The story behind
Smoke Signals is very similar to
Ceremony. A Native American going through a journey to re-find themselves and return home, while coming closer to their native roots. They delve into the process of healing and the importance of telling stories. In the movie, Thomas continuously talks about Victor's father, Arnold, in order to help his friend forgive but not forget. "Hey Victor! I remember the time your father took me to Denny's, and I
had the Grand Slam Breakfast. Two eggs, two pancakes, a glass of milk,
and of course my favorite, the bacon" (
Smoke Signals). Thomas' constant stories is his way of reminding Victor that his father is a good man and he shouldn't try to avoid his problems. "'Your father saved my life.'
'Thomas you don't even know my father.' 'All I know is that when your father left your mother lost you too'" (
Smoke Signals). When Arnold left, a piece of Victor also disappeared with him, and Victor became bitter with resentment towards his father.
In Victor's life, Thomas is the spiritual figure he needs to help him move forward through his ceremony. Because of Thomas' ability to understand people and situations, he was able to forgive Arnold for his role in Thomas' parents' deaths and also know the chore of Victor's troubles. "'Hey Victor, do you know why your dad really left?
' 'Yeah. He didn't mean to Thomas'" (
Smoke Signals). Throughout the movie (and in the past) Thomas asks Victor why his father left, in hopes Victor may figure it out himself. All the times before the end of the movie, Victor evaded the question, not wanting to face his troubles, and ignore them instead. The last time Thomas raises the topic, Victor was able to find his answer. Though Arnold was never able to return home, Victor finally brought himself back.
