Smoke Signals
[2.5/4.0]
Vincent and Thomas are not really friends, but they have a connection in that Vincent's father Arnold (who left the family years ago) saved Thomas' life in an accident that left him an orphan as an infant. When Vincent finds out that his father has died in Arizona, miles away from the reservation in Idaho, Thomas offers to give Vincent the money he needs to make the trip to recover Arnold's possessions on the condition that he accompany Vincent. The nerdy Thomas and the tough Vincent
This is a film that I wanted to like more than I did. The overall theme is rather moving, and it is expressed quite well in the voice-over narration in the final scene. However, in many places the film seems forced. When a film chooses to present extreme situations to make a point, rather than using subtlety, it is not making the audience feel for the characters, but rather it is telling the audience what to feel for the characters. It is easier to write melodrama than drama. Also adding to the forced feeling is the rather stiff acting. I was often left feeling that I was watching actors rather than associating with characters.
Despite its weaknesses, this is still an enjoyable film. It does showcase many aspects of the modern American Indian experience. One example is the presentation of oral storytelling tradition. The stories that several characters tell play pivotal roles, and what is interesting about them is that what is considered "truth" in the narrative. Instead of being a accurate portrayal of events as they actually happened, they often have a more symbolic meaning. Since this is billed as the first film to be written, directed, and co-produced by a Native American, one feels comfortable that one is learning about that subculture rather than being presented with the usual, often distorted, image.
Moderately Recommended.
(c) 1999 Murali Krishnan The Art House Squatter http://pages.hotbot.com/movies/murali24/
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