Smoke Signals (1998) Adam Beach, Evan Adams, Irene Bedard, & Sherman Alexie

Book Vs. Movie: Smoke Signals
The Sherman Alexie Short Story Vs. the 1998 Movie

In this episode, the Margos delve into the acclaimed indie film Smoke Signals, released in 1998. This film was based on a series of short stories by Sherman Alexie in 1993, titled The Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven. The story follows two young men, Victor Joseph and Tom Builds-the-Fire, who grew up on a Spokane Indian Reservation. It explores the interconnectedness of their families, the perception of Native Americans in mainstream media, and the truth behind Tom's father's death.

Smoke Signals was well-received by critics and audiences alike and was showcased at various film festivals such as the Sundance Film Festival, the Gotham Awards, and the Independent Spirit Awards. In 2018, it was even added to the National Film Registry. Chris Eyre directed the movie, which was based on Alexie's screenplay.

We'll also be discussing our personal preferences between the two. Come and join this discussion.

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In this ep, the Margos discuss:

• The controversies of writer Sherman Alexie
• The history of how America treats Indigenous people. (Big hint--not great!)
• The differences between Alexie’s short stories and the film
• The cast of the 1998 film: Adam Beach (Victor Joseph,) Evan Adams (Thomas Builds-the-Fire,) Irene Bedard (Suzy Song,) Gary Farmer (Arnold Joseph,) John Trudell (Randy Peone,) Michael Greyeyes (Junior Polatkin,) Michelle St. John (Velma,) Elaine Miles (Lucy,) Cynthia Geary (Cathy the gymnast,) Perrey Reaves (Holly,) Molly Cheek (Penny Cicero,) Robert Maino (Burt Cicero,) and Tom Skerrit as the police chief.

Clips used:

• “How to be a real Indian”
• Smoke Signals (1998 trailer)
• “Don’t go, Dad!”
• “He’s waiting for you”
• “I broke some hearts”
• “The Oral Tradition”
• Music: Wah Jhi le Yihm by Ulali

Book Vs. Movie is part of the Frolic Podcast Network. Find more podcasts you will love Frolic.Media/podcasts.
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