
This passivity exacerbates the helplessness that Victor feels. In “Every Little Hurricane,” young Victor watches the story’s violent plot unfolding between his uncles, yet he notes that those in attendance are “witnesses and nothing more” (3). The work turns readers into witnesses to the cycle of spiritual, cultural, and economic loss prevalent on reservations, even as it depicts the characters struggling to become participants in their own stories. His 24 short stories present multiple points of view from a large cast of characters, all of whom experience internal conflict due to the pressure to contain painful personal and communal stories. Along the way, SMOKE SIGNALS illustrates the ties that bind these two very different young men and embraces the lessons they learn from one another.A primary theme in Alexie’s collection is the power of storytelling itself.

When Victor's estranged father dies, the two men embark on an adventure to Phoenix to collect the ashes. Through storytelling, Thomas makes every effort to connect with the people around him Victor, in contrast, uses his quiet countenance to gain strength and confidence. Thomas (EVAN ADAMS) is a gregarious, goofy young man who lost both his parents in a fire at a very young age. Victor (ADAM BEACH) is the stoic, handsome son of an alcoholic father who has abandoned his family. Set in Arizona, SMOKE SIGNALS is the story of two Indian boys on a journey. Filled with the rich aesthetics and beautiful mood of American Indian culture, Sherman Alexie's story of friendship, love and loss (based on his award-winning short story, "the Lone Ranger and Tonto Fistfight in Heaven") comes alive. Winner of the Audience Award and the Filmmaker's Trophy at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival, and the official selection for opening night of the 1998 New Director/New Films, SMOKE SIGNALS is one of the most unique films of the year.
