Smoke Signals (1998)

Young Indian man Thomas is a nerd in his reservation, wearing oversize glasses and telling everyone stories no-one wants to hear. His parents died in a fire in 1976, and Thomas was saved by... See full summary »

Director:

Chris Eyre

Writers:

Sherman Alexie (book), Sherman Alexie (screenplay)

Stars:

Adam Beach, Evan Adams, Irene Bedard

12 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Adam Beach	...	Victor Joseph
Evan Adams	...	Thomas Builds-the-Fire
Irene Bedard	...	Suzy Song
Gary Farmer	...	Arnold Joseph
Tantoo Cardinal	...	Arlene Joseph
Cody Lightning	...	Young Victor Joseph
Simon Baker	...	Young Thomas Builds-the-Fire
Monique Mojica	...	Grandma Builds-the-Fire
John Trudell	...	Randy Peone
Chief Leonard George	...	Lester Fallsapart (as Leonard George)
Michael Greyeyes	...	Junior Polatkin
Darwin Haine	...	Boo
Michelle St. John	...	Velma
Elaine Miles	...	Lucy
Cynthia Geary	...	Cathy the Gymnast

Storyline

Young Indian man Thomas is a nerd in his reservation, wearing oversize glasses and telling everyone stories no-one wants to hear. His parents died in a fire in 1976, and Thomas was saved by Arnold. Arnold soon left his family (and his tough son Victor), and Victor hasn't seen his father for 10 years. When Victor hears Arnold has died, Thomas offers him funding for the trip to get Arnold's remains, but only if Thomas can also go with him. Thomas and Victor hit the road.

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Plot Keywords:

national film registry | arizona desert | fire | native american protagonist | loss of father | 

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Taglines:

A new film from the heart of Native America.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some intense images

Details

Country:

Canada USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

27 November 1998 (Iceland)

Also Known As:

This Is What It Means to Say Phoenix, Arizona

Filming Locations:

Idaho, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$2,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$43,574, 28 June 1998

Gross USA:

$6,745,362

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,745,362

Company Credits

Production Co:

ShadowCatcher Entertainment, Welb Film Pursuits Ltd.

Technical Specs

Runtime:

89 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Irene Bedard and Michelle St. John both have roles in the film. They also co-starred in Disney's Pocahontas (1995) as well as its direct-to-video sequel Pocahontas II: Journey to a New World (1998) , where Bedard did the voice for Pocahontas and St. John portrayed her best friend Nakoma.

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Goofs

There is no way that one bus driver could have driven the same bus continuously from Idaho to Arizona. Federal law would prohibit it.

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Quotes

Police Chief: This man apparantly wants to press charges against you. He said and I quote "you assaulted him and pushed him to the ground".
Victor Joseph: That's bullshit.
Police Chief: Mr Joseph there's no need for that type of language. Mr Johnson's wife Holly says he's, and I quote, "a complete asshole". So you two are free to go.

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Crazy Credits

Support HONOR/EARTH campaign. Support American Indian College Fund. Contributions from the profits of this film will be made to each of these organizations.

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Connections

References Death Wish V: The Face of Death (1994)

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Soundtracks

A Million Miles Away
Written and Performed by Jim Boyd
Lyrics by Sherman Alexie
Courtesy of Thunderwolf Records

User Reviews

Excellent movie about just being Indian, from Indians.

I lived where this was filmed and really enjoyed the movie for the content and the location. The inside jokes about being Indian were great and since I no longer live on the reservation it reminded me of home. The story was believable and the actors brought it to life. I had to call my brother and tell him to watch it again and look closer at the end credits and background of the film, it is wonderful. Congratulations to the Cast & Crew.