Smoke Signals, a feature film directed by Chris Eyre, revolves around the journey of a troubled young man who learns to forgive and accept himself and his life. Set in the late 20th century on a Coeur d'Alene Indian reservation in Idaho, the film follows the main characters Victor Joseph and his companion Thomas Builds-The-Fire on a trip to Phoenix, Arizona after Victor receives word that his father has died. In a progression of flashbacks Arnold Joseph, Victor’s father, is seen settling into reclusive ways. He eventually leaves Victor and his mother, leaving Victor haunted by the events of his childhood. As a result of this, he grows up to be cynical and bitter. On his journey, Victor visits his father’s residence; where he learns more about him from an acquaintance of his father, as well as from his father’s own belongings. Overwhelmed by his discoveries, Victor …show more content…
Before the climax of the film, scenes depicting fire were shown repeatedly. These scenes were some of the most significant, especially because they were ultimately what contributed to Victor’s bitterness. However, these scenes were only present before his transformation. They symbolize Victor’s pent up anger; who he was before he changed. The final sequence features sweeping shots of flowing water, eventually stopping at Victor. A contrast to the fiery scenes from the beginning of the film, this symbolizes his becoming at peace with himself, the events of his life, and the world around him. Throughout the whole film, water was only featured after Victor had forgiven his father. Water is a symbol of calmness, and the fact that it was only featured in the latter part of the film shows how much Victor has changed. The use of the symbols of fire and water throughout the film signify Victor’s transformation from someone who has quite a bit of stored up anger, to someone who begun to be peace with