The Business of Fancydancing 2002

As the story unfolds, we are drawn into the complex lives of two men from Spokane, with Seymour Polatkin (Evan Adams) and Aristotle (Gene Tagaban) whose shared history on the Spokane Reservation in the picturesque region of eastern Washington becomes a significant backdrop. Seymour, struggling with his identity, grapples with an intense inner conflict that pits his indigenous heritage against his reality as an urban gay man in a relationship with a white partner. This existential struggle is set against a rich historical context filled with diverse cultures and the relationships he builds throughout his college years and early adulthood.

Despite Seymour’s meteoric ascent to fame as a highly regarded American Indian poet—winning admiration and accolades beyond his community—he finds that this external validation is mixed with a painful sense of disconnect from his friends back on the reservation. This lack of acceptance leads him to experience profound alienation, as he feels uncomfortable navigating through both worlds.

However, the narrative intensifies as Seymour returns to the reservation to attend the funeral of his beloved friend Mouse (Swil Kanim), a talented violinist. Facing the scrutiny of his childhood friends and family, he must confront the lingering doubts and concerns regarding his choice to write and sell Indian-themed poetry to a mainstream audience. This reunion serves not only as a catalyst for his self-reflection but also as a pivotal moment for exploring the intertwined issues of cultural identity and acceptance.

Throughout this evocative film, pressing themes regarding the contemporary lives of American Indians are deftly examined, including the challenges of cultural assimilation—in both urban environments and reservation life—the damaging nature of stereotypes, and the pervasive issues surrounding substance abuse. As Seymour’s personal journey unfolds, these critical themes are intricately woven together with empathy and insight, providing an impactful depiction of the complex realities faced by indigenous individuals striving to find their place in a multifaceted world.