Indian people in contemporary U.S. society is part of the consciousness of the characters in Smoke Signals. For example, Victor and Thomas refer to the U.S. as “a foreign country,” Arnold and Victor’s basketball game against the Jesuits is described as the first time the Indians won “since Columbus.” Note the interactions Victor and Thomas have with members of the dominant culture (the White couple in the car accident, and the police officer). What stereotypes are operating? From whose point of view?
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QUESTION 7
What do you make of the soliloquy (the final speech) at the end of the movie?
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QUESTION 8
What are the sins of our fathers that must be forgiven?
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QUESTION 9
List three examples of humor that also demonstrate a Native American view of dominant culture.
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QUESTION 10
Once you have watched the entire movie, discuss the various meanings of its title, Smoke Signals.
