Celebrating “Smoke Signals” on Saturday Night Cinema
This week on Saturday Night Cinema, KSPS PBS presented “Smoke Signals,” a landmark 1998 film that resonated deeply with both critics and audiences. I’m Mikayla Daniels, and I wanted to share some insights into this groundbreaking work.
“Smoke Signals” is notable for its authentic portrayal of Native American life, a refreshing change in cinematic portrayal. The film features powerful performances from Adam Beach, who plays Victor, and Gary Farmer, portraying his father.Beach, a prolific actor with over 100 credits, is a well-known figure in the industry, including a memorable role as a detective on “Law & Order: SVU” from 2007-2008. Interestingly, Farmer previously played a character literally named “Nobody” in the 1995 film “Dead man” - a playful meta-reference echoed in a scene within “Smoke Signals” where Victor is asked to name his favorite Indian.
The film also showcases the talent of Elaine Mills, who appears in a flashback sequence. Mills is especially memorable to me, having grown up in Alaska during the run of the 1990s television series “Northern Exposure,” where she had a role. While I appreciated “Northern Exposure” as one of the first series to be set in Alaska, it often misrepresented the realities of Alaskan life. Today, many shows set in Alaska are reality programs that similarly miss the mark.
Beyond the compelling narrative, “Smoke Signals” is a testament to skillful filmmaking. A particularly extraordinary feat involved a backwards driving scene, typically handled by a stunt double. however, Elaine Mills proved so adept at the maneuver that she performed it herself.
Despite opening on just five screens domestically,”Smoke Signals” proved a important box office success,tripling its production budget. The film garnered significant recognition, including the Audience Award for drama and the Filmmaker’s Trophy for drama at the 1998 Sundance Film Festival. It also received a Special Recognition for Excellence in Filmmaking from the National Board of Review, solidifying its place as a significant contribution to American cinema.
We hope you enjoyed this presentation of “Smoke Signals” on Saturday Night Cinema. For more behind-the-scenes content, blogs, polls, and trivia, be sure to visit our Facebook page and ksps.org. And don’t forget to tune in next Saturday for another classic film on KSPS PBS!
