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Smoke Signals
Directed by	Chris Eyre
Produced by	Carl Bressler Larry Estes Scott Rosenfelt David Skinner
Written by	Sherman Alexie
Starring	Adam Beach Evan Adams Irene Bedard Gary Farmer Tantoo Cardinal
Music by	BC Smith
Cinematography	Brian Capener
Editing by	Brian Berdan
Distributed by	Miramax Films
Release date(s)	1998
Running time	Approx 89 min.
Language	English
IMDb profile

Smoke Signals (1998) is an independent film directed by Chris Eyre. The film was adapted from several characters and short stories in The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven by Sherman Alexie, including This is What it Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona.The film has the distinction of being the first motion picture with an exclusively Native American creative team. It won several awards and accolades, and was well-received at numerous film festivals. It is rated PG-13 for "Some intense images" by the MPAA.

Contents 1 Plot summary 2 Characters 2.1 Main Characters 2.2 Secondary Characters 3 Awards 4 External links and references

The story centers around Victor Joseph (Adam Beach) and Thomas Builds-the-Fire (Evan Adams) on the Coeur D'Alene Indian Reservation in Plummer, Idaho. Thomas is known as the tribe eccentric and storyteller; Victor is an assertive basketball player with a brooding disposition.

The two young men are linked through Victor's father, Arnold (Gary Farmer). He rescued Thomas, as an infant, from a house fire that killed his parents. Consequently, Thomas considers him a hero. On the other hand, Victor, who endures Arnold's alcoholism, domestic violence, and eventual abandonment, regards his father with both deep love and bitter resentment and dislike. Thomas and Victor grow up together as neighbors and acquaintances, fighting with each other and simultaneously forming a close, albeit uneasy, alliance.

When Arnold dies in Phoenix, Arizona, where he has settled, Victor and Thomas embark on a cross-country journey to retrieve his ashes and belongings. The trip turns out to be a soul-searching endeavour for both men. Neither of them lose sight of their identity as "Indians", but their perspectives differ. Victor is more stoical and pragmatic, and Thomas is more idealistic and traditional (and romantic to the point of watching "Dances with Wolves" countless times). This dichotomy continues all through the film and is the source of Victor's constant dislike of Thomas, and Thomas's fascination with Victor.

Once in Phoenix, Victor must confront his conflicted feelings toward his father, as well as his own identity. He also must grapple with information provided to him by his father's friend, Suzie Song (Irene Bedard)--namely, the true origins of the fire that killed Thomas' parents. The trip turns out to, ultimately, cure Victors brooding disposition towards life and show him why his father left home and became an abusive father and alcoholic.

Victor Joseph – Stoic. Indian. Long hair, buff guy look. See's everything for the lie that it is or may be.

Tomas – Storyteller. Indian. Always says “Hey, Tomas!” throughout. Wears a suit, has pigtails, and black hair. Has glasses.

Arnold Joseph – Drunk. Indian. He has a mean streak but loves his family nonetheless. Has internal issues since he killed Thomas' family and therefore is rude to his family.

Susie Song – Indian. Good looking, and older than Thomas and Victor but younger than Arnold. Very nice.

Victors Mother – Indian. She makes the best frybread and is overall just a mother.

Lucy – Indian. Likes Thomas. Very crazy look (like she was just at a rave).

Lucy's Friend – Indian. She gives Thomas and Vistor a ride out of the reservation. Larger.

Drunk Driver – White Man. He is a businessman who cannot take blame onto himself. He blames them for the drinking and driving accident. Wants to take the easy route out.

Gymnast – Shows hos rude victor can be. She is a bit of a liar who like to stretch on the bus seat and tell her stories.

Thomas' Grandmother – Looks like Thomas. She also wears suits (although grayish), wears glasses, and has pigtails. She is not as believing, however, and tries to dissuade Thomas from going with Victor.

Police Officer – Your typical sheriff of a rural town.

Randy – K-Rez radio talk host who tells people the going around on the reservation.

Bus Driver – Typical Gray Hound bus driver. He, however, looks at them strange as they are coming from the reservation to add to the “oddity effect” when they leave the reservation. you know it.

• 1998 – American Indian Film Festival: Best film
• 1998 – Christopher Award
• 1998 – First Americans in the Arts: Outstanding Achievement in Writing (Sherman Alexie), Outstanding Performance by an Actor in a Film (Evan Adams), Outstanding Achievement in Directing (Chris Eyre)
• 1998 – Gotham Awards: Nominations: Open Palm Award
• 1998 – National Board of Review: Special Recognition For Excellence In Filmmaking
• 1998 – San Diego World Film Festival: Best American Independent Feature; Best Screenplay (Sherman Alexie); Best Actor (Adam Beach); Best Director (Chris Eyre)
• 1998 – Sundance Film Festival: Filmmaker's Trophy Chris Eyre); Audience Award. Nominations: Grand Jury Prize
• 1998 – Taos Talking Picture Festival: Taos Land Grant Award (Chris Eyre)
• 1998 – Tokyo International Film Festival: Best Artistic Contribution (Chris Eyre) (tie)
• 1999 – Chlotrudis Awards: Nomination: Best Actor (Evan Adams)
• 1999 – Florida Film Critics Circle Awards: Best Newcomer (Chris Eyre/Sherman Alexie)
• 1999 – Independent Spirit Awards: Best Debut Performance (Evan Adams). Nominations: Best Supporting Male nomination (Gary Farmer), Best First Screenplay nomination (Sherman Alexie)
• 1999 – Young Artist Awards: Nominations: Best Performance in a Feature Film-Supporting Young Actor (Cody Lightning)

• Smoke Signals at the Internet Movie Database
• Smoke Signals at Sherman Alexie.com
• Stories from the reservation: Smoke Signals: A film by Chris Eyre at the London Film Festival Paul Bond, ICIF
• Sending Cinematic Smoke Signals: An Interview with Sherman Alexie Dennis West and Joan M. West, Cineaste