In the movie Smoke Signals many character’s relationships are comparable to Aristotle’s categories of friendship. The three different friendships types pleasure, utility and virtue taught by Aristotle are an underlying theme of the story. In the protagonists case Thomas and Victor had a friendship of utility in the beginning of the movie. They both needed each other but didn’t get along all the time. It was a friendship of utility because victor needed more money to make it to Arizona and Thomas wanted to go along with him and had extra money for the trip. However, as the movie progressed their relationship became that of a virtuous one. After Victor realizes the truth about his father he is able to transform away from the anger and sadness he felt from not understanding why his father left him. This allows him to see Thomas as much more than just some annoying guy he knows and instead as a real friend who supported him through a troubling time.
As for friendships of pleasure the most obvious example is that of Victors parents. The two were always drinking together. At the party where Thomas’ parents die they were both drunk and then later they would continually always be drunk together. Their relationship centered around drinking together which they enjoyed only until Victors mom see how it is negatively effecting Victor so she tells Arnold that they both must quit. Arnold then leaves because the relationship was no longer pleasurable to him since their would be no more drinking.
By the end of the movie Victor has become a much happier, less serious person and seems lighter. After the two make it back home Thomas asks Victor, “Do you know why your Dad really left?” Victor replies, “Yeah. He didn’t mean to, Thomas.” Victor now understands that his father was haunted by the fact that he started the fire that lead to Thomas’ parents deaths. He forgave his father for leaving because he knew that the mistake and choose to not continue to carry the anger he felt towards him.
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