Smoke Signals Movie Review 1998

Serious themes are treated in a deceptively simple and humorous manner, based on stories from Alexie's book "The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven." Geeky, orphaned Thomas (Adams) lives on the Coeur d'Alene reservation in Idaho where he's reluctantly looked after by stoic Victor (Beach), whose long-gone father Arnold (Farmer) saved Thomas from the fire that killed his parents. When Victor learns of Arnold's death in Phoenix, Thomas says he'll pay the expenses of the trip if he can accompany Victor. The young men reach an understanding during their travels, while Victor struggles to deal with his complicated feelings about his father and the past.

Distribution

Buena Vista Home Entertainment, 500 S. Buena Vista St., Burbank, CA 91521-1120, Toll-free: 800-723-4763, URL: http://www.bvhe.com

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 88 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Comedy Drama, Native America, Road Trip, Flashback, Family Ties

Screenplay

Sherman Alexie

Cast

Adam Beach, Evan Adams, Irene Bedard, Gary Farmer, Tantoo Cardinal, Michelle St. John, Robert Miano, Molly Cheek, Elaine Miles, Michael Greyeyes, Leonard George, John Trudell, Tom Skerritt, Cody Lightning, Cynthia Geary, Simon Baker

Cinematography

Brian Capener

Director

Chris Eyre

Music

B.C. Smith

Producer

Miramax Films

Awards

Ind. Spirit 1999: Debut Perf. (Adams); Sundance 1998: Aud. Award, Filmmakers Trophy.