Smoke Signals Symbolism

Smoke Signals is a movie that does not romanticize or fabricate life on an Indian Reservation; it encompasses many truths regarding the ongoing alcoholism problem and the low income life many natives struggle with. This is done through the setting and character’s wardrobe. The movie begins on a Coeur d’Alene reservation in Idaho. It is a poor, rural area with very little activity. All of the inhabitants shown live in small houses or trailers. The reservation’s radio station will sometimes phone a man on the air for the “traffic.” These comedic scenes include an older native man sitting atop his rusty pickup truck looking over an empty intersection. It is implied that very few of the characters on this reservation own cars. Since there …show more content…
In addition to shedding light on the alcoholism epidemic that plagues reservations, the low income life many natives live is depicted by the clothing worn by the characters. They all wear similar clothing: oversized plaid shirts, worn out jeans, and t-shirts. However, Thomas is an exception to this as he always is wearing a black suit. This is one of the many characteristics that sets Thomas apart from Victor. After a long conversation between the two young men about being taken seriously in society, Victor persuades Thomas to ditch his notorious suit and opt for a more casual look. This exemplifies Thomas’ willingness to do anything to appease Victor. Another important wardrobe detail is that Native Americans are not supposed to cut their hair; Victor’s dad, Arnold, cut his hair after the house fire in mourning. This is significant because it is revealed later in the movie that Arnold is the one who started the fire, killing many of the other partygoers. In modern media, it is difficult to find a movie that does not romanticize or fabricate the life of Native Americans on a reservation. Many films that feature Native characters portray them as supernatural beings, secretive, and wealthy (McLaurin 57-63). However, Smoke Signals is an exception as it helps shed light on social and economic issues in the American

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