Smoke signals analysis essay

Focusing specifically upon set, props, and lighting, write a brief essay (250+ words) in which you describe the living spaces of portrayed in Smoke Signals and in Winter’s Bone and then analyze what these spaces reflect about the characters that live in them.

You must support your argument/analysis by referencing at least one scene from each film.

must use your own words

here has some materials may help you to understand the two movies.Smoke Signals Stereotyping Native Peoples • Since Europeans landed in the Americas, Native People have suffered genocide, relocation, destruction of food sources and other resources, and discrimination. • Stereotypes of difference, and a lack of understanding of cultural diversity, was used to justify Indian removal • Such stereotypes continue in contemporary popular culture This film provides a timeline of Indian Removal Film Overview • Smoke Signals is one of the first positive filmic representations of Native Americans that “is free of the oppressive weight of victim culture” (Roger Ebert) and challenges stereotypes. • Directed by Chris Eyre, the film is based on Native American writer Sherman Alexie’s The Lone Ranger & Tonto Fight in Heaven • Released in 1998, the film grossed over $6.7 million Native Americans in Popular Culture • Traditional representations of Native peoples portray them as either ‘savages’ threatening the colonists, or victims of colonial expansion westward • From the 1910s through the 70s, the most popular representations of Native Americans were in Westerns Native Americans in Popular Culture • Oftentimes Native Americans have been played by white actors performing ‘Indianess’ Native Americans in Popular Culture • Native Americans have also been problematically featured in cartoons and Disney films • In Pocahontas (DATE), for instance, Native Americans are referred to as ‘savages’, a term that is as derogatory towards native peoples as the ‘N’ word is to African Americans. Native Americans in Sports Culture • Sports icons have done little to challenge stereotypical representations of Native Americans • While a number of teams have changes their icons and mascots, some continue to appropriate Native American images and culture Native Americans in Popular Culture • Native American Cultures have been appropriated by groups as diverse as environmentalists, fashion designers, food wrappers, and car salesmen Challenging Stereotypes Challenging Stereotypes: Smoke Signals Protagonists in Smoke Signals • Victor, a self confident, high school athlete who loses his father • Thomas, an orphaned storyteller who admires and supports Victor in his search for his father Plot • The story begins with Arnold Joseph saving the baby Thomas from the fire that kills his parents. Orphaned, Thomas idealizes Arnold for saving him, and feels bonded to Arnold’s son Victor. • Victor is disillusioned by his father’s alcoholism, violence, and abandonment. leaves. He does not understand for Thomas’ view of his father, Arnold.