The fest’s centerpiece film was a reunion screening of Smoke Signals. Nearly ten years after its release, the film still feels fresh and powerful.
And it was viewed by an audience who clearly loved it. A comedy with pains that run deep, some folks laughed at inappropriate moments of character confessions, but aside from those exceptions it was appreciated on all of its levels. So beautifully created from goofy start to emotional ending, this is a film that everyone should know.
My favorite part of film festivals – aside from being introduced to fantastic new films – is the Q&A. Any chance to dig a little deeper into the creation of a film is the whole reason to celebrate festivals. I never understand those who would rather dart out to another flick than stick around and hear from the filmmakers.
Tonight we were honored with the presence of writer Sherman Alexie, director Chris Eyre and lead actor Evan Adams. I noticed in the credits (my mama taught me to read my credits – there’s always something interesting in there) that the final monologue was based on a poem, "Forgiving our Fathers" from the book Ghost Radio by Dick Lourie, so I asked Alexie if his story extrapolated from that poem.
He said no, and in fact, it was tacked on last minute. The question reminded him of their original ending, which had Victor’s father rising from the river in a ribbon shirt. But when they reviewed the dailies, it looked disturbingly like Apocalypse Now and therefore a bit disjointed from the story. So they decided to change the film to the present ending, but Alexie wrote a narration that he ultimately decided was garbage. While in the editing room he happened to have his friend Lourie’s book with him and snagged the final beautiful poem that we hear now.
Good DVD alternate ending fodder, eh? Just in time for a 10-year Anniversary edition? Contact Miramax! And while you’re at it, mention to them that Alexie and Eyre are trying to bring to life a fantastic film about whalers. HBO approved it but then the producers smashed it (Alexie’s openly ticked off about the situation), so someone needs to give this team another shot at greatness.