Shot on digital video and taking its title from his 1992 book of poetry, Sherman Alexie's The Business of Fancydancing is a portrait of the conflicted relationship between two Native American men. Aristotle Joseph (Gene Tagaban) and Seymour Polatkin (Evan Adams) had long been best friends by the time they left their Spokane reservation to attend college in Seattle. But while Seymour flourished in Seattle as a gay writer, Aristotle endured nothing but bad luck that led to growing resentment, both
against white society and his best friend. Although Aristotle returned to the reservation, Seymour remained in Seattle. Now, 15 years later, the sudden death of their mutual childhood friend brings Seymour back to the reservation -- without his white boyfriend -- where he must cope with his status as the de facto mouthpiece for his people and his estranged relationship with both Aristotle, who seems to be growing more violent by the day, and also Agnes (Michelle St. John), his one-time college girlfriend. The Business of Fancydancing was screened at the 2002 Philadelphia Gay and Lesbian International Film Festival. ~ Rebecca Flint Marx, Rovi
This film makes it abundantly clear what happens to those who leave whatever culture they are part of, whether it be an ethnic group, a sexual group or an educational sphere.
An admirable DIY production, but [one] whose stylistic overreaches and poor execution drown out its aims and substance. Also, it's just pretty damn boring at times.
It won't be the smoothest ride you'll ever take on the cinematic reservation, but those who have traveled the washboards will understand that this film is the 'real deal.'
Touching and thought provoking. Evan Adam shines in this film. To me this film is about the saying You can't go home again well sometimes you can but it is never the way you left it in the first place.
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