Smoke Signals Discussion Questions
1. Everyone in the film seems to like to hear and tell stories
except Victor. Why do you think this is? Are the stories that
Thomas tells truth or fiction? Does it matter?
2. What does Victor think of as a "real Indian"? Why do they
sing "John Wayne's Teeth"? Why does the song switch from
diegetic to nondiegetic, and how is it different when it becomes
nondiegetic?
3. Describe Suzy's character. What purpose is she serving in
the story? What is she trying to teach Victor?
4. What is Suzy's role in this film? Think about her statement
that she kept Arnold's secrets, her attempt to help Victor
forgive, and the fact that she burns the trailer down.
5. What do you make of the film's ending? How have things
changed for Victor? Is anything different for Thomas?