"Smoke Signals"is a powerful and moving movie of love, friendship, tradition, anger and humor. The scene of Thomas and Victor in the car with these two girls of the reservation going backwards is a funny scene and powerful metaphor that depicts a "Nation" of people wanting to move forward, yet, stuck going backwards at the same time.
The movie shows Victor with huge anger issues, some of these have to do with Indian tradition, family issues and the modern world. Victor and Thomas take a roadtrip together so Victor can get his fathers ashes. During this journey Victor and Thomas not only find true friendship for each other they also find out the truth of the fateful night that made Thomas an orphan and Victor left with a father full of shame and guilt. This only added to the challenges Native Americans on reservations have, and, for Victor's father, Arnold, was devastating enough he left his family. Victor now knows his father did love him and his father was trying to escape from what he did and not him.
Victor takes his father's ashes to the great falls where the salmon rise out of, a symbol for the indian nation as greatness and strength and throws his ashes in. Victor makes the symbolic jesture for his father, the only way he can say "I love you" and how Victor wants to move forward and not backwards any longer.
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Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI love your interpretation of the two women driving backwards! I had not thought of it that way; it’s a meaningful way to read that scene. Both women have given up drinking, but they’re still without focus and significant change—going backwards.
I also like the way you look for meaning through the geographic, historic, family, and personal intersections in the character’s lives. The interpretation of Victor finally being able to move forward at the end of the movie is powerful! I think you’re right that it’s an act of love on the part of Victor; it’s also a letting go of his father and the pain Victor held.
Thanks for these great points!
Lauren :)
I wonder would Victor ever forgive his father for abanding him when he was younger? Its too bad that his Dad had to die before they can rebond together.
ReplyDeleteMary,
ReplyDeleteI had not placed to much importance on the scene you described with the two woman. You are absolutely right about the symbolism. it just shows how we all see things differently. The spreading of the ashes was a powerful scene and I think the real beginning of Victor being able to forgive and move forward regarding his father.
I wondered if Thomas already knew that Joseph had started the fire? He seemed to know yet was not part of the conversation between Victor and Suzie.
ReplyDeleteIts wierd that thomas seemed to know more about victors father then victor did, unless victor chose to not assosiate with his father becasue of his drinking happens. I think in the movie victor was kind of happy to see his father go but then truely missed him. It was an akward experience for him to go to get his asshes.
ReplyDeleteThat scene with the two girls in the car and them going backwards was funny. You have a great response and view on the car ride i didnt even think that way. Every one is always going and never taking the time to go back.
ReplyDelete